Tips

Family Fire Safety

December 19, 2013 in Tips, Uncategorized - Leave a Comment
Family Fire Safety

FEMA reports that each year more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in home fires in the United States, with direct property loss due to home fires estimated at $7.3 billion annually. Most home fires can be prevented. Here are some ways to prevent fires.

  1. Install smoke alarms outside of every bedroom and on every level of your home. It should be properly installed and maintained. According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.
  2. Never overload circuits or extension cords, electrical fires could result. Inspect outlets and power cords on a regular basis.
  3. Chimneys should be inspected annually.
  4. When using space heaters, allow enough room between the device and items such as clothing or flammable liquids.
  5. Do not leave pans on an open flame unsupervised, most residential fires begin in kitchens.
  6. If you must smoke, do it outdoors. Cigars and cigarettes common culprits of fires.
  7. Instead of standard candles, consider flameless, they provide the same functions, but are a lot safer.

Visit www.fema.gov for more information.

The Pros/Cons of Condo Living

December 17, 2013 in Buyers, Sellers, Tips - Leave a Comment
The Pros/Cons of Condo Living

Condo living can have its perks. However, when contemplating the purchase of a condo instead of a house, it’s important to weigh both the pros and cons. Here are some factors to consider.

Cons:

  1. Close quarters. If privacy is important to you, maybe condo living isn’t for you. Neighbors are often right across the hall or on the other side of a wall. Unlike a single-family dwelling that may offer trees and a perimeter fence for privacy, expect to share space with others.
  2. Association fees. A monthly fee, independent of your mortgage, goes towards the upkeep of the property. When considering a purchase, it is crucial to factor these fees into your overall budget.
  3. Resale value. When it comes time to move, if there are a lot of units available in your building, expect fierce competition.
  4. Rules and regulations. Unlike a home, condo owners are subject to rules and regulations, and suffer financial or legal consequences for violations. Frequently there are restrictions on renovations, noise and even the size of pets that are permitted.

Pros:

  1. Repairs. Any maintenance or repairs in your building are not your responsibility. Don’t worry about the torn shingles, leaking roof or broken furnace, your association fees will cover it.
  2. Security. Many condos offer extra security, such as a doorman and gated entries. Also, with so many neighbors, help is never far away.
  3. Added perks. Some complexes offer amenities that are out of reach to many homeowners, such as a clubhouse, fitness center or a community pool.

This information is courtesy of Century 21 life@home newsletter.

5 Ways to Save on Moving Costs

December 12, 2013 in Tips - Leave a Comment
5 Ways to Save on Moving Costs

There is no reason for you to overpay when it comes to making your next move. Here are some tips that may keep moving costs down.

  1. Lighten your load. Moving companies frequently charge by the weight of your cargo and the number of trucks required. Eliminate anything you rarely use. Measure your furniture and determine if your new space will accommodate the items BEFORE moving. You’d be surprised how much you can make with a yard sale or the value of a tax deduction for donated items.
  2. It never hurts to ask. If you are moving due to business, ask your employer if they cover any of the costs. Often businesses offer employees an incentive to move, such as a lump sum to put towards moving costs.
  3. Uncle Sam can help. Save all moving expense receipts. The government may offer tax breaks if your move fits certain criteria.
  4. Hire the right movers. Shop around before hiring a moving company. Get at least three different bids on your job to compare prices. Companies typically charge more on the weekends and in the summer months, so if possible, be flexible with your dates.
  5. Don’t pay for supplies. When it comes to buying boxes and bubble wrap, it adds up. Visit local liquor stores, bookstores and grocery stores and ask for any unused boxes and containers. Instead of Styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap, which are harmful to the environment, use bath and dish towels to pad your items instead.

This information is courtesy of Century 21 life@home newsletter.

Safety rules for your teenager when they’re home alone.

December 3, 2013 in Tips, Uncategorized - Leave a Comment
Safety rules for your teenager when they’re home alone.

Whether your teenager is home alone after school until you get home from work or even briefly while you run errands, here are some safety tips that may help keep them safe.

  1. Stay connected. Keep in touch with your child and check in regularly through Skype, FaceTime or by cell phone.
  2. Practice makes perfect. Practice what to do in the case of an emergency BEFORE leaving your teenager alone. This includes what to do in case of a fire or medical emergency.
  3. Ground rules. Set a list of guidelines for your teenager so he/she knows exactly what is expected of him/her.
  4. Backup plan. Ask a trusted relative or neighbor to regularly check in with your teenager. You can also appeal to your local police for added vigilance of your home.
  5. Keep it quiet. Make sure your teenager does not announce that he or she is home alone on social media.
  6. Knowledge is power. Teach your teenager how to use your home alarm system.
  7. Double check. Make sure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and refresh the batteries.

This information is courtesy of Century 21 life@home newsletter.

6 Tips to Make Your Home Green (and save some green!).

January 2, 2013 in Tips, Uncategorized - Leave a Comment
6 Tips to Make Your Home Green (and save some green!).

A home is a big purchase and every new homeowner knows that every dollar counts. Here are some simple ideas that are both kind to the environment and your wallet.

  1. Purchase a high-efficiency showerhead. This cuts down on both water consumption and energy costs.
  2. Upgrading your appliances? Consider energy-efficient appliances with the ‘Energy Star’ logo. According to the Energy Star site, Energy Star-qualified appliances use 10%-50% less energy and water than standard models. Remember to ask about discounts, especially when purchasing several appliances at once.
  3. Get with the program. Set your thermostat to accommodate the schedule of your home. Lower the heat during the day when no one is at home and at night when occupants are sleeping. Also, try to maintain a moderate temperature, instead of cranking the heat or air conditioning to drastically change the temperature.
  4. Utilize fans instead of air conditioning. Consider operating fans to circulate the summer air instead of opting for the more expensive and less environmentally friendly air conditioning.
  5. Insulate and seal the gaps. Hidden gaps and cracks within a home lead to an abundant loss of heat in the winter and air conditioning in the warmer months. Caulk any leaks around windows and doors, in attics and around fireplaces. Proper insulation installation or roof replacement may be necessary.
  6. Replace lights with LED or compact fluorescent bulbs. The cost is more upfront, but the lights use less energy and last longer.

This information is courtesy of Century 21 life@home newsletter.