Handy Homeowner Tips
Checking out the services available to the property you are considering is essential. Ask specific questions of the proper authorities and accept only specified answers.- Daycare, Preschool - are they nearby? What types of programs do they offer? Will be there a place for your child? Which days and what times are available? What are the costs?
- Public Transportation - is a bus or some other public transportation available? Where are bus stops located? How frequent is the service? Obtain a transportation map so you can determine the routes you may be using.
- Recreational Facilities - will you be allowed to use recreational facilities in the area? Is there a public recreation facility nearby? Are special memberships required? Where are parks located and what facilities do they have?
- Hospital and Medical Services - where is the nearest hospital? Are emergency medical facilities close by?
- Police and Fire Protection - how available are police, fire and emergency services? Is the protection adequate? Will your home be protected by a neighborhood watch program? Does the area have access to a 911 or other emergency telephone number?
- Television Reception - is TV reception adequate? Is cable TV available for those who want? Are there restrictions on antennae? Can you have your own TV dish?
- Postal Service - will mail be delivered to the front porch, to the front curb or to community mailboxes at the end of the road? Will mail be delivered daily? Where is the nearest facility to mail packages, buy stamps, etc.?
- Trash Collection - is a commercial garbage collection service available, or will you have to haul and dispose of your own trash? If dumpsters are provided, where are they located?
- Street Maintenance and Parking - are the roads properly maintained? Will community or county crews plow the roads and keep them open in the winter? Will it be your responsibility to maintain any part of the roads? Is it a law that sidewalks be shoveled? What are the parking restrictions, weekdays, weekends and in emergencies? Can you park directly in front of your home?
- Water and Sewer - are water and sewer facilities adequate? Are there water restrictions?
- Property Taxes - what are the property taxes now and what are they expected to be? Is a general tax increase expected?
- Special Assessments - are special assessments anticipated?
- Zoning Changes and New Construction - have there been any recent zoning changes? Are zoning changes anticipated? Is new construction planned that will change the appearance of or the traffic flow through the neighborhood?
What is the single most important consideration to keep in mind when house hunting? In the real estate business, it is said that three things count in establishing property value: location, location, location. Houses may be updated, renovated, and improved, but neighborhoods and communities tend to retain their basic character and market value over periods of time.
Here are some basic considerations:
- Is the home in a safe neighborhood where people want to move, buy homes, and raise families?
- Is there access to schools, transportation, and shopping?
- Is the area run-down, filled with high crime, or noisy?
- Are people moving away to better places to live?
- Look for an area where homes sell quickly and easily. It's a good sign if houses stay on the market for less than three months; if it takes six months or more for homes to sell, look elsewhere.
- Avoid neighborhoods with a large number of undeveloped lots, abandoned homes, poorly maintained homes and yards, a large number of FOR SALE signs, or mixed zoning (commercial and residential together).
"Talking" Lights
Turn your living room into a movie theater with a new lighting control system. With the touch of a single button you can turn on the DVD player, turn up the sound system, and create the perfect lighting situation for any movie. This system features many other convenient options like a car visor control, which turns on interior and exterior lights before you enter the house, and a programmable clock that can imitate the family's normal usage patterns during vacations.
The components "talk" to each other through a high-frequency radio signal rather than power lines. This technology eliminates any need for rewiring during installation, making it a great addition to older and newly built homes.
An Oven Microwave
The new Microwave Convection Oven looks and cooks like a conventional oven, but with the efficiency of a microwave. It features standard microwave and convection cooking plus a new drop-down door, giving it the look of a built-in oven.
The combination of stainless steel with high-performance features makes it one of the best alternatives to industrial-looking appliances.
Faucet with Reach
A new pull-out spray faucet features a 60-inch hose that makes jobs like filling pitchers or coffee makers easier.
With attention to style and ergonomics, this faucet is a luxurious and functional addition to any kitchen. The built-in soft rubber nozzle gives the faucet an enlarged spray pattern, while the form-fitting shape fits snugly into any hand
"Floating Floors"
If you want great style without the hassle of removing layers of old linoleum flooring in your home, high-pressure laminate is your answer. It is designed to be installed as a "floating floor" over most existing surfaces and is not nailed or glued to the existing subfloor.
Before you embark on your search for the perfect house, it is important that you make a realistic "shopping list" in an attempt to narrow your choices of properties. Hunting for a home can be a time consuming process, especially if you have not determined in advance the parameters of your search.
Many homebuyers make the mistake of misinterpreting a WANT as a NEED. As a result, they often dismiss homes that perfectly fit their needs in search for one that has their wants. This is not to say that you cannot have what you desire in your home--just that you must be able to differentiate between what you truly need and what you would like to have. Note, also, that in the examples below, many WANTS can be changed in a particular home (if the house doesn't have that feature now, you can change it later). Examples of NEEDS
- Enough square footage for comfortable living
- Enough bedrooms to accommodate your family
- Adequate number of bathrooms
- Eat-in kitchen
- Garage or basement for storage needs
- Lot size to accommodate children's play area
- Adaptation for Handicapped
- Proximity to a specific school
Examples of WANTS
- Carpeting color, paint color, exterior color, roof color, etc.
- Pool or Jacuzzi (unless for medical reasons)
- Wood floors
- Bay windows
- Built-in entertainment center
- Brass lighting fixtures
- Skylights
- A pretty view
Take a few minutes to develop your own list of NEEDS and WANTS. You can print out a scorecard here that you can use as you begin to evaluate homes. The goal is to put the emphasis on finding a house that includes all of your needs and as many of your wants as is practical--yet remains in your budget. Once you have a clearer view of what your house will need to have, the next step, actually looking for a home, will be a great deal easier!
A healthy home is a happy home. If it is regularly checked and maintained, the chances of problems arising are less. With proper maintenance, if and when problems do occur, there is less chance that they will blossom into major problems. Items to check:
Exterior
Roof: Visually check shingles from ground. Watch for missing shingles or broken pieces.
Gutters and downspouts: Check and remove any debris to assure unobstructed water flow away from foundation.
Veneer or siding: With brick, watch for deteriorating bricks or masonry. For siding, watch for warping or rot.
Check all painted surfaces.
Windows and doors: Check caulking around doors and windows, glazing around windowpanes.
Lawn and garden: Watch for accumulation of tree limbs, branches, debris that can attract wood eating insects.
Asphalt Driveways: Check for cracks or deterioration. Reseal if necessary.
Heating and cooling: Make sure outside unit is unobstructed. Clean unit with garden hose.
Interior
Attic: Examine for evidence of any leaks.
Baths: Check for evidence of any leaks, especially around toilets and under sinks (vinyl tile will usually discolor if water is getting underneath it). Check grout on any ceramic tile.
Kitchen: Check for leaks under sink and around dishwasher. Check burner operation on stove. Check grout on any ceramic tile. Clean dust from refrigerator condenser (rear of unit).
Heating System: Change filter, check coils for buildup
Water Heater: Check for signs of leaks. Drain to remove any sediment. In areas with hard water, drain every 3 months.
Smoke Detectors: Check operation. Change batteries.
Basement or crawl space: Check for cracks or any sign of dampness or leaks. Check for any evidence of termites or wood eating insects.
Making the right choice in water heaters is very important. But which one is right for you? Natural gas fuels more than half of all water heaters; electricity heats most of the remainder. A small percentage of water heaters burn propane, oil, or kerosene. And some use wood heat or solar collectors to heat water.
Your best option would be to choose a gas-fueled water heater, given that it is available to you. Electricity is the fuel of choice only where it is the only option--or where it is impossible to run a flue out the roof to carry the water heater's combustion emissions. Gas is both cheaper and much faster at heating a tankful of water. So are propane, kerosene, and oil, but they're less convenient because they must be delivered (not piped) to a house.
In rating residential energy sources by the average dollar cost per million BTUs of heat they produce, natural gas was found to be the least expensive fuel followed by heating oil, propane and electricity came in at the most expensive. Obviously, these amounts vary with local energy prices and do change over time, but in the relative world of energy, natural gas is by far the cheapest, most convenient fuel for water heaters.
If you have an electric water heater and want to take advantage of the economy of natural gas or propane, check out how your system can be converted. With some innovative systems, the electric heating element is removed from the existing water heater, turning the heater into a storage tank. A new gas-fired heating unit is mounted on an outside wall, where it doesn't require a vent, and it's linked to the existing tank with two 3/4-inch water lines. Gas is piped directly to the new heating unit. The new system has three times the heating capacity of a standard electric water heater.
