What to do When Your Basement Floods?!?
We hope you and your families are safe after the passing of Hurricane Sandy!
Should you find yourself with a flooded basement, the clean-up can be a daunting task. Read on to learn how you can start the clean-up and repairs…
Things you will need:
•Electric Pump
•Spray Bottle
•Bleach
•Industrial Size Fan
1) Contact your Insurance Co. – First and foremost, contact your insurance company immediately to find out what your specific policy covers and what the requirements for filing a claim, cleaning up, etc. might be!
2) Fix the source – If POSSIBLE you need to stop the flooding as quickly as possible to reduce the amount of damage. If the culprit is a broken pipe, shut off the main water valve immediately. If the water source is Mother Nature, unfortunately you may need to wait for the flood waters to recede.
3) Remove the water – It is important to get the water out of the basement as quickly as possible. Some homeowners may be aware that their basement is prone to flooding and already have a sump pump in place. If this is a new problem for you, you will want to look into getting a sump pump asap! Many hardware stores will rent them or perhaps you have a friend/neighbor who can lend you a pump. Make sure it is powerful enough for the task at hand and that the hose is long enough to drain the water far away from your home. A last resort would be a wet-dry shop vac, but be prepared for a time-consuming, back-breaking job! Another good idea, if the weather permits, is to open windows in your basement. This will help get some moisture out of the air in your basement.
4) Remove your belongings – Once the majority of water has been controlled and removed, get your belongings to drier ground and begin the process of drying them and salvaging what you can. Spread everything out in a dry area. All toys and similar objects should be dried and then washed with a bleach solution to get rid of bacteria.
5) Pull up carpets and discard – Carpets and padding unfortunately do not usually survive water damage! They are the perfect soggy source for the growth of mold and bacteria. It is best to destroy and replace them.
6) Disinfect – Not only will your possessions need cleaned, but any surface in the basement that can be cleaned SHOULD be cleaned! All walls and the floor should be washed with a weak bleach solution and rinsed with warm water. You can use the spray bottle for easy application of the cleaner.
7) Dry, dry, dry – Once all belongings, carpets, etc… have been removed, and everything has been disinfected……continue with the drying process! You want to make sure EVERYTHING is COMPETELY dry! Some hardware stores will have industrial-sized fans you can rent. Place at least one in the doorway and/or window and point it out of the basement to suck the moisture out. Another option is to turn up the heat, keeping the windows open to allow moisture to escape. However, if the heating system has been damaged by the water…….contact a professional to look at it before you try to turn it on! A dehumidifier can also be used, but if you choose this option you will want to close the windows. Keep an eye on the holding container it will need to be emptied frequently until all moisture is absorbed.
Once DRY, you can begin to replace the flooring and put your possessions back where they belong. Whew…….quite a task!! Hopefully this is one you won’t have to perform too many times!!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Spooky Smells and Sounds in your House
At times the unexplained noises and odors found in your own home can seem terrifying. Here are some simple and reassuring explanations.
Friday, October 26, 2012
SAVE ON UTILITIES
Announcing Homesale Connex to help you save on your utilities and more.
How Homesale Connex works
1. We research great deals with trusted, proven suppliers.
2. Sign-up to take advantage of lower electricity, natural gas, heating oil, cable and
security rates, plus coupons and rebates for appliances.
3. Then the system will monitor each account, advise you on renewal periods, and
new provider opportunities.
No sign up or membership costs. Just go to:
http://www.homesaleconnex.com/go/agordon
to check the deals in your area.
Or give me a call and we can discuss.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Don’t Drench Your Home Sale by Ignoring Plumbing Issues
Don’t Drench Your Home Sale by Ignoring Plumbing Issues
A plumbing checkup should be among your top priorities when preparing your home for sale. Your buying prospects might flush toilets, turns on faucets and inspect the showerheads, while more seasoned “experts” will look under the cabinets for leaks and check for water spots around key areas. The last thing you want is to drench a buyer’s enthusiasm because you didn’t fix a simple plumbing issue.
