Springtime Is The BEST Time To Winterize Your Home

When I first moved into my house I was oblivious to the fact that homes need to be winterized. As a result my first winter there was a very cold one and my heating cost went thru the roof. I was able to do a few things here and there but the major things could not be done as they require to be done on the outside of the house.

First thing is first. You should have a professional home inspection performed.

A home inspection will look at the systems that make up the building such as:

• Structural elements, foundation, framing etc
• Plumbing systems
• Roofing
• Electrical systems
• Cosmetic condition, paint, siding etc.

If you are buying a home, you need to know exactly what you are getting. A home inspection, performed by a professional home inspector, will reveal any hidden problems with the home so that they may be addressed BEFORE the deal is closed.

If you are selling a home, you want to know about such potential hidden problems before your house goes on the market. Almost all contracts include the condition that the contract is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory inspection. And most buyers are going to insist that the inspection be a professional home inspection, usually by an inspector they hire.

Old Man Winter is settling in for a long chilly season.

Outside you'll want to:

• Look for deteriorating finishes. Minor problems can be patched to preserve the wood. Put bigger jobs, such as scraping and refinishing painted or stained areas, on the calendar for next spring or early summer.
• Caulk joints and minor cracks on exterior walls and siding. (pic to the right)
• Store or cover outdoor furniture, toys and grill.
• Purchase rock salt for melting snow and a shovel or snow blower if you don't already have one. Make sure you have the right kind of gas and oil on hand for your snow blower in the case of an unexpected snowstorm.
• Drain and shut off sprinkler systems and other exterior water lines to avoid frozen and broken pipes. Leave all taps slightly open.
• Insulate exterior spigots and other pipes that are subject to freezing but can't be drained or shut off.
• Rake and compost leaves and garden debris, or put out for yard-waste pickup.
• Clean storm drains, gutters and other drain pipes.
• Check the foundation for proper drainage. To do this, spray yard with a hose to see if water runs away from the house. A little shoveling to reshape the earth next to the house may make the water run away from the foundation.
• Make sure dirt or piles of wood don't come into contact with or touch siding, inviting termites and carpenter ants into the house.
• Seal driveway and walkway cracks, if needed, before ground freezes regularly.
• Inspect the roof for loose, damaged or missing pieces.
• Check attic vent openings for nests or other blockages.

Here's what you'll want to do inside:

• Have your furnace system serviced to ensure it's working efficiently and not emitting carbon monoxide. (pic to the right)
• Clean permanent furnace filters and replace paper or disposable filters.
• Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• If you have a fireplace, have your chimney swept thoroughly. It should be cleaned before the soot build up reaches one-fourth inch thickness inside the chimney flue.
• Check your hot water heater for leaks and maintain proper temperature setting (120 degrees recommended by Department of Energy). On older water heaters with less insulation, for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit you lower the temperature, you save 6 percent of your water heating energy.
• Check the attic to see if insulation needs to be added or replaced. This is the most significant area of heat loss in many homes, so it is also important to see that it has proper ventilation. Inadequate ventilation could lead to premature deterioration of the insulation materials. You may also need to check insulation in exterior walls, crawl spaces and along foundation walls.
• Check all windows and doors for air leaks. Install storm windows and putty, caulk or add weather stripping as needed.
• Check basement and cellars for seal cracks or leaks in walls and floor.
• Make sure all vents are clean and operating properly.
• Clean and vacuum baseboard heaters, heating ducts and vents.
• Remove or winterize air conditioning units.

Before the temperatures dip too far south, follow these simple guidelines to winterize your home and save money on utilities.

To find the value of your home with a FREE, over-the-net home HIGHEST Price Analysis, please visit: http://www.newyorkmarketvalue.com/

SEARCH over 50,000 homes online for FREE and be the first to know about HOT NEW LISTINGS before other buyers do, please visit http://www.allnylistings.com/

Disclaimer: The above Real Estate information was provided by Vincent Martinez, Realtor for the #1 Real Estate offices in New York and the #4 office in the USA. Vincent Martinez is a Certified Realtor Short Sale Professional by the Long Island Board of Realtors (L.I.B.O.R.) and a member of Prudential Douglas Elliman - Licensed Real Estate Broker. Vincent Martinez does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog post and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Information here represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author.Springtime Is The BEST Time To Winterize Your Home Copyright © 2009 By Vincent Martinez, All Rights Reserved.

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Steam Clean The Bathroom - Don't re-tile it!

Whether you're working on your home's seasonal deep clean, or planning to entertain guests, you know the amount of time that goes into cleaning your bathroom. And if you have a tile bathroom, you know how much elbow grease and time go into scrubbing and polishing.

