A growing number of homeowners are uncomfortable using traditional pesticides for a variety of reasons, including health and environmental concerns. If you’re among them, here are some natural ways to deal with insects in your home: Use a mixture of unsweetened lemon juice and water to deter spiders. Spray the solution near doorways and window sills where these arachnoids can enter. Combine an equal mixture of vinegar and water to create an effective deterrent for a variety of crawling insects, particularly ants. Spray the solution on floors and countertops that are close to these creatures’ food sources. Believe it or not, invest in a fake wasp nest (which you can purchase at your local hom
It’s amazing how much damage water can cause. Just two gallons of water from a burst pipe or overflowing toilet can wreak havoc throughout your home and necessitate thousands of dollars in repairs. Ouch! What should you do at the first sign of water leakage? First, stop the source. Turn off the nearest water valve. If you can’t find it, turn off the main water valve to your home. Next, do everything you can to soak up as much water as possible. If necessary, lift carpeting. Pay particular attention to water settling next to walls or inside ductwork. Get these areas dry as quickly as possible. Contain the water. This is important. Do your best to prevent water from infiltrating other rooms to
It’s not uncommon for couples with growing families to trade in their compact cars for something roomier, like a mini-van. The same thing happens with homes. Sometimes families simply outgrow them. How can you tell if that’s happening with your property? Here are some sure-fire signs: You need more space. This is the most common reason people upgrade to a new home. They need more room. For any number of reasons, you might want an extra bedroom, a larger living room, a bigger backyard, or a more spacious kitchen. Rather than put up with feeling cramped, consider exploring the extra space a new home can provide. A renovation won’t fix it. Sometimes, when a property doesn’t fit its owners’
August is a popular time to get work done around the house. Perhaps you’re planning to do some repairs or get started on a decorating or renovation project and need a contractor, interior designer, cleaner, or other professional to help. If so, give me a call. Through my connections in the local “home industry”, I may know reputable professionals I can recommend. In fact, making recommendations is just one of the ways I continue to help my clients in between transactions. It’s part of my mission to be the kind of real estate agent you’d like to work with again, and refer to others. So, don’t be shy about contacting me if you need recommendations or have questions. I’m always delighted to hea
There’s no doubt about it. If you want to keep your home safe from break-ins, you should have good locks on all doors and windows and ideally have an alarm system in place. But home security doesn’t end with locks and alarms. There are other less obvious ways to keep your home safe. For example: Install exterior lights with a motion detection feature. A light suddenly going on will almost always send a potential intruder away. Look for - and, if possible, eliminate - potential hiding spots around your property. Always leave some lights on in your home when you’re away for an evening. Never announce that you’re on vacation or otherwise away from your home on social media sites. (Ask your kids