In the future, what kinds of changes can we expect to see in the surfaces of our homes? Look for materials used for counters, floors and walls to change slowly. Proven materials such as stone, laminates, solid-surfacing, and gypsum wallboard will persevere; we'll gradually see movement toward natural materials that come from sustainable resources and are affordable, recyclable and easy to maintain. More emphasis will be placed on surfaces that offer a measure of control over noise, light, glare, heat retention and other environmental factors. Indoor air quality and health will be important considerations in surface choices.
Four surface trends you can count on by the year 2012:
Alternative materials
Laminated wood products, recycled wood and locally-produced, indigenous materials such as lightweight concrete and tile will become viable alternatives to solid wood and stone.
Integral sink bowls
Countertops will be custom formed with integral, seamless kitchen sinks. Materials will be anti-bacterial and--when they wear out--recyclable.
Universal design
For aging baby boomers, surfaces will be all-user friendly. Countertops will be adjustable in height and have safer, rounded corners. Watch for skid-resistant, highly durable flooring and glare-free surfaces.
Living organisms
Genetic engineering will introduce materials that are living organisms, with surfaces that respond to environmental factors such as heat or chemicals.
Garage sales are an ideal way to get rid of "junk", as part of our spring cleaning ritual, and make a little money at the same time. Here is a checklist for a successful garage sale.
Plan Your Garage Sale
Schedule a date for your sale, but give yourself at least two to three weeks to plan and organize the sale. You may want to set an alternate date, in the event of rain. Set a specific time for your sale (e.g. 8:00 AM), but be aware of earlybirds -- some are dealers.
Try to hold your garage sale on weekends for maximum traffic, but avoid conflicts with long weekends, when many people are away. Contact your family, friends, and neighbours to see if they want to join you in the garage sale
Look For Things to Sell
Prepare for your garage sale by doing some spring cleaning. Check your attic, basement, closets, garage, and other storage areas for items you no longer need or use. Ask your friends and relatives to see if they have any items they no longer want or need. Children's clothes, toys, books, antiques, appliances, and furniture usually sell the best.
Advertise For Success
Place a classified ad in your local newspaper. Specify a "rained out" date, if you wish. Ask for your garage sale kit, if it's available. Advertise "cash only" if that is your preference. In addition, post a "cash only" sign in a prominent location at your sale. Put up posters at the local laundromat, grocery store, or other community bulletin boards. List key items that may attract customers. Investigate use of online classifieds or messages on your local freenet or newsgroups. Put up signs at strategic locations, on the day of your sale, to direct customers to your sale. Be aware of local bylaws regarding sign postings on public property.
Price Your Items Appropriately
Be realistic when pricing your items. Check out other garage sales to get a feel for prices. As a general rule of thumb, start pricing at 30% of retail, but be prepare to discount prices -- if you really want to get rid of the item. Label all items with self-adhesive price tags. Use different colour labels for each family, or highlight with a colour marker, if more than one family is involved in the sale. For joint sales, keep a log of all items sold, according to your colour codes. Be prepared to bargain with your customers or reduce the price, if you really want to get rid of your items.
Set Up Your Items For Display
Make sure that all items are clean and in good shape. Arrange display tables for easy access and viewing. Make it attractive. Group similar items together in one area. Make it interesting. Hang up clothes in a temporary rack and sort by size. Provide an electrical outlet, if necessary, for customers to test appliances and electrical tools. Display books, CD's, videos, and record albums with spine up for easy readability. Set up a "freebies" box for items you wish to give away.
If you want a lawn that will make your neighbors green with envy, follow these important rules:
1) Choose the right grasses. The right grass for your yard will depend upon your climate, conditions, and soil. Talk to your nursery expert about the best choices. In general, cool-season grasses survive harsh winters but tend to suffer during summer months; warm-season grasses thrive in summer sun but go dormant during the winter--and turn brown in below-freezing temperatures.
2) Water appropriately. It's better to water deeply to encourage root growth instead of watering frequently. There are not hard-and-fast rules about how often to water. When the surface soil feels dry to the touch, it's time to water.
3) Fertilize. Apply a nitrogen fertilizer in late spring and summer and be sure to water thoroughly. Fertilize cool-season grasses throughout fall and spring. Again, ask a local nursery person about specific recommendations.
4) Mow properly. Don't let the grass grow too long; mow it when it reaches about one third taller than its optimum height.
In early spring, get your lawn off to a quick start by setting your mower a notch lower than normal to remove surface debris and any damaged grass. Use your bagging attachment so you don't have to spend time raking. If you have a name-brand mower, you should be able to buy a special de-thatching attachment that will help open up the turf so it can receive more air, light and moisture.
If you have bare spots (and who doesn't?), over-seed the area with the correct type of grass. Check with your County Cooperative Extension agent or your local garden center. If appropriate, try some of the improved varieties that don't need as much fertilizer and are naturally disease-resistant. Some types don't even grow as fast!
Let's face it - the majority burglars are lazy: They like to get into a house the same way you do-by walking through a door. And that's the easiest way for them to get items out, too. If a door doesn't prove to be an easy mark, then a window is likely the next target. That's why if you do nothing else to improve the security of your home, beefing up defenses at entry doors and windows deserves to be at the top of your list.
The mere sight of a sturdy door outfitted with a dead-bolt lock may be enough to make an intruder walk away in search of an easier target. And that's precisely the impression you want to make with all of your home's entry doors-not just the front door, but service doors from the garage, French doors, old cellar and coal-chute doors, and doors to three-season porches as well. Just as important as the door and its lock are an entry's other components-the doorframe, nearby windows, and the surrounding walls. One weak spot may be all a thief needs to gain entry.
There should be a light fixture outside every door on a house to enable a scan of the area to be accomplished safely from inside. Consideration should be given to use of globes on such fixtures, which are vandal-resistant. It is possible to wire such fixtures to a photo-cell or timer so that they automatically come on at dusk and turn off at dawn; this arrangement ensures the exterior of your home is illuminated during hours of darkness and makes it more difficult for an observer to tell when you are gone.There are many excellent reasons to purchase a condominium such as:
- attached dwelling units are more affordable than single-family homes attracting first-time or low-income buyers
- maintenance and repair responsibilities are looked after by someone else allowing more time for the fun things in life
- they are easy to lock up and leave while you fly away on an adventurous holiday
- many complexes have swimming pools, recreation rooms, tennis courts or other amenities
- many condos are located in highly desirable resorts, golf course communities or vacation hot spots.
But, if you are thinking of purchasing a condominium then be sure to answer these questions:
- How good a neighbour are you? Remember that you will be sharing walls, floors and ceilings as well as hallways, entrances and parking areas with your neighbours. Noisy neighbours are never welcome.
- How well do you follow rules? Be sure to read the conditions and restrictions on what you as an owner are allowed to do. Owners who fail to follow the rules can be fined and if the fines aren’t paid you could have a lien attached to your title.
- Can you live with committee decisions? Condominium owners must come to an agreement on a variety of maintenance and repair matters.
Are you a joiner? It is not mandatory to attend strata council meetings but it is in your best interest to have a hand in what is being decided. By pitching in you will be more get to know your neighbours and earn their respect.
Quick Fix for Screen Doors
With warmer weather on the way it may be time to take a look at your screens. If some are in need of repair, here are three quick fixes.
- Repair a very small tear in metal or fiberglass screening with epoxy or acetone-type glue. Layer the glue on until the tear is filled.
- Repair a small hole by weaving or darning strands of screening into the tear. Weave the strands into sound fabric to close the hole.
- For a large tear, cut a patch larger than the tear. Unravel each side, bend end wires, and push them through to hold the patch.
Competition can be fierce in the real estate market. You have a house to sell before you can move on but so do hundreds of other owners. What will make your house "the chosen one?" Put the best face possible on your home.
Start with the exterior. Do a drive-by of your own home; approach your home as a prospective buyer might. What is its first impression? Peeling paint, no exterior lighting, dead bushes and spent flowers, dead tree limbs, leaves on the lawn and walks, or toys, cars, and equipment cluttering up the grounds?
Start at the curb. Make sure the lawns, walks, flower beds, bushes and trees are cleaned up; mulch the flower beds. If you are coming into the spring market, do some cheerful planting around the house. Touch up peeling paint on the exterior. Repair or remove damaged shutters. Put a fresh coat of cheerful paint on your front and rear doors. Hang a tasteful welcoming wreath on the door. Be sure your exterior lighting allows prospective buyers and their REALTOR® safe and comfortable access.
On the interior of your home, do a survey, and unclutter. Over-crowded rooms seem smaller and are distracting to a buyer. Clean up and clean out. Do this on a room by room basis.