But why spend all that time and back breaking effort if it can be easier? Here are a few tips that can help make your scrub down much less painful, and truly showcase the elegance of your bathroom tile.

1. Steam can loosen up even the most stubborn dirt and grime. Try running a hot shower for a few minutes before tackling the tile. Good old elbow grease can get any job done, but there's no reason to work yourself to the bone.
2. Ammonia is your comrade in the war on mold, mildew, and bacteria. Adding a little bit to some soap and water will help knock their foul presence out of the picture and keep them out, while giving your tile a nice polished look.
3. After a good scrub down, a little bit of wax and a quick buff with a hand towel will have your tile glistening, and will also shield it from future scuffs and mucky buildup.

Tile isn't cheap, and isn't always the easiest to maintain. These tips can help you protect your investment and turn your bathroom into a work of art. Try them out next time you tackle your tile, and see what a difference they make!

So just remember all of my Queens, NY homeowners... You'll never get a second chance to make a first impression. So let's make every showing count!!

To find the value of your home with a FREE, over-the-net home HIGHEST Price Analysis, please visit: http://www.newyorkmarketvalue.com/

SEARCH over 50,000 homes online for FREE and be the first to know about HOT NEW LISTINGS before other buyers do, please visit http://www.allnylistings.com/

Disclaimer: The above Real Estate information was provided by Vincent Martinez, Realtor for the #1 Real Estate offices in New York and the #4 office in the USA. Vincent Martinez is a Certified Realtor Short Sale Professional by the Long Island Board of Realtors (L.I.B.O.R.) and a member of Prudential Douglas Elliman - Licensed Real Estate Broker. Vincent Martinez does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog post and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Information here represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author. Copyright © 2009 By Vincent Martinez, All Rights Reserved.

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Give Your Fixtures A Nice Luster Before A Showing

I would say update depending on the condition of the plumbing and fixtures. It may just need to be polished up with a little bit of Brasso to give it that showroom shine (the fixtures of course).

There are several good reasons to make sure all of your plumbing and fixtures look good and are in good working order before putting your home up for sale. When potential buyers come to look at your home, they are likely to turn on faucets and flush toilets "just to see". This is no time to make a bad impression with grungy old fixtures, leaks or stained sinks.

Before showing your home, you should make sure that all faucets and knobs are clean and shiny (again I've found Brasso to be quite cost effective, at only $4.00, in giving it that brand new look we're looking for). If needed, buy new ones. They don't need to be expensive. An inexpensive but shiny and obviously brand new fixture will make a far better impression than an expensive but old and stained one. Another good reason to look after these items before putting your home up for sale is the likelihood of a home inspection prior to closing.

Most savvy buyers will insist on allowing an independent contractor to perform a home inspection before closing. The inspector will be checking for leaks, pressure and making sure any appliances included with the home are in good working order. If the inspector finds any problems in these areas, it could easily cause a delay in closing.

To find the value of your home with a FREE, over-the-net home HIGHEST Price Analysis, please visit: http://www.newyorkmarketvalue.com/

SEARCH over 50,000 homes online for FREE and be the first to know about HOT NEW LISTINGS before other buyers do, please visit http://www.allnylistings.com/

Disclaimer: The above Real Estate information was provided by Vincent Martinez, Realtor for the #1 Real Estate offices in New York and the #4 office in the USA. Vincent Martinez is a Certified Realtor Short Sale Professional by the Long Island Board of Realtors (L.I.B.O.R.) and a member of Prudential Douglas Elliman - Licensed Real Estate Broker. Vincent Martinez does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog post and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Information here represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author. Give Your Fixtures A Nice Luster Before A Showing Copyright © 2009 By Vincent Martinez, All Rights Reserved.

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Preparing Your Home For The Market

After listing you're home with me, I will supply you with a complimentary 20 minute video from David Knox (a real estate superstar). I will also help you prepare your home and if staging is necessary I will be there for you to maximize your homes appeal with the use of some very simple staging techniques.

Here is how it's going to down:

One of the first things I will do before putting your house on the market is prepare your house for sale. I want to show your house off in its best light to maximize your earning potential. I will tour your house with the eye of a buyer - what works, what doesn't work.

Curb Appeal

Does your house have curb appeal? Can we give it a little more pizzazz to draw the buyer in? Would a bit of touch-up paint add dollars to the sale? What about the garden? Is the lawn in order and neatly edged? Are trees and bushes neatly pruned? Are flowers in bloom? If not, it may be time for a garden upgrade. Adding colorful annuals to the front garden will make a big difference. Remember, creating curb appeal will add dollars to your house's final selling price.

Welcome Home

As I walk in the door of your house, I will ask myself, "Will this house say, 'Welcome home' to a buyer?" Looking through the eyes of a buyer, I will recommend changes that will enhance sales appeal.

