Real Estate Information

The basics of power washing are covered in this short YouTube video. It may help as you prepare your home for a potential buyer's pivotal first impression. 

If you plan on taking out a mortgage to purchase a home you will need to purchase Homeowners Insurance.

This short video does a good job explaining what to consider when making your purchase and may save those of you who already own Homeowners Insurance some money.

I love when that happens. You plop yourself into your office chair, take the first sip of morning coffee and begin clearing the email from over night.

Most of the emails are solicitations trying their best to sell some "can't miss" winner guaranteed to make me more money.

Uh huh,

But what's this? Almost hidden amidst the spam is an email from a recent listing client. "Hmmm, that listing closed awhile back. I wonder what she needs?"

I open up the email and begin reading;

"Dear Anita & Mark,

Just wanted to thank you for all your hard work in the closing of our home. I received the final papers from the title company this week.

My father passed away a year ago and my goal was to sell the house before this summer. It's funny that with all the issues involved with the sale I have no regrets.

I was impressed by your professionalism and attention to detail. I truly believe this would not have sold with any other realtor.

Again, thank you. Hopefully real estate will turn around soon in the South Bend area.

Martha"

Well doesn't that just make the day start off a whole lot better. Honest praise means so much more when it's unexpected and not requested.

Thanks so much Martha. You were wonderful to work with and we appreciate your compliment. We hope we can serve you again in the future.

Anita & Mark

I read an interesting article this morning I thought I'd share with you. The title of the article is, "Is Your Home to Blame for Sinus Pain?" 

Here are some quick bullet points from the article:

• There are countless allergens in the average household that can cause sinus pain and pressure.
• You can have a clean house and still have problems
• Pets can be an irritant
  • Even if cat or dog resided in home before you got there.
  • Pet dander can get so ingrained in upholstery you have to remove everything from previous owner such as carpets and furniture
• This time of year air-conditioning system can cause sinus problems
  • Change A/C filters on regular basis to avoid issues
• If you have done everything possible in your home to get rid of allergens in your home and you're still sneezing you may need medication.
• Nasal saline irrigation is a natural remedy that may work

To read the complete article, which isn't too long click: "Is Your Home to Blame for Sinus Pain?"

Here is a link to an informative article about "Carpenter Ants". It touches on

Characteristics
Life Cycle
Signs of Infestation
Prevention
Treatment and Control

Here are some bullet points of the article:

Characteristics:

• Among largest species
• Queen 9/16"
• Workers 1/4 - 7/16"
• Adults vary in color
• Black carpenter ant most common that nest in home

Life Cycle

• Capenter ants swarm in spring
• After 3 - 6 years colony will contain 2,000 - 3,000 workers and will start to produce "swarmers".
• Swarmers produced in autumn (wait until spring to emerge)
• Mature colony usually contains one queen with 200 to 400 winged swarmers

Signs of an Infestation

• Swarmers found inside house is a likely sign of a nest in or under house.
• Swarmers found outdoors or on porches sign of nearby colony.
• In early spring worker ants may be found looking for water around sinks
• Ant trails may extend 300 feet from nest
• Can hear sound from a colony that infest house
• Sawdust is tell-tale sign of carperter ant infestation
• Damage appears as slit-like opening
• Do not eat wood; they tunnel while building nest
• Perfer wood with 15% moisture content
• Invade through foundation cracks, windows, doors or heating/AC vents
• Primary food for Carpenter Ants is honeydew
• Water is also important

Prevention

• Nearby trees or tree stumps breed potential for carpenter ant infestion
• Inspect property
• Insecticides OK but don't overdo
• Key is to remember Carpenter Ants are usually associated with moisture and wood

Treatment and Control

• Carpenter ants found in home does NOT necessarily mean there is nest inside
• Step 1 - determine if nest is indoors
• Alternative to spraying - bait ants outdoors
• Concentrate on first on areas around home most vulnerable to moisture
• In general, baits are best approach to dealing with ants
• May require full week before activity declines
• Do NOT spray where you place bait

Much more can be discovered by reading the full article on Carpenter Ants

Looking for a practical gift that performs a vital function to your daily life? Of course you are and here it is.

Necessity is the mother of invention and when it comes to cutting a piece of cake necessity has finally produced "The Piece of Cake". 

This absolute necessity to your current collection of kitchen utensils neatly cuts a piece of cake and lifts it out so you don't leave a single crumb for any one else.

Just press down, lift up and ...Voila.

The only real problem I can see with this terrific kitchen tool is the size. I'd have made it a tad larger :-)

Click here to learn more about "A Piece of Cake".

I think most crooks have the hide-a-key inside a plastic rock figured out by now. I would venture to guess many homeowners put their plastic hollow rocks somewhere close where they won't lose them, like say next to the doormat on their front porch.

Well here's a nifty idea from thinkgeek.com that should keep the bad guys guessing.

Stick an extra set of keys in this water tight compartment or even an emergency USP drive.

Gosh, what will they think of next :-)

Click here for more information: Sprinkler-Hide-A-Key

Here's a little home improvement item you might find interesting. This practical product allows you to update your lighting without an electrician. It is an adjustable length instant pendant light with a bell shade. It takes less than 10 minutes to install because this pendant light replaces a light bulb in an existing recessed fixture (4" - 6-1/2"dia). If you're looking for a simple affordable way to spruce up your kitchen this ingenious light fixture might just fit the bill.

For those not familiar with selling real estate you might be surprised by this next sentence.

Selling real estate is like watching your daughter get married.

As you watch her stroll down the center aisle you're happy and sad at the same time. Happy because she is beginning her new journey in life and you have successfully prepared her for that journey. Sad because she is leaving home and you will miss her day-to-day company. Selling a home for a client can be very similar.

The owners of this home were just terrific people to serve and we are so happy for them as they begin their new life in upper Michigan. But we are sad they are gone and will miss the friendship we developed.

We do have a standing invitation to come stay with them in Michigan anytime. An invitation we just might take up someday.

It's that time of year again. Time to kick back, yank that cell phone out of your pocket and call the professionals.

You stick to what you do best. Relax.

Consider this post a friendly reminder to give yourself a break this summer and spend more time smelling not trimming your roses.

Services rendered:

• Spring Clean Up
• Lawn Service (small to large)

Serving South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger areas.

Free estimates available. Call anytime....

Ask for Jason or Bill (574-329-4963)