In the winter months, since it is dark earlier and many days are overcast, be sure to have all rooms well lit. There is something about interior lighting; especially if there's not natural outside light, that warms the spirit and says welcome to your new home. For daytime showings, be sure window coverings are open to allow in as much natural light as possible.
Be sure your home is clean and have all the windows washed inside and out-sparkling windows are cheerful.
If you are going to have a yard sale before you move, do it before you put your home on the market. This will help you to dispose of items cluttering up the house, basement and garage. Remember this process not only helps you sell your home but will make your move more efficient.
Basements are a special source of interest to buyers. Basements contain some of the most important elements of a home-the heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, hot water heaters, water treatment systems, and often tell the tale of whether there is any water coming into the house. Be sure to clean out, freshen up - a coat of white paint on the walls of an unfinished basement, light gray or beige paint on a cement floor and good ceiling lights so the buyers don't feel they are going into a dungeon.
Millions of North American families move every year. For some it is the lure of a new job, family reconnecting or the excitement of a better lifestyle. But the biggest question you should ask yourself before diving into the packing is, "how will this affect my/our lifestyle?" If you are not careful you could end up with a lower standard of living by moving into an area where the cost of living is high. If you were to choose an area with a lower-cost of living, you could live as if you were wealthy.
The Cost of Your New Lifestyle
The best way to get a handle on lifestyle costs would be from the local newspaper. Before you make the move consider subscribing to your new town's newspaper for a month or two so you can check out grocery promotions, car ads, housing and employment classified ads, and news. Other great ideas would be to:
- I nvolve a credible real estate company and ask them to check out suitable homes in suitable areas (near schools, churches, etc.)
- The local library can send you real estate publications.
- If you have friends and family in the area put them to work. As them questions about prices and cost of living. Ask them to point out the less desirable areas and steer you toward the more desirable areas
- If your company uses a moving company, ask them for information about the area.
Home-price comparisons abound on the Internet, in local newspapers, and via real estate agents. But to find a comparable home, you must take in many factors besides the size of the lot or the number of bedrooms.
To find out what a home like yours would cost in a new location, quiz personal contacts and real estate agents (or both-the more the better) about school districts, local parks and recreation, the crime rate, the proximity of stores, services, and places of worship, and the age, education, and occupations of the neighbors. Ask about "hidden" homeowning costs, such as recreation fees, trash collection, and community services.
Finally, check out the costs of homeowners insurance and the mortgage itself-both of which tend to vary by region. Use a mortgage-loan calculator or ask a real estate agent to give you a ballpark estimate of the monthly mortgage payment you could expect if you bought a home comparable to yours in the new location.
The first question is what exactly is a fixer-upper? A fixer-upper is a house that has been poorly maintained and has a lower market value than other houses in the immediate area. The second question is where are these houses? You can find distressed properties or fixer-uppers in most communities, even healthier neighborhoods.
Deciding whether a fixer upper is a wise investment takes some work. You need to figure what the average house in a given area sells for, as well as what the most desirable houses in that area are like and what they cost. This is where a real estate agent will be of great service to you.
If you take this route you should try to find a "cosmetic fixer" that can be completely refurbished with paint, wallpaper, new floor and window coverings, landscaping and new appliances. You should avoid run-down houses that need major structural repairs. A house price that looks too good to be true probably is. A smart buyer will find out why before buying it.
The smart move is to find the least desirable house in the most desirable neighborhood, and then decide if the expenses needed to bring the value of that property up to its full potential market value are within your budget.
Most recently, the highest remodeling paybacks have come from updating kitchens and baths, home-office additions and extra amenities in older homes. While home offices are a relatively new remodeling trend, for example, you could expect to recoup 58 percent of the cost of adding a home office, according to the survey.
Also keep in mind that if you are buying a house that has been significantly remodeled; ask for proof of the permits involved before you purchase to avoid future liability for fines.
If you are interested in investing in this type of property put your REALTOR® to work. Use his or her expertise in locating the area, locating the house and doing a market evaluation.
What's new in bathrooms this millennium? They are being created and personalized with convenience in mind, from built-in hairdryers to invigorating and calming saunas that not only reduce cellulite, but also remove water weight, to towel warmers designed to take the chill out of the air.
Convenience and comfort are the buzz words of today's bathroom market. Technological advances in the bathroom design industry provide an ever-growing market for today's consumers. From acrylic tubs with contoured headrests to portable aromatherapy spas, the bathroom more than ever has become a place of luxury, relaxation and recreation.
Stereo Systems
Many luxury whirlpools, tubs and showers are already equipped with stereo systems, televisions, VCRs and telephones- a combination of relaxation and personalization.
Temperature Programming
Exact temperature programming of bathing water, is both convenient and a safety feature for the protection of small children.
Air massage or Air Jet Tubs
This feature is one of the hottest crazes to hit the bathroom industry and is making the bathroom the most popular room in the house.
Preprogram your Tub Fill.
Can you imagine calling your home from the car, entering a personalized code and having your bathtub fill to a preprogrammed temperature and level? This feature is already available today and is sure to be a hit as consumers become more aware of it.
Other trends developing:
- electric defogging devices for mirrors
- new toilet technology with ventilation systems that eliminate 98 percent of toilet odor
- solar reflective tubes providing even, balanced lighting without the problems of skylights
- and modular furniture which is portable and available in all options and finishes.
Materials becoming more popular for bathrooms are:
- marble
- granite
- semiprecious stones
- concrete and slate
- glass
If the cold, drab days of winter are getting you down, why not let spring into your home. Just imagine the fragrant scent and spectacular colors of flowers in your living room when its snowing outside. One easy way to do this is to force bulbs into early bloom. Since many bulbs require particular light and temperature treatments, people will sometimes shy away from growing them. But it is easier than you think. Here's what you need to know:
- buy bulbs in early fall
- ensure they have already received cold treatment and are specifically for forcing
- plant in soil-based potting mix or bulb fiber in a pot or bowl
- plant close together, not touching, with tips just showing above surface of soil
- place in a cool, dark room and keep moist
- leave 8 weeks or until new shoots are about 2 inches high and the flower buds are beginning to show
- bring into indirect light until the leaves green up
If you can't find bulbs that have been cold treated, bulbs can be forced in the following way:
- choose a deep pot
- use a sterile, soil-based potting mix, and fill to one half inch beneath the top of the pot
- the temperature should remain between 35 and 50 degrees F (put in cool basement or in the refrigerator)
- Store for about 8 to 10 weeks, checking periodically for watering needs - the soil should not be allowed to dry out.
- new shoots, and roots will show at the base of the pot when they are ready
- move the pot into a location 50 to 55 degrees F., out of direct sun
- when the shoots turn green and start to grow, give the plant more light and warmer conditions. Keep the soil moist
Planning for next season
If the prospect of garden planning - whether a flower bed or a new home landscape - seems a bit overwhelming, the following guidelines will help to relieve some of the frustration and better your chances for success.
Start by envisioning the area to be planned. Are you considering the front, side or back of the house? A drive or walkway? Or perhaps a separate flower bed? Using a piece of graph paper, sketch out the area to scale (think of each box as equivalent to a one-foot measurement). Be sure to note the location of windows, doors, stoop, walkway and any shade or barrier trees. When finished, the sketch should resemble a floor plan - a bird's-eye view of the site.
Next, make a list of existing plants worth keeping or transplanting. If current plants are to be incorporated into the new garden or landscape, save them. If not, plant them in another part of the yard or discard them. Draw existing plants into the sketch and leave the rest of the graph paper clean, ready for the new plan.
Now look objectively at the drawn site and the actual physical area. If a better view or different perspective is desired, step into a neighbor's yard or look at your home from across the street. Be flexible in your thinking. Remember, most anything can be moved, removed, or camouflaged.
Planning Stages
To get a better sense of the physical layout, use props to outline beds or walkways - a garden hose will work just as nicely as a string and stakes.
Think about function. Are plantings intended to provide a focal point for color, or merely add green to the existing landscape? What about concealment of air-conditioning units, electric meters, well caps and other unsightly exterior features? Will plants be useful as windbreaks or noise barriers? What about ground covers?
In planning, remember to leave room for plant growth and height. Although balance should be considered, symmetry is not necessarily the ideal. One large shrub can equalize a group of smaller, clustered plantings.
Reflect, too, on the architecture of your home. Is it formal or casual? Do you entertain outdoors on the patio, deck or at poolside? What about spaces for children or pets, and future improvements like swimming pools and room additions? Think about walkway materials, color, texture and four-season interest.
