| In
This Issue |
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| Monthly
Quote |
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like
dirt.” -Margaret Atwood
(1939-), Novelist, Critic
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| Tip
Of The Month |
Spring is approaching, and if you garden, you’re starting
to plan this year’s plants and flowers. If you have trouble
deciding what to plant, or if you’re looking for a theme,
try planting a garden for fragrance.
In addition to choosing some of your favorite
blooms, here are some fragrant annuals that require little to
no care:
| ·
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Sweet
peas. A favorite memory for many, the older varieties of this
plant give off sweet scents all day. |
| |
| · |
Heliotrope.
This plant boasts vanilla-scented dusky white or purple flowers. |
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Placing these and other fragrant plants around
walkways, patios or entries will welcome your guests to your home
with a variety of tantalizing smells.
(source: Gardening for Dummies, Mike MacCaskey
& Bill Marken, Wiley Publishing, Inc., 1999)
|
Last
Months
National Survery Results |
|
What features do you look for when buying
a home?
The top 5 responses were:
| 1. |
Condition of Home |
475 |
| 2. |
Location of Home |
467 |
| 3. |
Number of Bedrooms |
458 |
| 4. |
Air Conditioning |
440 |
| 5. |
Number of Baths |
403 |
|
| Quick
Links |
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Homes for Sale
Home Values
Real Estate Trends
Mortgage Info
|
|
Homes
for Sale | Home Values | Real
Estate Trends | Mortgage
Info
Regular Maintenance of Your
Home Keeps Problems at Bay
 A
regular household maintenance routine will reduce the time and money
you ultimately spend on your home. Although there are many items that
you can include on your home maintenance list, a recent Realty Times
article discusses a few key items put forth by the National Association
of Home Builders Research Center.
- Caulk. Inspect and/or replace
caulk every two or three years. Regular inspection of all caulk is
vital, even if the product was designed to last years. Environmental,
installation and location factors may affect how the caulk weathers.
Before new caulk is applied, the old caulk should be removed and the
surface cleaned. Read the directions on the tube for proper drying
time and other important information.
- Gutters. Maintaining your roof
drainage system can prevent big problems, such as water in the basement.
Clogged gutters will redirect water to the foundation, the lowest
point in your house. These leaks might undermine the foundation or
encourage mold, which may in turn encourage rodents. Cleaning your
gutters regularly will prevent these problems.
- Humidity. In high humidity areas,
such as bathrooms and laundry rooms, use the exhaust fans to help
prevent mold. If you have a damp basement and are using a dehumidifier,
make sure to clean the filter, empty the tank and inspect or replace
the HVAC filter regularly.
- Sprinklers.
In-ground sprinklers may need to be adjusted regularly so they do
not water the house, which can cause problems with the paint or foundation.
It is best to have an expert, such as the installer of the system,
come back periodically for an inspection.
- Exterior grade.
It is crucial to keep an eye on the exterior grade near the foundation.
Even if your gutters and downspouts are working properly, you could
have problems if water naturally runs toward your house rather than
away from it. Also keep this in mind when planting trees and shrubs.
Planting them too close to the house can cause erosion.
- Paint. You should re-paint your
home every five to seven years. Paint is not purely aesthetic; it
protects your wood from moisture and rotting. You should also keep
an eye on areas that get the most sun or weather. Any cracking or
fading should be addressed regularly.
These simple maintenance items will make your life
as a homeowner easier in the long run. For a more comprehensive list
of maintenance items, try purchasing a general guide to home maintenance
or home ownership, such as the Dummies series of books.
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