I'll help you eliminate anything that gives the appearance of clutter. Countertops should be free and clear. Knickknacks, souvenirs, family photos, refrigerator artwork - it's gone. We need to "de-personalize" the house so buyers can imagine it as their home.

Closets and cupboards should appear large and roomy. It's time to make a donation to a local charity or store belongings at a friend's or family member's home.

Reviewing your home room-by-room, I will make recommendations that impact the sale. I'll point out the pieces of furniture that should be removed, rooms that need new paint, carpet that needs to be changed, fixtures that need polishing, windows that need cleaning, and any other improvement that can easily be made to promote the sale.

Setting the Stage

Before the first buyer walks in your door, I'll show you how to set the stage. We want to engage the buyer's senses. Lighting is critical. We'll draw back curtains, open blinds, change light bulbs and add lighting where needed to welcome the buyer. We'll enhance the ambiance with music playing lightly in the background and insure a pleasing aroma emanates from every room.

To find the value of your home with a FREE, over-the-net home HIGHEST Price Analysis, please visit: http://www.newyorkmarketvalue.com/

SEARCH over 50,000 homes online for FREE and be the first to know about HOT NEW LISTINGS before other buyers do, please visit http://www.allnylistings.com/

Disclaimer: The above Real Estate information was provided by Vincent Martinez, Realtor for the #1 Real Estate offices in New York and the #4 office in the USA. Vincent Martinez is a Certified Realtor Short Sale Professional by the Long Island Board of Realtors (L.I.B.O.R.) and a member of Prudential Douglas Elliman - Licensed Real Estate Broker. Vincent Martinez does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog post and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Information here represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author. Preparing Your Home For The Market Copyright © 2009 By Vincent Martinez, All Rights Reserved.

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Traveling further on less gas

After having a chat with my mechanic Jerry Rosario, from the MobilGas Station on 69th St. and Queens Blvd. (Woodside, Queens), I decided to put these tips together for anyone who might be interested in saving a buck. His first piece of advice... buy a hybrid vehicle!

Unless you drive a hybrid car or ride your bike to work, there's no way to escape the gas prices. But there are ways you can get better gas mileage out of your vehicles - which will save you money in the long run. Here are a few ways to help you get better gas mileage:

• A well-maintained vehicle will operate more efficiently. Fouled spark plugs, dirty air filters and clogged fuel filters will diminish fuel economy. Follow the Recommended Maintenance.
• Under-inflated tires require more energy to roll; properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by as much as 3 percent. Keep Tires Properly Inflated.
• Heavier vehicles require more energy to move. Pack light and remove unnecessary items from the car. Take a Load Off.
• Hitting the gas pedal hard after stopping, slamming on the brakes and speeding all decrease fuel efficiency. Don't Drive Aggressively.
• Lower gears use more power, so manual transmission drivers should switch to a higher gear when driving at a steady speed, and automatic transmission drivers should avoid using "sport" mode. Use the Highest Gear Possible.
• Cruise control is a great asset on flat roads, but isn't the most efficient on hilly terrain. Use Cruise Control Selectively.
• Keeping your car washed and waxed improves its aerodynamics, thereby improving fuel efficiency. On a long trip, a quick run through a gas station car wash might more than pay for itself. Think Clean.
• An idling car burns fuel. Whenever possible, turn your car off while waiting, and try to avoid drive-through windows and long toll booth lines. Avoid Excessive Idling.
• Air conditioning consumes more fuel, while rolled down windows decreases aerodynamics. Roll down windows when in slow-moving traffic; use the air conditioner when traveling at high speeds. Think Before You Ventilate.
• Cold engines use more fuel than warm engines. Combining errands means the engine will be warmer for more of the trip. Combine Your Errands.

Also Make sure you check out www.GasBuddy.com for the most cost effective stations nearest to you.

To find the value of your home with a FREE, over-the-net home HIGHEST Price Analysis, please visit: http://www.newyorkmarketvalue.com/

SEARCH over 50,000 homes online for FREE and be the first to know about HOT NEW LISTINGS before other buyers do, please visit http://www.allnylistings.com/

Disclaimer: The above Real Estate information was provided by Vincent Martinez, Realtor for the #1 Real Estate offices in New York and the #4 office in the USA. Vincent Martinez is a Certified Realtor Short Sale Professional by the Long Island Board of Realtors (L.I.B.O.R.) and a member of Prudential Douglas Elliman - Licensed Real Estate Broker. Vincent Martinez does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog post and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Information here represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author. Traveling further on less gas Copyright © 2009 By Vincent Martinez, All Rights Reserved.

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