Once you've drawn the area to scale on graph paper, viewed the site objectively and envisioned a plan, place a piece of tracing paper over the graph layout and create a sketch of your garden or landscape ideal. If you are uncertain as to the types of plants to choose, your local nursery can suggest types that will grow well in your region and help you make your garden concept a garden reality for many seasons to come.
One final note: Although some garden projects can be implemented in a single season, others may require several seasons and even years to complete. Don't despair. As long as you adhere to a master plan, the final result is certain to reflect a cohesive garden landscape.
Choosing Your Cellar Location
It is always preferable to store wines underground. However, some cellars are better than others for wines, while many are not at all suited to the purpose. Moldy walls, dust and cobwebs may suggest age and mystery to the romantic but, to the wine lover, they are a danger sign because excessive humidity promotes the growth of micro-organisms that can spoil a wine or cause it to age prematurely.
If an above-ground closet is necessary, special wine cabinets with automatic controls for temperature and humidity are also available. While they are expensive, they assure the correct conditions for keeping wines. Greater harm is caused by shifts in temperature rather than a consistent temperature that is either slightly above or below the desired level of 50 to 55 degrees (F). The cellar or closet should be well shilded from light, particularly sunlight, and strong vibrations. Yet most wines are not as delicate as they seem.
Selecting Your Wine Racks
Most wines should be laid down so that the cork will remain moist. If the cork dries out, it will shrink and no longer seal the bottle effectively. In addition, wines, especially reds, need to breathe, which means that they must remain in contact with the cork. With that requirement in mind, the cellar should be equipped with racks rather than shelves. Numerous materials are used in making racks, including hollow cement or ceramic blocks in various shapes and sizes, woods and metals or combinations of some or all of those or other materials. The racks can be custom-made for the space available or modular units can be bought at specialty shops.
Whatever the material used and the design chosen, the racks must be sturdy, for a bottle filled with wine weighs up to three pounds. It is best if the rack is made with grooves in which the bottles can be laid with their necks extending beyond the grooves to ensure that they are firmly held in place. Wines can be stored in bins rather than racks, but each bin should contain only bottles of the same wine. Rummaging through a mixed bin can jolt wines, which should not be shaken up any more than necessary.
Send Change of Address Cards to:
Disconnect Utilities, Get Refund for any Deposits Made and Advise where Final Bills are to be sent:
Cancel Deliveries:
Transfer Bank Accounts:
Transfer Memberships:
Notify Insurance Companies
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Obtain Medical Records:
Final Moving Day
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Every day more and more people are discovering the exciting world of e- mail and recognize it as an inexpensive and fun way to keep in touch with family members and friends across the globe. The latest craze that has leaped from the office to the home is the digital camera. With a digital camera, that e-mail message can be made even more special with the inclusion a photograph.
How do they work? Digital cameras create an electronic image rather than film copy. Most digital cameras have reusable memory cards that store the image while others accept floppy disks. The pictures are then transferred to your computer, where software that came with your camera develops the images.
How expensive are they? For about $400 you can buy a basic digital camera (of course, you can always spend more.) The image quality is usually not as good as a traditional photograph, but they are improving the cameras all the time. Like all new technology, the costs are coming down as well.
If you want to be a part of the new millennium, then maybe it is time to ride the big wave of new technology. Just think of how much more exciting that family memoir will be with pictures.
Love the neighborhood but could live without the neighbors? You are not alone. After all, there are many things to fight about. Some of the more common fights start over noise (barking dogs, shouting kids, blaring stereos), annoying animals, messy backyards, unsightly additions, overgrown trees, and broken fences, to name a few. With all this going on it might seem impossible for neighbors to live in peace and harmony, but here are a few coping skills to make life with your neighbors a little more pleasant.
- Make friends with your neighbors from the very start. Then, if a dispute arises, it is much easier to settle it in a peaceful manner.
- Welcome new neighbors with a plate of goodies.
- Share flowers or food from your garden.
- Chat regularly so that they know you and your children. Make sure your children are friendly too.
- Offer to take in their newspapers and mail when they are away.
- Train your dog not to bark and keep your cat indoors.
- Don't let your children turn the stereo up too high. Try giving them headphones.
- Check with your neighbors before putting up that basketball hoop and make sure it isn't under the neighbor's bedroom window.
- Talk to your neighbors before doing any landscaping near the boundary line of their property.
- Don't be hasty! Don't overact. If something is annoying you, wait until you have calmed down before you speak to the neighbors.
- If things are serious, make a list. It could be helpful if you need to approach the authorities.
- Find out what other neighbors are affected
- Learn the law.
There is nothing like a party at your house to give you that incentive to clean, clean, clean. Once it is clean, the bar is stocked and the fridge is full of delicious appetizers, you are ready to entertain. Or are you? If you would like this party to be hassle-free and a smashing success, here are a few more preparations that will do the trick.
Can they find your house? Make it easy. Turn on all the lights at the front of the house and make sure your numbers are visible. Maybe signs are necessary at that crucial turn.
Can they park? Hire a student to direct your guests to appropriate parking places especially if you live in a complex with minimal visitor parking.
Where do they put their coats and shoes? Plan ahead with hooks in the basement or a shower rod with hangers. You might need to rent a coat rack. If it is boot-wearing weather, provide dollar-store slippers for those who need them.
Whose glass is this anyway? Keeping track of whose glass is whose can be tricky. Get each guest to choose a colorful ribbon or pipe cleaner to tie around the base of the glass or use sticky tags with names.
Traffic jam at the food table? To avoid this, spread the appetizers around the house. Try putting the munchies in out-of-the-way places and putting similar foods, such as desserts, in one area.
To smoke or not to smoke? Let your guests know if smoking will be allowed so there is no guessing on their part. If it is permissible, make it obvious as to where they are to go. Perhaps you could create a mini smoking lounge equipped with ashtrays and use creative signage.
Another kitchen party? To avoid the kitchen gathering ritual, dim the kitchen lights to prevent it from becoming the only place to gather and create an ambiance in the living room with lighting and music.
Whitney Houston again? Plan the musical menu ahead of time. Prestack the CD player or lay out a selection.
Playing musical chairs? Create extra seating with large throw cushions strategically placed on the staircase or living room floor.
You need what? Stock your bathroom with everything a guest could need. Lots of soap, hand towels, extra toilet paper and be sure and tidy up that medicine chest.
Whether you are renovating or building a new home, it is always good to know what the Jones's are putting in their home. The Jones's, as we all know, always have the best of everything and keep on top of the latest trends. Let's take a look at some of the latest features that are sure to be in their homes.
The Jones's are building homes to suit a new lifestyle. They know that families are changing and they are smart enough to build a home to accommodate those changes. The Jones's have noted, for example, that many children are not moving out the minute they turn 18. Some are staying at home up to five years after their 18th birthday. When they do move out and marry, divorce can bring many of those children back to the nest, perhaps with a few little children of their own.
An aging or widowed mother or father in need of care and attention may need to be welcomed into the home and a room or perhaps a separate suite must be provided.
The Jones's build homes with, or at least renovate their existing homes to accommodate, the new trend of in-home businesses. Their in-home offices are equipped with the latest in technology, ready for use now or in the future.
A media room is a must, according to the Jones's. The media room is a large room featuring ultra comfortable sofas, satellite reception, CD player, surround sound, laser disc, DVD TV and of course a Kareoki system for those neighborhood parties.
If you would like to keep up with the Jones's, or if you feel cool enough just being a Smith, you can always check with your local building association for a list of what's new in new homes.
Life is exciting for infants and small children who love to explore but aren't aware of the potential dangers. Protecting your child from household dangers is your job - and it's a job that will always be evolving to keep up with your child's growing mobility and curiosity. Even before your baby comes home from the hospital, you will need to think carefully about his safety at home. And as he grows older, your job becomes more difficult, as he touches, tastes, and climbs his way through the world. Life can't be risk-free, but most household accidents can be prevented.
Preventing Common Household Accidents
Kitchen:
- most household appliances should be unplugged when not in use, with cords far from reach
- all vitamin, aspirin, or medicine bottles stored in a cabinet far from a small child's reach
- the cabinet under the sink should be free from cleaning supplies, dishwasher detergent, and dishwashing liquids
- all bottles of alcohol should be stored in a high cabinet far from reach
- garbage bags and sandwich-style baggies should be far from reach
- long telephone cords should be far from the floor
Bathroom:
- Is the thermostat on the hot water heater set to 120 degrees F or lower?
- Are razors, blades, nail scissors, and other sharp tools stored in a locked cabinet?
- Is there a toilet-lid locking device on the toilet?
