Rose Weaver

My daughter suffers from asthma and went undiagnosed for 4 years. Thankfully she does not have a severe case. Since 22 million Americans young and old suffer from this epidemic I decided to devote my spare time in helping fight it. Asthma is not always noticeable and there is likely someone close to you that suffers. The Hampton Roads Healthy Lungs & Air Walk is September 26, 2009 at Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach, registration begins at 9 and the walk at 10. Our goal is to raise $50,000 towards education, research, and advocacy.

Come out on September 26th and support. You can always go to www.lungusa.com to learn more about asthma and ways you can support the American Lung Association.

Please visit my personal fundraising page and help me rais money for The American Lung Association. Click here

Virginia is celebrating their 40th anniversary of Virginia is for Lovers. Virginia wants you to celebrate with them. Click here to find out about the great travel deals that are 40% off.

If you live anywhere near Virginia Beach you must have heard about the Mid Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge. If you have not, July 11, 2009 is the day to go to the Oceanfront and see what it is all about. To be honest with you I have never heard of it, but then again I don't own a hermit crab.

Those with hermit crabs bring them down to 30th Street to race on the 8 foot track specially made for crabs. Lovingly referred to the "Crustation 500" the winner receives the "Order of the Mercury Claw" trophy. If you crab is more like a turtle and just can not seem to put the pedal to the metal the Miss Curvaceous Crustacean Beauty Pageant maybe what you are looking for. Crabs are judged on their beauty as well has how well they decorate there homes.

The events are schedule from 10:00-2:00 PM.

Buying a home is the largest investment most people will make, yet most people are unsure on how to maintain a home. Your car comes with a nice little service manual that tells you every couple of thousand miles you do this type of service. Most homes do not come with this service manual. Here are some tips on how to maintain your home.

FALL/WINTER

Vacuum the condenser coils on the back of the refrigerator and the lower grille to remove all dust build up. If your unit has a drip pan, clean that out and make sure the drain leading to it is free of debris.

The garbage disposal has a tough, stinky job. Use 1/4 cup baking soda, pack if full of ice cubes and let her run. Once all the ice is crushed pour boiling water down the drain and the disposal should be smelling fresh.

Add/Replace weather-stripping to doors and windows. It is also a good idea to buy a tube of caulk and caulk any gaps on the outside of your home.

Clear leaves and debris from your gutters. Check your roof for leaf build up as well. Some valleys on your roof are the perfect spot for leaves to take up residence, once this happens water build up also happens. To avoid a potential leak make sure you clean them off. Trimming trees that over hang your roof is also a good idea this time of year.

Cover up those outdoor spigots with insulated foam covers. If you live in an area that is not prone to frost it is still a good idea. Mother Nature loves to switch her mind at the last moment when it comes to weather.

If you have a basement you need to check to make sure your sump pump is working properly.

Check your heating and air ducts for any leaks, if you find a leak seal with duct tape. Vacuum all heating and air grills to avoid dusty build up. Also change your filter.

As the cold weather approaches so do the rats and mice. They want to stay warm too! If you have an infestation make sure you call the exterminator or you can exterminate them yourself. You want to make sure to rid your home completely as they can chew wiring which could start a fire.

Make sure you clean your dryer vent. This is a common area that is neglected and can pose a fire hazard if not cleaned. It is a good idea to clean every 6 months.

If you have an irrigation system you need to weatherize it to avoid water freezing in the pipes. Remove garden hoses and store them inside.

SPRING/SUMMER

Check your air conditioner to make sure it is ready to cool those hot months. You also want to change your filter every month.

Vacuum the condenser coils on the back of the refrigerator and the lower grille to remove all dust build up. If your unit has a drip pan, clean that out and make sure the drain leading to it is free of debris.

Wash windows and clean or repair any screens.

Check your irrigation system and water hoses not stored inside, to make sure they did not freeze over the winter.

Check your home's exterior for any signs that the paint needs to be touched up, siding needs to be tacked back, or roof shingles that have come off.

Check your ceiling fan blades to make sure you have the leading edge of the blade higher than the tailing edge of the blade to circulate that cool air around your home.

Make sure you clean your dryer vent. This is a common area that is neglected and can pose a fire hazard if not cleaned. It is a good idea to clean every 6 months.

Sharpen your lawn mower blades and tune up any lawn equipment you have.

Clear leaves and debris from your gutters. Check your roof for leaf build up as well. Some valleys on your roof are the perfect spot for leaves to take up residence, once this happens water build up also happens. To avoid a potential leak make sure you clean them off. Trimming trees that over hang your roof is also a good idea this time of year.

These simple but repetitive maintenance chores can help you extend the life of your home and save you on the service calls to the handyman or repairman.

Having a casual conversation with a friend of mine and the topic of new roadways came up. Specifically there is a section of road in Virginia Beach named Nimmo Parkway. Nimmo Parkway today is a series of half sections, half on one side of the city half down the road about 5 miles. There is a plan in effect to connect these sections in the future.

My friend stated "Do you think their agent told them about this roadway before they purchased that house"? Really good question I thougt. I know that I inform all my clients to check with the City prior to purchasing a home to find out city plans for the area the home is in. I am sure not all Realtors practice this.

The City's 20 year road plan could affect your decision on buying in a particular area. What if that major roadway is going to run right alongside your new dream home. You may want to invest a little time looking into where future roadways will go and expansion of current roadways.

Go to your City's website and look for management services once there you will look under Capital Improvement and you should see "roadways" listed. This is where you will find the most current agenda for future and current roadways.