Major plumbing renovations may be huge selling points, but many homeowners can get as much credit by simply fixing leaks and changing out a few faucets. If you can’t make repairs yourself invest in a reputable plumber.
Before allowing prospective buyers into your home, make sure you have strong water pressure and that there are no stains on any of the porcelain. Hire a local housecleaning company to remove difficult stains.
If you do nothing else, take care of any leaks in your plumbing system, as these will be instant deterrents for buyers. Check as much of your plumbing as possible for corrosion or rust. If your house has more than one story, a smart buyer will look at ceilings for water stains from leaking pipes. Make sure to paint the ceiling following repairs.
Prospective homeowners tend to focus on places where they can use their hands, so make sure that all the hot and cold water knobs are easy to turn, and that the faucets do not leak. Also ensure that sinks and tubs drain easily.
Finally, updated fixtures catch the eye of prospective buyers. A relatively small investment for new faucets can pay off when prospects walk through.
No buyer wants problems. Take care of simple plumbing issues and keep your sale from going down the drain.
For questions about this or any other real estate matter don't hesitate to give me a call.
A plumbing checkup should be among your top priorities when preparing your home for sale. Your buying prospects might flush toilets, turns on faucets and inspect the showerheads, while more seasoned “experts” will look under the cabinets for leaks and check for water spots around key areas. The last thing you want is to drench a buyer’s enthusiasm because you didn’t fix a simple plumbing issue.
Major plumbing renovations may be huge selling points, but many homeowners can get as much credit by simply fixing leaks and changing out a few faucets. If you can’t make repairs yourself invest in a reputable plumber.
Before allowing prospective buyers into your home, make sure you have strong water pressure and that there are no stains on any of the porcelain. Hire a local housecleaning company to remove difficult stains.
If you do nothing else, take care of any leaks in your plumbing system, as these will be instant deterrents for buyers. Check as much of your plumbing as possible for corrosion or rust. If your house has more than one story, a smart buyer will look at ceilings for water stains from leaking pipes. Make sure to paint the ceiling following repairs.
Prospective homeowners tend to focus on places where they can use their hands, so make sure that all the hot and cold water knobs are easy to turn, and that the faucets do not leak. Also ensure that sinks and tubs drain easily.
Finally, updated fixtures catch the eye of prospective buyers. A relatively small investment for new faucets can pay off when prospects walk through.
No buyer wants problems. Take care of simple plumbing issues and keep your sale from going down the drain.
For questions about this or any other real estate matter don't hesitate to give me a call.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Renting versus Buying
RENTING VS BUYING
Owning your own home has often been referred to as the “American Dream”. Before the housing crisis began in 2007, it wasn’t even a question as to whether or not you should try to buy a home. The thought was…..If you could afford it, you should do it!! The housing crisis has definitely taken its toll and made people stop to think before taking this leap. With current mortgage rates at an all-time low, the question has come up again, repeatedly. This could be the best time for renters to become first time homeowners.
Even though the real estate market has changed dramatically over the past few years, your thought process should still be the same as in the past. Some factors you should consider:
•Hope for appreciation. As in the past, your home should appreciate in value over the years. The beauty of your home is more than just an increasing dollar value. Being able to make your home into something that reflects you personally is also a very rewarding.
•Stay put. Be sure you are ready to stay in the same place for at least 4 years. Moving too early can cost you more than just the hassle of packing all your belongings. Moving too quickly will not allow you to build much equity in your home.
•Be ready. Don’t just be emotionally ready to buy, make sure you’re financially ready as well. Build your credit and savings before buying; having both of these items in tip-top shape will help you secure a better interest rate on your mortgage!
•Location. Buy in an expanding area. An area with a growing economy and employment opportunities will help bring greater value to your home purchase.
Still unsure about taking the big step, here are a few more items to ponder:
Advantages Disadvantages
Buying:
•Freedom to paint, remodel and change landscaping
•Build Equity
•Sense of stability, security
•Not dependent on landlord for upkeep
•Responsible for maintenance
•Higher costs, taxes, insurance, etc.