- Are all hair dryers, curling irons, and electric razors unplugged when not in use?
- Are there nonskid strips on the bottoms of bathtubs?
- Are there specially designed pads under loose rugs to hold them securely to the floor?
- Are all prescription and nonprescription medications stored in a locked cabinet far from reach?
- Are bottles of mouthwash, perfumes, hair dyes, hair sprays, nail and shoe polishes, and nail polish removers far from reach?
Child's room:
- all painted cribs, bassinets, and high chairs should be manufactured after 1978
- strings or ribbons should be clipped off hanging mobiles and crib toys
- strings on crib bumpers should be six inches long or shorter
- crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
- the crib's headboard or footboard should be free of large cut-outs
- the crib mattress should fit snugly in the crib
- side rails should always be up on the crib
- the crib free should be from soft pillows, large stuffed animals, and soft bedding
- window blind cords should be tied up with clothespins or specially designed cord clips
Around the house:
- Are all radiators and baseboard heaters screened if needed?
- Are all unused outlets covered with safety caps?
- Are televisions and stereo equipment positioned against walls?
- Have excess cords from lamps been bound with twist-ties or special spools designed to hide extra cord?
- Are all wires in the house properly insulated?
- Is there protective padding on corners of coffee tables, furniture, and countertops with sharp edges?
- Are there safety bars installed on upper-story windows?
- Are there hardware-mounted safety gates at the top and bottom of every stairway?
- Are stairways clear of tripping hazards?
- Have you had your home's paint tested for lead (for older homes)?
- Have you removed any potentially poisonous houseplants?
If you already have a designated room in your house for your very own office then you are way ahead of the game. If you are claiming a bedroom with a closet, the closet becomes your storage and filing area where you can make shelves to suit your needs. Ready-made closet organizers are perfect for this purpose.
If you are not in the fortunate position of having an actual room for an office, don't despair. You can use a portion of the kitchen, living room, or dining room and by using a little creativity make it a very efficient and cost-effective work space.
No desk? An inexpensive desk can be made from placing an old door, repainted if necessary, over two filing cabinets or any other sturdy items of the same height. A dresser or an armoire can be used as storage and if it is old and battered it can be painted to match the desk.
Stand-alone hanging files are not costly and can be tucked under the desk if there is room. Look around your home for shoe boxes and baskets to use as organizers. Ordinary boxes with lids can be used to store old files and can be stored out of sight in the basement or attic.
Shop garage sales for pieces of furniture to use in your office. You may find a coffee table for the printer and fax machine or a comfortable office chair that someone is getting rid of.
If it is computer equipment you need, it isn't necessary to buy everything new. There are many stores that sell reconditioned equipment at very good prices. Check out the stores in your area.
Once you start thinking creatively about your office space you will be surprised at how many inexpensive and workable options there are.
You've accepted the corporate transfer and you have two months to pack and move. If you have never moved before, or if you haven't relocated in several years, you may take a look around your house and wonder how you ever accumulated so many material items. The problem now arises as to what you will do with all of them.
Begin by sorting items, room by room. Distribute possessions into piles: keep, donate, sell. You can pack the infrequently used "items to keep" immediately. The donation items can be dispersed to family members, friends or charitable organizations (the latter of which provides receipts for end-of-year tax purposes). The remaining items can then be gathered and placed in a garage or yard sale. The following tips will assist you with this endeavor.
Planning for the Sale
- Determine what days of the week you will hold your sale. Holding your sale on multiple days (Fridays and Saturdays are ideal) provides a better chance of selling the majority of your possessions.
- Items that tend to sell well are jewelry, furniture, lamps, tools, appliances, books, puzzles, sports equipment and houseplants.
- Choose a pricing method (color coding with stickers works well) and price items according to condition, age and popularity. You can obtain an idea of where to start the price range by attending a few garage sales before you hold your own.
- Obtain help from family, friends, and neighbors or hold a combined sale. Combined neighborhood sales tend to bring in more buyers.
- Children can help by choosing, labeling and pricing their own toys and games to be sold.
- Try to clean the items; appearance does make a difference.
- Save plastic and paper bags for customers to use for their purchases.
Advertising
- When placing a newspaper ad for each day of the sale, mention as many types of items that will be available as possible (i.e., furniture, appliances, exercise equipment, children's items, etc.). It may cost you a little more to have a larger ad, but the details you provide will bring in more customers.
- Ask your HomeLife representative if they can provide garage sale signs, or
- Ask the newspaper company if they have signs and tags available.
- Take advantage of neighborhood bulletin boards and university student lounges.
- Post your signs (with the sale dates written on them) at intersections and nearby areas.
Day of the Sale
- Keep the garage door closed until you are ready for the sale to begin--many people like to be the first ones to a sale and may arrive before the appointed time.
- Be sure to have lots of change and dollar bills available.
- Delegate someone to watch the money box or wear an apron with pockets.
- Keep an eye on valuable items (shoplifting can occur).
- Make signs announcing anything for sale inside the house, but be sure to accompany prospective buyers inside.
- Try not to break up sets of furniture--hold out until the end of the sale.
- To get rid of remaining items on the final day of the sale, make an announcement during the last hour that everything will be 50% off the listed price.
In addition to making money from the sale, you will reduce your moving expenses. Fewer belongings means using fewer boxes, wrapping paper and work hours. If moving far away, this is a bonus since the cost of the move will be based on the weight of the load.
Good luck with your sale and your move!
One Month Before Moving
One To Two Weeks Before Moving
On Moving Day
After Arriving At New Home
Reading your home insurance policy may not be your idea of exciting escapism, but it is something that should be done. Not knowing exactly what coverage youhave could cost you plenty later on.
Many people simply renew, year after year, without checking if the coverage is still adequate, or whether there have been any new money-saving features introduced.
When deciding on your home insurance plan, you must think in two parts: the house itself and the contents.
The house:
The contents
Everyone knows the importance of having a home inspected before they purchase it, but how do you go about choosing the inspector. You should be looking for an inspector who is qualified and therefore has been certified. You need someone who has experience and expertise in all areas of home inspection, not someone who knows a lot about basements, but little about electrical wiring or plumbing.
Points to Ponder:
It is a pretty safe bet that the inspector will find at least a few things in his inspection that need attending to. Even the finest homes of the best materials and craftsmanship are subject to imperfections, either man-made or due to the weather and wear. Once you have your report, make sure you know the answers to the following questions:
After the inspection:
- What needs to be repaired?
- What areas are unsafe or deteriorating rapidly?
- What are the priorities needing immediate repair?
- Which repairs involve significant cost?
- Which repairs can be delayed?
- Are there any areas at risk of hidden damage?
- Are further investigations necessary?
If space is your enemy, you need to fight back. That means taking advantage of every nook and cranny in your home. Actually space isn't always the enemy. Many space-challenged homes are a lot more organized, because of the lack of space, than big monster homes with nothing but room. But, regardless of the size of your living space, a few tips on how to utilize the space effectively can improve the look and feel of your home.
First things first:
- Grit your teeth and get ruthless about clutter. If you absolutely must keep more than you can store in your living space, face it, it's time for mini-storage.
- Are you really every going to wear that? A good method to sorting what clothes to keep is to pick two coordinating colors of basics (for instance, navy and tan). Try to have no more than two of each of these: Pants; jackets; sweaters; skirts; dresses; and two pairs of shoes (plus two pairs of jeans and a pair of sneakers). Limit yourself to eight warm weather tops and eight cool weather tops.
Next:
- Look under the bed. If there are just a few resident dust bunnies, then shop for containers that will fit under this wonderful storage space.
- Look up! Don't forget the ceiling! The beauty of ceiling storage is it's inexpensive and easy. You can get plant hooks just about anywhere along with chains; "S" hooks and eye hooks of varying thicknesses and lengths. With four plant hooks, four eyehooks, four pieces of chain and a board you can work storage wonders! Fasten an eyehook in each corner of the board, attach chains to each, and hook on to plant hook in the ceiling--instant shelf.
More creative ideas:
- Stackable milk crate storage can go to the ceiling (and if you don't care how they look, often you can find them for free). Secure pieces together with plastic wire ties; you can find them in the home electronics section of most department, hardware and superstores. Ties can be cut if you need to change configurations--the height or width.
- One overlooked storage area is the curtain rod! Of course you don't want to hang anything too heavy there, maybe an empty backpack or even a food basket. Don't underestimate the capacity of your car trunk! There you can store winter boots, older reference books, luggage and lots of other stuff you don't need to have right at hand.
- Use the principle of storing something inside something else, like the famous Russian dolls. Store clean socks inside unused shoes, mittens inside hats and extra sheets and blankets under the mattress.
