Pamela STETSON

Summer is a great time to get your home in shape --- for sale or showings --- or just to keep your home in tip top shape all year round. But, before you take on the challenge of sprucing up your surroundings make sure that you take the time to ensure your safety and the safety of your family & friends.

As a former "energy communications marketing consultant" for a major NJ utility we would often remind customers about the benefits of sprucing up your home but...at the same time...we would remind customers about common sense approaches to home projects. Caring for your home will provide long term results to your bottom line when you ultimately sell your home --- resulting in long term financial benefits AND usually, these will help your short term energy savings, too.

Let's take a look at the following TIPS:

Before you dig --- call your energy provider

Summer is a great time to plant flowers, trees and shrubs. Pruning in and around the foundation of your home is critical! Keep roots away from your foundation and allow at least 2 feet between plantings and the base of your home. Trim trees or shrubs away from windows and doors. Do plant shade trees on the south and west side of your home to provide maximum energy efficiency. BUT, before you dig --- call your energy provider. You do not want a simple home project dig to turn into a disaster by hitting a power or gas line. Your energy company is happy to come out and mark your yard --- providing you with peace of mind about your project.

Here is a great how-to video for shade tree planting:

www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=categorySelect&category=Project%20Planning&ytID=C9MxrQyyvxs

Take NOTE of electric lines

When using a ladder outdoors, be aware of the location of electric lines running to your home. You may think you have plenty of distance but when you move the very tall ladder --- make sure you have plenty of distance between you and the wires connected to your home.

NEVER operate electric trimmers or equipment

with wet hands, in wet grass or around wet shrubs. Make sure that your electrical cords are grounded, are heavy-duty and make sure that they are not damaged in any way. A sure way to electric shock --- is through a split cord or a cord that has been repaired with TAPE. Better to get a new cord --- than get the shock of your life.

Cleaning your gutters, windows or your TV antenna

Hire a professional. It is just that simple. More accidents happen when weekend warriors take the ladder to the roof line or by walking on a roof. Unless you do this for a living --- why jeordize your life and limb, so to speak because you want to take on this type of project. Yes, I know you can do it ... but ... think of all the time & money wasted from trips to the hospital resulting in broken arms or legs. Our rule at home --- if it is more than one story tall --- call in a professional.

Water your landscape --- efficiently

Whether you have a sprinkler system or not, use timers for a more effective and water savings way to keep your lawn green AND keep green in your pockets. Check local ordinances for the best time to water based on watering restrictions that may be in effect in your area but most lawn care professional tend to agree that the best time to water is very, very early in the morning.

Cool your budget --- Raise your thermostat

By raising your thermostat from 73 to 78 degrees can save you as much as 15% in energy costs! It is so easy to do --- it helps save energy, saves money on your bill AND most importantly, helps your local community to maximize and share energy resources. For more energy savings tips see www.pseg.com.saveenergy .

There are also many energy saving tips and saving opportunities at your local hardware or home center or visit www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=categorySelect&category=Project%20Planning&Ne=10000&N=0 for energy saving tips AND project you can do!

Looking for help with your project go to: www.lowes.com/videos . They have a library of do-it-yourself project info.

Another great resource is http://www.energystar.gov/ . There you will find menus of energy saving choices for your home or business.

Remember to have FUN in the SUN --- and stay safe all summer long. Simple upkeep to your home will result in monthly savings and it will add value to your largest financial asset --- YOUR HOME!

Ramapo RIVER Views!

See one of the best locations in the Ramapo River Reserve ...

Beautiful townhome with soaring 12 foot ceilings set just above the water's edge. You can literally walk out from the finished lower level patio to miles of footpaths, hiking, kayaking and more. And, inside --- luxury appointment are featured throughout the home.

The complex features a pool, gym and clubhouse, too. All within 30 miles of NYC and major highways --- yet peaceful and quiet. Come take a look for yourself this weekend.

LET ME SHOW YOU THIS HOME --- Contact me for your personal tour at CupaT@aol.com . Or cllick through the web page below. You can print photos or a brochure, if you like...

www.18TimberlineLane.com

You cannot get any better than this price and this location! Call or email for more details...

Join US on SUNDAY, JUNE 14 for a beautiful HOME TOUR experience ---

www.DeGraafCourt.com

11 De Graaf Court

Mahwah, New Jersey 07430

Sunday, June 14, 2009

1 pm to 4 pm

For more information contact me at CupaT@aol.com or call

201.675.1618 Cell .

The township of Mahwah last had it's revaluation over 6 years ago and plans are underway for a new town Revaluation. The plans were originally scheduled for municipal assessments to take place in 2007. The mayor and town council had realized that significant changes were taking place in the Real Estate market so, they applied for and received a 3 one-year extensions. This will bring the revaluation to 2011.

The collection and preliminary field work and assessments will beging during 2009-10. Values will be established in Octover of 2010 for assessments in 2011. Property owners will be notified to inspections via MAIL prior to inspections in each neighborhood in Mahwah.

For more information, see http://www.mahwahtwp.org/Cit-e-Access/webpage.cfm?TID=64&TPID=6805 . There is a neat tax calculator featured on this page as well!

For more information about buying or selling your largest financial asset, contact me at 201.675.1618 or email CupaT@aol.com .

copyright Pamela Stetson 2009

Rio Vista ESTATEs --- Luxury Lifestyle in a Prime Location

The Rio Vista Community offers luxury living in Northern Bergen County. This home, on DeGraaf Court, features a LANDSCAPE award winning yard with built in gunite pool, LYNX outdoor kitchen and lushly landscaped grounds on a hugh flat 1 ACRE plus private yard.

Set on a cul-de-sac in the heart of the community, the home has been completely renovated and updated. Custom features include a commercial kitchen with granite and stainless steel appliances. The home is an entertainers delight with a huge great room, music room, large dining room and perfect, open floor plan

--- just perfect for family gatherings and events.

www.DeGraafCourt.com

*** see the new web page for details ***

Upstairs features a sumptous Master Suite with trey ceiling, custom window treatments, large marble bath with whirlpool , shower , custom cabinetry and marble accents and full, custom closets.

This floor also features 5 more bedrooms and 2 totally remodeled baths and a back stairway.

The lower level is just wonderful with full kitchen with granite counters.

Custom built-in theater and game area and a 2,000 bottle Refridgerated WINE CELLER.

This home has it all --- and you can, too.

CALL ME for more information. Asking price available upon request.

CupaT@aol.com or 201.675.1618.

Live the LUXURY LIFESTYLE in the heart of RIO VISTA. So close to NYC, golf, all major highways. The community has it's own pool, tennis, gym and club house facilities.

New Jersey Monthly Magazines has sited MAHWAH as THE BEST PLACE to live in Bergen County --- two years in a row! See http://njmonthly.com/articles/best-of-Jersey/best-places-to-live---the-complete-top-towns-list-.html .