•Less mobility
•Possibility of equity loss or even foreclosure
Renting:
•Little or no responsibility for maintenance
•Easier to move
•No additional costs, like taxes or maintenance charges
•No equity is built up
•No control over rent increases
•Dependent on landlord to make timely repairs, etc.
•No freedom to decorate
Bottom line: after considering the factors above, if you feel like you are in the right place and at the right time in your life to buy a home, I'll be happy to help!
Owning your own home has often been referred to as the “American Dream”. Before the housing crisis began in 2007, it wasn’t even a question as to whether or not you should try to buy a home. The thought was…..If you could afford it, you should do it!! The housing crisis has definitely taken its toll and made people stop to think before taking this leap. With current mortgage rates at an all-time low, the question has come up again, repeatedly. This could be the best time for renters to become first time homeowners.
Even though the real estate market has changed dramatically over the past few years, your thought process should still be the same as in the past. Some factors you should consider:
•Hope for appreciation. As in the past, your home should appreciate in value over the years. The beauty of your home is more than just an increasing dollar value. Being able to make your home into something that reflects you personally is also a very rewarding.
•Stay put. Be sure you are ready to stay in the same place for at least 4 years. Moving too early can cost you more than just the hassle of packing all your belongings. Moving too quickly will not allow you to build much equity in your home.
•Be ready. Don’t just be emotionally ready to buy, make sure you’re financially ready as well. Build your credit and savings before buying; having both of these items in tip-top shape will help you secure a better interest rate on your mortgage!
•Location. Buy in an expanding area. An area with a growing economy and employment opportunities will help bring greater value to your home purchase.
Still unsure about taking the big step, here are a few more items to ponder:
Advantages Disadvantages
Buying:
•Freedom to paint, remodel and change landscaping
•Build Equity
•Sense of stability, security
•Not dependent on landlord for upkeep
•Responsible for maintenance
•Higher costs, taxes, insurance, etc.
•Less mobility
•Possibility of equity loss or even foreclosure
Renting:
•Little or no responsibility for maintenance
•Easier to move
•No additional costs, like taxes or maintenance charges
•No equity is built up
•No control over rent increases
•Dependent on landlord to make timely repairs, etc.
•No freedom to decorate
Bottom line: after considering the factors above, if you feel like you are in the right place and at the right time in your life to buy a home, I'll be happy to help!
Friday, October 19, 2012
New Kingstown Breakfast Ride
Sunday 21 October from 6:00 AM
Breakfast Buffet at the New Kingstown Fire Company
277 North Locust Point Road
New Kingstown, PA 17072
Map
Breakfast Buffet at the New Kingstown Fire Company
277 North Locust Point Road
New Kingstown, PA 17072
Map
Watch as You Walk Through the "Perfect" House
Watch as you Walk Through
There’s nothing worse than finding a great home only to discover that it’s a money pit waiting to happen. Let’s face it, sellers won’t always disclose everything that’s wrong.
No house is ever as “perfect” as it may appear, and with an inspection and due diligence on the part of you and your agent, you will learn about most potential problems. Watch for red flags.
Start by looking around the neighborhood. Are there many homes for sale? Are local stores and restaurants closing? If you notice that a lot of people are looking to leave the neighborhood, there’s probably a reason why. You may have found a great home, but if it’s in a bad neighborhood, it’s going to affect the value.
You also need to pay close attention to the way the exterior of the home has been treated. If you see extra layers of roofing, boards near walls, plants growing out of the gutters or lots of cracks in the pavement, chances are not much care went into maintaining the property.
While you’re outside, look at the yard grading. If the yard slopes toward the house, it could cause a serious water problem with water running down the foundation walls or into the basement. Scour the foundation for damage as bulges or cracks bigger than one-third inch can mean the house has serious structural issues.
Don’t be afraid to use your nose as an indicator as well as your eyes. If you smell sewage, gas or anything else that’s unpleasant, it could be caused by serious issues. If you are getting close to a buy, hire a plumbing company to send a camera through the pipes to determine if there are any blockages or breaks.
Inside, one of the most important things to look at is the wiring. Flip the light switches in the home to make sure they work. Check out the fuse box and see if it looks like something out of the 1940s. Ask if the electric has been updated in the last 10 years, because that’s something that can be costly once you move in.
