Spring is right around the corner, and the official start this year is March 20. Now is good time to get started on the yard work. I am sure some people have been working on their yard already with the incredibly mild winter we had in the DC area. Having said this, watch out now for a blizzard.
I was going to offer a guest blog today, but Heather will be here next week giving some good guidance on how you can make your self and your life more organized.
Here are some good tips for everyone as we get ready for spring:
As you prepare to mulch the flower beds, keep in mind that sometimes you can bring termites into your beds via the mulch. Like all things there are experts on both sides with varying opinions, but it is a concern. Make sure you keep some distance and between the mulch and the foundation and do your own research.
Keep your bushes trimmed so that there is suitable air flow and moisture wont be trapped behind the bushes keeping your wood trim moist causing to wood rot. Also now is a good time to clean the exterior of you house, many of the home improvement stores sell the solutions and brushes to make the job easier, make the house cleaner and are actually good for the environment.
Everyone loves to grill out and now is a great time to check your grill, give it a good cleaning, check the tank, and the burners to make sure they are in good shape. Better to start now and make any needed repairs before you have that juicy steak on the grill. Since we are on the subject of grilling. The sun as much as we love it does have harmful UV Rays. make sure everyone has the right sunblock so they can enjoy the time outside and not get burned.
I had a nice closing yesterday with a really nice young couple, we had a few last minute hurdles to get over and we did. But they now have a new Home. It was great to see them happy at closing.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Spring is among us
As we all get ready for spring, here are a few reminders for things to do around the house
1. Change your furnace filter on a regular basis, this is a cheap and easy process and will keep your home clean and your HVAC unit working easier. It is always a good idea to have your HVAC checked twice a year to make sure it is working properly.
2. Clean your gutters, clean gutters move water more freely and makes sure they do their job and send water where it is supposed to go. Make sure the gutters are attached properly and that the down spouts are pointed away from the house and that the water is just not dropping right into the foundation. Using flex hose divert the water away from your foundation to avoid erosion of the dirt, and water into the basement.
3. Make sure your homes paint is in good condition, when wood is unprotected and comes into contact with water or moisture it acts like a sponge and holds the water and rots the wood. Wood and wood finishes facing north that get very little sin light need some extra attention. Have the exterior of your home looked at and wood replaced and primed and painted every few years.
4. Change your smoke detector batteries. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) recommends that you change your detector batteries twice yearly. The easiest method to remember to change your batteries is when you change your clocks for day light savings time. Also, every few years you should replace your detectors. As a reminder most use 9 volt batteries and keeping those on hand for when the existing batteries go bad will make the switch out easy.
5. Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector. Carbon Monoxide is a odorless gas that can and will kill. Carbon monoxide is a by product of a gas furnace, hot water heater or stove.
Currently there are just over 100 single family homes for Sale in Loudoun County under $400,000, some of these are new homes that need to be built. The rates continue to be good and inventory low. Keep in mind the spring market is here and the rates are great.
Next week a guest article from Heather Brown who owns and operates a "Organizing" company with some tips and tricks.
Call me with any questions
Mark
571-437-5914
1. Change your furnace filter on a regular basis, this is a cheap and easy process and will keep your home clean and your HVAC unit working easier. It is always a good idea to have your HVAC checked twice a year to make sure it is working properly.
2. Clean your gutters, clean gutters move water more freely and makes sure they do their job and send water where it is supposed to go. Make sure the gutters are attached properly and that the down spouts are pointed away from the house and that the water is just not dropping right into the foundation. Using flex hose divert the water away from your foundation to avoid erosion of the dirt, and water into the basement.
3. Make sure your homes paint is in good condition, when wood is unprotected and comes into contact with water or moisture it acts like a sponge and holds the water and rots the wood. Wood and wood finishes facing north that get very little sin light need some extra attention. Have the exterior of your home looked at and wood replaced and primed and painted every few years.
4. Change your smoke detector batteries. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) recommends that you change your detector batteries twice yearly. The easiest method to remember to change your batteries is when you change your clocks for day light savings time. Also, every few years you should replace your detectors. As a reminder most use 9 volt batteries and keeping those on hand for when the existing batteries go bad will make the switch out easy.
5. Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector. Carbon Monoxide is a odorless gas that can and will kill. Carbon monoxide is a by product of a gas furnace, hot water heater or stove.
Currently there are just over 100 single family homes for Sale in Loudoun County under $400,000, some of these are new homes that need to be built. The rates continue to be good and inventory low. Keep in mind the spring market is here and the rates are great.
Next week a guest article from Heather Brown who owns and operates a "Organizing" company with some tips and tricks.
Call me with any questions
Mark
571-437-5914
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The current Market
We continue to see great activity in the market and in some cases some multiple offer situations. The rates continue to be very strong and we expect that to be the trend for the near future.
Remember rates vary from Lender to Lender, but the bottom line still has to be customer service.
Home Warranty's continue to be a great way to protect the seller from issues post closing. They are inexpensive, and provide great peace of mind for both the buyer and the seller.
We will continue to update and be more proactive with the blog.
Remember, if you need me, I am just a phone call away. 571-437-5914. www.markfeatherstone.com.
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