A space heater is a handy device for providing quick and efficient warmth to a cold damp area. But, like any other hot electrical appliance, space heaters should be used with care, particularly around children. Here are a few ways to warm your home safely:
1. Choose only heaters tested at an independent lab.
2. Don't use an extension cord. Most extension cords aren't designed to handle this much current.
3. Never dry clothes over a space heater. Though electric heaters are supposed to shut off before they overheat, some take longer than others, so clothes can be scorched or even catch fire before the heat cuts off.
4. Make sure your model has tip-over protection. The safest heaters turn themselves off if they're knocked over - this feature should be listed on the box.
5. Kidproof it. With kids around, you'll want a heater that won't burn their skin if they touch either the grill or the casing. Look for a model with a child-safety button to prevent your kids from turning the heat on or up. Consider these features, too, to protect pets in the house. Because some heaters do reach high temperatures, teach kids to stay at least three feet away from them, no matter what.
6. Place it safe. Never set your heater in a high-traffic area. Mount bathroom heaters on the wall, following only the manufacturer's instructions. And, of course, don't leave the house with a heater running.
7. Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home.
Time for a replacement?
Definitely if it's missing any of the safety features, such as overheating protection and tip-over shutoff.
If the case is dented, metal is corroded, or plastic is melted, this could indicate internal damage. If the grill is bent or if you can reach the heating element, get rid of the heater. If you see split or frayed wires at either end of the cord or, the plug blades are bent and don't fit securely in the socket your space heater needs to be replaced.
There are a lot of home insurance companies vying for the same business. This makes your business important to them. The price you pay for your homeowners insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars, depending on the insurance company you buy your policy from. Companies offer several types of discounts, but they don't offer the same discount or the same amount of discount in all areas. That's why you should ask your agent or company representative about any discounts available to you. Here are some things to consider when buying homeowners insurance.
Shop around and compare prices and services
Raise your deductible
By increasing your deductible, you could have substantial savings.
When purchasing a home
Home security
Smoking
.- Some insurers offer to reduce premiums if all the residents in a house don't smoke.
Retirement
If you're at least 55 years old and retired, you may qualify for a discount of up to 10 percent at some companies.
Loyalty
Several insurers will reduce their premiums by 5 percent if you stay with them for three to five
years and by 10 percent if you remain a policyholder for six years or more.
Yearly Check
Buying a home is most likely the biggest investment most of us will make, and deciding whether to make that purchase or to stay renting can be very tough. Some feel they need a home for very personal reasons and for others it is simply a practical investment. Buying a home is a complex, time-consuming, and costly process that sometimes brings unwelcome responsibilities. There are many good reasons for becoming a homeowner, provided you are ready for the increased responsibilities that come with it.
It's a Good Thing
If you are planning to buy a home, you probably have good reasons in mind. Some of the major advantages are described below.
There's No Place Like Home
Owning a home can give you a sense of pride and a sense of belonging. You may feel a more permanent part of the community when you own rather than rent. With your own home you are able to renovate and decorate to your own taste.
It Just Makes Cent$
Believe it or not when you own a home your monthly mortgage payments are serving as a type of savings plan. Over time you will accumulate equity in your house that you may be able to borrow against or convert to cash by selling the house. Renters do not have the equity advantage.
Payments Don't Increase
While rents typically increase year after year, the principal and portion of most mortgage payments remains unchanged for the entire repayment period. Because of the effect of inflation you pay the same amount with ever "cheaper" dollars.
House Value Increases
Houses typically increase in value over time. It's not unusual for a house that sold fifteen years ago to be valued at much more than its selling price today. This increased value is as good as money in the bank to the homeowner.
The Down Side
And now for a look at what may be a few disadvantages or at least points to ponder before purchasing a home.
Extra Costs
Even if your mortgage payments are less than your previous rent payments, as a homeowner you must also pay property taxes, homeowner insurance, all utilities, and upkeep expenses.
No Pick Up and Go
You can't give a month's notice and pack up and move several times a year as easily as you could while renting.
More Responsibilities, More Chores
Don't forget that responsibilities such as mowing the lawn and taking care of needed repairs come along with homeownership. Actually, the promise of getting the advantages of homeownership without the accompanying repair and maintenance responsibilities is a major factor in the popularity of condominiums.
Whether you are buying a home or selling one, the "appeal" of your home is important to you. If you are selling, you pay attention to "dress up" your house prior to actually showing it for sale, paying close attention to the condition of the kitchen, bathrooms, carpet, yard, paint and window treatments. When buying a home, you may find that the seller has taken care of most of these details, yet done nothing about window coverings.
Faded, out-of-fashion, sagging, tattered or inoperable blinds, shutters or drapes can destroy the otherwise favorable images buyers get of even the most elegant rooms in a home. Even so, sellers often neglect window coverings. It is a time-consuming, miserable, and tedious chore to correctly measure, shop, and install window coverings when you know you're not even going to be living there. This is especially true when the homeowner is highly motivated to sell quickly. Happily, home sellers and home buyers can take advantage of a new time and expense-saving solution. New window treatment firms have sprung up to service busy homeowners by "doing the whole thing" for them. So if the seller has not upgraded this aspect of the home, it is an easy matter for the homebuyer to handle it quickly.
Such firms range from local mom and pops to nationally franchised ones. These services feature highly skilled individuals or couples who come out to your home in a fully-equipped van, precisely measure the windows for blinds of every kind--even wood shutters--then return and install them. Their prices-including decorating advice, measuring and installation-compare to the cost of materials-only at major "home" supply stores. Plus they carry top national brands in thousands of colors and styles.
By using such new, time-saving and economical services, you can focus your time and energy on carpeting, paint and other aspects of improving the appeal of your home. This is important whether it is because you want it to appeal to potential buyers or whether you have just purchased the home. The detail-intensive matter of window coverings, at least, is already handled.
You can enjoy lush, green grass with less mowing, raking and fertilizing. The key is working smarter, not harder.
The following labor-saving tactics will yield immediate results:
Another time-saving goal is to reduce raking and fertilizing:
- A mulching mower will help clippings hide in the grass. Don't worry - clippings don't cause thatch. And because they feed the lawn as they decompose, they reduce the amount of supplemental fertilizer needed by 20 to 30 percent.
- Fertilize just two or three times a year - instead of four to six by using the right stuff. Apply organic fertilizers, or use slow-release synthetic types containing either sulfur-coated urea or urea-formaldehyde. A single application works for six to eight weeks. Because nutrients are provided as plants need them, they're much less likely to burn the lawn or be flushed from the soil before roots can absorb them. And unlike fast-acting fertilizers with straight urea, slow-release types won't cause a quick surge of top growth that requires additional mowing.
Saving energy is becoming increasingly important to most homeowners. One way a homeowner can save energy is with proper landscaping.
By placing trees, shrubs, vines and landscape structures properly, homeowners can reduce the energy required to keep homes comfortable during winter and summer. Along with the reduction of energy bills, a well-planned landscape adds beauty, interest and increased property values.
According to one government study, winter heating bills may be reduced by as much as 15 percent, while summer cooling energy needs may be cut by as much as 50 percent.
Houses gain or lose heat in 3 basic ways:
- air infiltration - passage of air through cracks and around doors or through open windows and doors. The average home loses 20-30% of heat in winter by air infiltration;
- heat conduction - conduction of heat through materials of which the house is built. Controlling the temperature difference and air movement between inner and outer surfaces of walls, floors and ceilings is the best opportunity for reducing heat conduction. Heat conduction represents up to 50% or more of the total heat exchange between a home and the outside environment;
- solar radiation - heat is transmitted into homes by penetration of the sun's rays. Up to 90% will be transmitted into the living area if rays are received perpendicular to a single pane. Sunlight will be increasingly reflected by the glass as the sunlight departs from the perpendicular.
Three basic landscape applications which have proven to save energy are: (1) the use of shade trees, (2) windbreaks, and (3) the use of foundation plants.
Trees
Trees can reduce summer temperatures significantly. Shading the roof of a house from the afternoon sun by large trees can reduce temperatures inside the home by as much as 8 to 10 degrees F.
Deciduous trees provide summer shade, then drop their leaves in the fall. This allows the warmth of the sun to filter through their bare branches in winter and helps warm the home. If a home can be situated to take advantage of shade from existing trees on southeast and west exposures, energy expended to cool the house can be reduced.