Next, check for bugs, ants and traps hidden in the corners or under baseboards. A savvy home seller won’t leave mousetraps out, but often they forget about the little roach motels. Not that little creatures in the house should immediately scare you away, but if you see lots of ants—especially carpenter ants around wood—it could be a sign that there’s a problem.
Remember, the job of the home seller is to make the house as attractive as possible and hide all of its faults. With a little detective work, you can save a lot of time and money in the long run and make sure that house is good enough to become your home.
There’s nothing worse than finding a great home only to discover that it’s a money pit waiting to happen. Let’s face it, sellers won’t always disclose everything that’s wrong.
No house is ever as “perfect” as it may appear, and with an inspection and due diligence on the part of you and your agent, you will learn about most potential problems. Watch for red flags.
Start by looking around the neighborhood. Are there many homes for sale? Are local stores and restaurants closing? If you notice that a lot of people are looking to leave the neighborhood, there’s probably a reason why. You may have found a great home, but if it’s in a bad neighborhood, it’s going to affect the value.
You also need to pay close attention to the way the exterior of the home has been treated. If you see extra layers of roofing, boards near walls, plants growing out of the gutters or lots of cracks in the pavement, chances are not much care went into maintaining the property.
While you’re outside, look at the yard grading. If the yard slopes toward the house, it could cause a serious water problem with water running down the foundation walls or into the basement. Scour the foundation for damage as bulges or cracks bigger than one-third inch can mean the house has serious structural issues.
Don’t be afraid to use your nose as an indicator as well as your eyes. If you smell sewage, gas or anything else that’s unpleasant, it could be caused by serious issues. If you are getting close to a buy, hire a plumbing company to send a camera through the pipes to determine if there are any blockages or breaks.
Inside, one of the most important things to look at is the wiring. Flip the light switches in the home to make sure they work. Check out the fuse box and see if it looks like something out of the 1940s. Ask if the electric has been updated in the last 10 years, because that’s something that can be costly once you move in.
Next, check for bugs, ants and traps hidden in the corners or under baseboards. A savvy home seller won’t leave mousetraps out, but often they forget about the little roach motels. Not that little creatures in the house should immediately scare you away, but if you see lots of ants—especially carpenter ants around wood—it could be a sign that there’s a problem.
Remember, the job of the home seller is to make the house as attractive as possible and hide all of its faults. With a little detective work, you can save a lot of time and money in the long run and make sure that house is good enough to become your home.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Fall Landscapin to prepare for winter
Fall Landscaping: How to Prepare Your Yard for Winter
Fall landscaping preparations ready your yard for a long winter and glorious spring. Read
| |
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
© Copyright 2012 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
| |
Friday, October 12, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Garage Makeover (Part 2)
Garage Makeover (Part 2)
In today’s economy, homeowners are trying to make every inch of their home useful. They want more active and functional living space. Reclaiming attics, storage rooms, closets, garden sheds and garages is the easiest way to utilize wasted space. Garages are often full of “junk” that we no longer need or use. By giving your garage a makeover you can transform that cluttered space into a totally new and functional living area. By using these few tips you will feel confident and ready to show off your new space.
Furniture
Use a modern modular couch. They are
easily re-arranged and come with removable
slipcovers that can be washed easily. Garage Door
Use colored sheets of plastic to dress-up
the garage door. These can be found at any
hardware store and can be easily screwed into
the door frame.
Windowless?
Peel-and-stick mirrors will reflect light,
creating a brighter space. Storage
Movable partitions are the easiest way to hide
unwanted items.
Accent Color
Pick an accent color and use it sparingly.
Incorporate this color into accesories like
pillows and centerpiece for a table. Lighting
Hanging lights create the illusion
of height and create dimension
against a flat surface.
Floors
Remove old oil stains using an acid cleaning solution.
Use paint (formulated for garage floor use), carpet,
or colorful interlocking tiles to give the floor a more
comforting and appealing look. Door
Don’t forget about the door! Purchase a new door that fits
the style and look of your new room. Make sure to get the
correct size and allow space for weather stripping.
Information courtesy of ThisOldHouse.com and hgtv.com2010.
In today’s economy, homeowners are trying to make every inch of their home useful. They want more active and functional living space. Reclaiming attics, storage rooms, closets, garden sheds and garages is the easiest way to utilize wasted space. Garages are often full of “junk” that we no longer need or use. By giving your garage a makeover you can transform that cluttered space into a totally new and functional living area. By using these few tips you will feel confident and ready to show off your new space.
Furniture
Use a modern modular couch. They are
easily re-arranged and come with removable
slipcovers that can be washed easily. Garage Door
Use colored sheets of plastic to dress-up
the garage door. These can be found at any
hardware store and can be easily screwed into
the door frame.
Windowless?
Peel-and-stick mirrors will reflect light,
creating a brighter space. Storage
Movable partitions are the easiest way to hide
unwanted items.
Accent Color
Pick an accent color and use it sparingly.
Incorporate this color into accesories like
pillows and centerpiece for a table. Lighting
Hanging lights create the illusion
of height and create dimension
against a flat surface.
Floors
Remove old oil stains using an acid cleaning solution.
Use paint (formulated for garage floor use), carpet,
or colorful interlocking tiles to give the floor a more
comforting and appealing look. Door
Don’t forget about the door! Purchase a new door that fits
the style and look of your new room. Make sure to get the
correct size and allow space for weather stripping.
Information courtesy of ThisOldHouse.com and hgtv.com2010.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Tricks to fool Burglar
 | Clever Security Tricks That Will Fool Any Burglar
A little ingenuity can make your house more secure when you’re home alone or away on vacation. Read
|
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
© Copyright 2012 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
| |
Friday, October 5, 2012
Garage Makeover
“An open garage is the window to one’s home,” says Monica Friel, an organizer with Chaos to Order from Chicago. Many of us have the typical garage dilemma…CLUTTER! We often use the garage as an area to store items away, and it can easily get out of control. But don’t worry, there is a solution. With these simple tips, you can have your garage organized and clutter free in no time. You may even be able to park your car in there!
The first thing to do is to CLEAR OUT. Go through the things that are just lying around. If it’s broken throw it away; if you don’t need it or don’t use it, give it away or have a yard sale. Having a yard sale is a great way to make a few extra bucks and can help with the cost of new organizers.
After everything is cleared out, it’s time to MAKE A PLAN. Think about the items you have and what can be stored together. Separating your garage into different zones is a great way to keep your things organized and easily accessible. Give gardening tools, sporting goods, holiday decorations, automotive supplies and garbage their own space. Draw a floor plan, as you would for other rooms in your house, to help you visualize where things will fit best.
Next you’re going to want to CATEGORIZE. Make sure you keep all similar items together. Keep gardening tools in a rolling organizer or stow away totes, for easier access. Hang sporting goods on wall hooks. Categorize holiday decorations in clear totes with color-coded tops. Use green for Christmas, orange for Halloween and red for Fourth of July. Use shelving to organize automotive supplies and tools. Vertical storage systems or particle-board shelving are the most common way to keep tools and supplies together and organized. Make sure that any sharp or dangerous tools are kept out of the reach of children. As for garbage, use cans with lids and working wheels. This makes it easier to transport to the curb. By using a tall shelving unit, like a customizable open-wired system, you can store the cans underneath and still utilize the top space for garbage bags, recycling bins and other items to make the process easier.
Homeowners and sellers alike can benefit from these tips. It’s just one more step in the right direction towards a cleaner, clutter-free home!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Don't forget breakfast rides
This Sunday Oct. 7 Citizens Fire & Rescue in Mechanicsburg.
A great place to fuel up before you go off on your fall foliage ride.
A great place to fuel up before you go off on your fall foliage ride.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
The incredible decrease in the cost of ownership in the last 10 years
Cost of ownership is the real question.
The buyer should always look at the COST of a home, not just the PRICE. The cost is determined by the price and the mortgage interest rate which is available at the time. Below is a list of the interest rates over the last ten years and the impact they have on a $100,000 mortgage payment
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