If there are no existing trees, the owner can select and place trees that ultimately will provide shade. A carefully selected and planted tree with a moderate growth rate often will respond to good care by increasing its rate of growth
Espaliers and Vines
In addition to shading roof areas, plants can protect walls from heat and cold. Vines, shrubs and certain trees can be used as espaliers (plants trained to grow flat against walls). The foliage cover insulates the wall against summer heat and cold winter winds. Trees, shrubs and vines can be highly effective in reducing noise and dust pollution.
Overhead Structures
Arbors and slatted wooden overhead structures can be effective either attached or adjacent to the home or farther out in the landscape. If adjacent to the home, they provide the bonus of shading walls and windows, thus reducing heat and glare and providing cool, restful sitting and viewing areas
Protection From the Wind
Although hedges have been utilized for many years, their value has increased with the advent of higher fuel costs. Windbreaks obstruct and redirect the flow of wind. Windbreaks composed of living plants allow some of the wind to penetrate, which makes them more effective.
Other Types of Windbreaks
In addition to traditional windbreaks, shrubs can also be used closer to the home for winter protection. This is more practical for small areas and subdivision lots where space does not allow the use of conventional windbreaks.
Listing Agreement
A listing agreement is a contract in which you hire a real estate firm to find a ready, willing and able buyer for your home in exchange for a fee.
Three types of listing agreements:
An exclusive listing:
With an exclusive right-to-sell agreement, you pay fee regardless of who produces the buyer. This fee covers many important services that the sales associate performs above and beyond finding a qualified buyer.
In an exclusive-agency listing, if you find a buyer, he or she is not obligated to pay the fee. If the sales associate finds a buyer, then the fee is paid to the real estate company.
An open listing:
An open listing is one in which you sign with several real estate firms and give each authority to
sell your home. It is typically less effective than exclusive listing because the sales associate lacks the incentive to make and all-out effort to sell your home.
An MLS listing:
Your home could also be included in a multiple listing service (MLS) as part of an exclusive listing. MLS gives your home greater exposure in the marketplace.
Ask your HomeLife sales representative to explain and navigate the many choices you face in selling your home. With suggestions from your sales representative you can better decide which type of listing agreement is right for your needs.
Bathroom Makeover
Old bathrooms with exposed pipes under the sink can be transformed by a simple skirting. The most practical fabrics are washable, and it's easy to find a pattern or color that matches your decor. Just hem the skirt, gather the top, and attach to the sink with adhesive-backed Velcro.
Refreshed Frames
If you have a collection of pictures in old frames that don't match your décor, try spray painting them. Spray paint comes in all colors and shades. To add a glitzy touch, try gold or silver.
Refrigerator Madness
The refrigerator door is a convenient spot for holding the family's important messages, schedules, and projects. It also can give a kitchen a cluttered appearance. The key to cleaning up that cluttered look is to find just the right magnetic organizational boards. A magnetic calendar works wonders for important dates and a separate erasable white board will hold phone messages. For notes, memos or coupons, a big magnetic clip will keep them all together.
Grand Entrance
When decorating your home, don't neglect the foyer no matter how small it is. This is the first part of your home that guests see. Something as simple as a plant or coat rack will give it a bit of personality.
Kitchen Magic
You may be tired of your kitchen furniture but not have the money at present to replace it. You can give your kitchen a lift by choosing special placemats or by having inexpensive slipcovers made for the chair backs and seat cushions.
Pillow Talk
Pillows can transform your bed from ordinary to extraordinary. Try pillows of various sizes and contrasting fabrics. Alternate plain-colored shams with pillows covered in coordinating patterns-floral, paisley, check or plaid. Have fun with decorative neck rolls and small squares.
If you have gone to the trouble of remembering to plant your bulbs in September, then you will want to ensure that those tulip, crocus and daffodil bulbs grow into beautiful flowers year after year. By following these few helpful hints your bulbs will do just that.
- Fertilizer should be applied when those little sprouts first peek through the soil to help foliage and flowers grow. When foliage starts to die back, fertilize again to help nurture the bulb
- When flowers are at their peak don't snip them off if you want them to rebloom annually. But do cut them off as soon as they pass their prime; this helps prevent bulbs from forming seed pods, which sap the plant's energy.
- After the flowers bloom, don't bunch, tie or cut the leaves. The leaves produce food to be stored in the bulb and used to replenish the plant for next year.
- By planting annuals or perennials next to the bulbs, you can hide yellowing leaves without disturbing them. Annuals worth considering include impatiens and marigolds. Hostas and coral bells are good choices for perennials.
Don't let old man winter sneak up on you. Be prepared.
Frozen pipes happen when weather is very cold and the water in pipes is exposed to outdoor temperatures. The water inside the pipes may freeze. You will know this is the case when you turn on your faucet and it fails to produce any water. That is the time to act quickly. If you don't, the pipes may burst.
At the first sign of a block, open the faucet and follow the supply pipe from there to where the pipe passes near exterior walls or runs outside of heated areas.
Melting the ice is easy, using any of several heating devices: a heat gun, hair dryer, heating pad, heat lamp or--in a pinch--a propane torch (be very careful to shield flammable materials from the flame). Leave the faucet open so water can drain.
Be kind to your pipes and keep them warm. After you have successfully melted the ice and the pipes have cooled, jacket them with foam insulation sleeves to prevent refreezing.
Put pipe insulation around all pipes that pass through unheated spaces to protect them from freezing. On outdoor pipes, insulation should extend about 12 inches below the frost line.
A little extra time spent insulating pipes in the fall, can prevent a major headache in the winter.
Having a happy time and keeping a healthy budget during this season of spending is a tough mix. Wouldn't you rather be saving towards that new home or paying off an existing mortgage rather than buying gifts that may or may not be appreciated?
The best solutions are usually the simplest, but we don't always pay attention. If you find yourself getting caught up in the spending frenzy that is so prevalent this time of year, maybe it is time to take a good look at these time-tested truths.
- Shorten that gift list. Do all those people really need a gift? Restrict your list to only close friends and family. You can give everyone else a special card (homemade?). This is the year to make a pact with your family (and stick with it) to draw names for gift exchange.
- Cut back on spending. Whatever you spend last year on each person, vow to reduce that amount this year. Also before you even go shopping make up a list with monetary limits and stick to it. Budget, budget, budget!
- Look at the alternatives. Why spend any money at all? Perhaps there is a service you can render that person. Painting a room, cleaning a garage, planting a garden. Make up a gift certificate for the service. For example you could make up a certificate for a weekly car wash and wrap up a sponge to go with it.
- Make time for shopping. Never go shopping when you are in a rush. Shopping when you are in a hurry is a frustrating experience that could lead to disastrous and costly gift choices. Also, choose times when the malls are less crowded.
- Don't give yourself credit!!! The best way to ensure that you do not overspend during the holiday season is to pay for everything in cash. If you bring along the exact amount of cash needed for your shopping adventure, then there is no chance that you will go over budget. As for Visa/Master Card/American Express…Leave your home without them.
Prepare Yourself and Your Family
- Create a Family Earthquake Plan
- Know the safe spot in each room, (under sturdy tables, desks, or against inside walls)
- Know the danger spots, (windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces and tall furniture)
- Conduct practice drills. Physically place yourself and your children in safe locations
- Learn first aid and CPR
- Decide where your family will reunite, if separated
- Keep a list of emergency phone numbers
- Choose an out-of-area friend or relative that your family can call to report their condition
- Carry emergency contact cards
- Develop a portable/auto survival kit for work and travel
- Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity in case the lines are damaged
- Check chimneys, roofs, and wall foundations for stability
- Secure heavy furnishings and appliances
- Keep breakable and heavy objects on lower shelves
- Put latches on cabinet doors
- Keep flammable or hazardous liquids in secured cabinets or lower shelves
- Maintain emergency food, water, medicine, first aid kit, tools and clothing
- Acquire special training in preparedness and ensure your community has a specific preparedness program
- Participate in neighbourhood earthquake preparedness programs
- Develop self-help networks between families and neighbourhood (special skills, tools, and resources to share)
- Identify neighbours with special needs or who will require assistance
- Have neighbours agree to hand a white flag or sheet out after the quake if everyone and everything is OK
If you have decided to give the relatives a break and call in the professional movers, you will soon discover just how many there are to choose from. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while making your decision.
- talk to friends and family who have moved recently for their recommendations
- choose several moving companies to call for estimates
- uncomplicated moves can be successfully estimated by phone
- estimating the cost of a larger move requires a representative visiting your home.
- have three companies send a rep to your home for a written estimate
- be sure to discuss insurance options
- if the estimate turns out to be lower than the actual cost, you will be expected to pay an additional cost - check this out with the company
- some moving companies offer binding estimates
- binding estimates are somewhat higher than non-binding estimates but some people prefer the peace of mind
- after choosing a moving company, check it out with the Better Business Bureau
- ensure the company is properly licensed to do business in your locality and has legal authority to haul your shipment to its destination
- when comparing estimates, do not rely on final price alone but compare specific areas such as:
- listed weights (are they close?)
- items included in each estimate
- guarantees for rate protection?
- number of vehicles and what type
- number of men needed
- insurance coverage
When putting your home on the market it is important that it is listed at the right price. When a home is first placed on the market it is a fresh listing and receives a flurry of attention from prospective buyers and real estate sales people. If it is listed too high, it will be ruled out and essentially put on the shelf. A later reduction will have then missed the initial excitement.
Worse yet, for the seller, would be to have the home listed below market value. It may sell fast but the return for the seller could have been much higher.
For these reasons, a professional sales person will always do a market analysis to ensure that your home is placed exactly where it should be for a timely sale at the best possible price.
How it is done
Your real estate salesperson, most likely using a computer, will analyze comparable properties in your neighbourhood. There are three categories of homes that will be looked at.
- similar properties that are currently on the market
- similar properties that have recently sold
- similar properties that failed to sell
Looking at the recently sold is even more telling. These homes are what the market will bear. This is the price that was actually paid for a home, similar to yours and in your area.
As for the similar properties that failed to sell there could be many reasons. Perhaps location or condition of the home . But, the sales professional will look at the listed price. In many cases the culprit is price - a price too high compared to similar properties.
Everyone naturally wants the highest possible price for their home and they want it sold within a reasonable time frame. Before you place your home on the market, be sure to ask for a professional market analysis.
Waste is a terrible thing, especially when it can be prevented or at least limited. In every household, every day, there are countless ways to reuse, recycle and save money. Here are some ways that you and your family can start saving.
- buy shampoos and other personal care products that can be refilled
- share that magazine subscription with a friend - it works both ways
- buy second hand CDs, tapes and books
- donate magazines, children's books etc. to women's shelters
- host a clothing exchange with neighbours and friends
- an old shower curtain makes a perfect drop cloth when painting
- use empty margarine tubs for storage instead of plastic wrap and foil
- buy nails, screws etc. in bulk
- give extra clothes hangers to the dry cleaners
- borrow books from the library instead of buying new
- when renovating, visit salvage yards
- create your own vases with glass jars or old tea pots
- pack lunches in reusable plastic containers
- use ceramic tiles as hot plates
- buy razors with replaceable blades, not disposables
- donate old furniture to a theatre
- send clothes to consignment stores
- donate old bedding to an animal shelter
The scissors were just here! Where is that strainer? Why are there socks where the twist ties should be? Sound a little like your kitchen. Kitchens often tend to be the dumping ground for miscellaneous household items and if you don't stay on top of it you are in for a lot of frustration. If you have extra money laying around you can always hire a professional organizer who will gladly reorganize any room in your home for between $25 to $75 an hour.
To save your money and perhaps your sanity here are a few tips for keeping calm in the kitchen.
- Pretend you are the professional. Stand back and take a look at how you use the kitchen. Look at where items are placed or stored and how functional that arrangement is. How far away are the pots and pans, the stirring spoons, the cooking spices? Should they and could they be moved closer. Height is important. If you are always having to pull over the chair to reach a serving bowl used every day, then you might want to rethink its placement.
- What doesn't belong here. Keep a basket handy and toss in all the non-kitchen items so that they may be taken to their appropriate rooms once the basket is full.
- How many of those kitchen gadgets are you really using? How many can openers do you need in a drawer and do you really use all those plastic containers. Sort through and get rid of the extra items and ones that haven't been used in a long time. Give them to a young couple starting out, or save them for a garage sale. An overcrowded kitchen is a dysfunctional kitchen.
- Items that are used only once a year, like that big turkey platter or roasting pan, can be stored up high or even in another location.
- Once the clutter has been cleared and items have been reorganized into more functional places, it may still be a matter of not having enough space. This is the time to install extra drawers that attach under your cupboard or plastic space saving devices that attach to the pantry door. Look around and see where you could add extra drawers or shelving.
If you are designing a new home the choices are endless. You naturally want your home to be functional, beautiful and safe. Time spent planning for safety is time well spent. There are many safety features to take into consideration before you start building your new home and here are a few more suggestions to add to your list.
Safety Features - Children
If children are in the picture or will be one day, attention should be paid to avoiding sharp edges such as hearths.
An excellent idea for children who at times answer the front door is to have peep holes installed at a lower height - accessible to the child.
Keeping medication over the bathroom sink is forgetting that children love to climb. Drugs and other potentially dangerous materials can be stored at any height as long as they are locked and inaccessible to children.
And finally, a lowered light switch, particularly in a child's room, makes a lot of sense.
Safety Features - Everyone
You may know just where the candles are in case of a blackout but a good idea is to have emergency lighting installed in the hallways and staircases. It is relatively easy and can be integrated with smoke alarms.
And while you are installing the smoke alarms, don't forget about carbon monoxide detectors.
When pre-wiring for telephones and cable a good plan would be to put in the wiring for a security system that you may want installed at a later date.
Whether you are planning on selling or planning on staying in your home for the next few years, it is in your best interest to maintain your home. With periodic inspections and a little work you can save your home from becoming run down or, in real estate lingo, a handy man special. Your home will keep its value, the cost of repairs will be much less and your home will be a source of pride.
Some points of inspection are:
The furnace - If your filter is so thick you can not see through it then it is definitely time to change it. The furnace filter should be checked on a monthly basis.
Insulation - If your insulation has holes in it then there is a good chance that there is excess moisture.
The fireplace - Examine your chimney for any cracks and if found, repair them immediately. Every few years chimney flues should be cleaned.
Gutters - Gutters that are left unchecked can collect leaves and other debris causing drainage problems and corrosion.
Stop the car! There it is. The perfect house.
Congratulations. You have finally found the home that you have been searching for these past few months. It is everything you have dreamed of and the price is very reasonable. Hmmm. Why is it so reasonable?
Perhaps it is time to take a good long look at the neighbourhood.
Location
- Where are the schools?
- How close is public transportation?
- How far away is the shopping centre?
- Are there any parks or recreation centres nearby?
- Are there any churches, daycares or playgrounds in the area?
Pride of Ownership
- Are the other homes well landscaped?
- Are the exteriors looked after?
- Are there sidewalks?
- Are there street lights?
Demographics
- Is this an area of young families?
- Is this an area of seniors?
- Is this an area of singles?
- Is it mixed age groups?
Neighbourhood Problems
- What is the crime rate?
- Are the schools safe?
- Is there heavy traffic?
- Is there a lot of air pollution?
- What about noise pollution?
- Are there any abandoned buildings in the area?
Choosing a neighbourhood is as important as choosing the right home. Both should be given the same consideration.
There may not be much you can do to prevent crime in the streets but there are many simple things you can do to make your home a safe haven.
- Take a good look at the outside of your home and ensure that your front and back entries are well lit and any bushes are trimmed back.
- Doors should be locked day and night. Not all intruders work under the cover of darkness. The bold ones will enter during the day whether you are home or out in the back garden.
- Spend a little more on door locks, install locks on windows, and if you have sliding glass doors make sure they are secured from the bottom.
- Installing an intercom system will allow you to question the visitor before deciding to answer the door.
- If you are on vacation you can install electric light timers to give the appearance of an occupied home and you can ask a neighbour to bring in newspapers and mow the lawn until you return.
- Most homes have smoke detectors but it is up to you to ensure they are in working order.
- Get together with your family and plan a route of escape in case of fire.
A better question is, "Can I afford not to?"
A professional inspection can save you a lot of headaches, heartaches and money and ensure that the home of your dreams doesn't end up in your nightmares. Today's wise home buyer knows that a home inspection is worth every penny. Ask your HomeLife REALTOR® for recommendations of reputable inspectors.
Home inspectors will check the basement for leaks or signs of water damage. They will check for proper ventilation and insulation. A home inspection will reveal problems that may not be apparent to the untrained eye.
Plumbing can be another potential trouble spot as well as the electrical system which could be flawed with improper wiring.
Heating and air conditioning systems can cause major problems if faulty or needing attention. Home inspectors are trained to thoroughly check out these systems.
Knowing the condition of the roof, the siding, the framing and the foundation is extremely important.
Ask your HomeLife REALTOR® or home inspector to provide a complete list of items that will be inspected. The thoroughness of the list should convince you that a professional home inspection is definitely something you can't afford not to do.
