Hint - Smoke Detector

As you know, being a homeowner is a big responsibility. There are myriad things to tend to and, often, some of the little, yet important, things get pushed aside. From time to time, I will write to remind you about some of these little, important things. For example:

Have you checked the batteries in your smoke detector recently? Fire marshalls say that almost all fire-related deaths can be avoided by a working smoke detectors. A good rule of thumb is to change your batteries twice a year, in the spring and fall, when you re-set your clocks. That way your smoke detector will always run like clockwork! And your family will always be protected. So, remember to check your batteries.

Presidents Day

One holiday for two great presidents, Lincoln and Washington. Each of these presidents was great enough to have their own holiday. And at one time, they did.

But in our rush to institutionalize holidays, and make them fit in school and bank schedules, we may have accidentally improved on two great holidays. By making one day devoted to all great presidents.

One great president proved his high expectation for the country and each of us in one sentence.

"The ablest man I ever met is the man you think you are."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt.

As we celebrate Presidents' Day, let's acknowledge that it's really a tribute to all greatness. To all leadership.

Enjoy the holiday!

Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, why not mix things up a bit and, instead of giving the traditional flowers or chocolates, say “I appreciate you!” with a few inventive projects that will fill your home—and their hearts—with a little love.
Like so many of us, you probably have a nagging to-do list at home that never seems to get done. As a gift idea, find something that’s symbolic of each task, wrap it up, and give it to your partner with a note promising to get it done. Remember to follow through!
Your creativity and commitment to tackle those “to-dos” should work magic on your mate and make life a little simpler in the process! Oh, and feel free to throw a box of chocolates in, too!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Closet control. You will find lots of handy closet-organizing tools at your local home improvement center. Whether you use easy-to-install wire components or hire a professional service to build a more permanent solution, having a place for everything in your closet should put a smile on your loved one’s face.
Drop the drip. Fixing a leaky faucet will not only eliminate a minor irritation, but it also will save countless gallons of water each month. The repair often is simply a matter of replacing a washer or “O” ring. Check with your local handyman or home improvement center for the best fix.
Make it rain. Update your old showerhead with one of today’s top-of-the-line models. It will turn your daily shower into an oasis that reminds your partner how very much you care!
Bop while you chop. Install an under-the-cabinet stereo/CD player in the kitchen so your partner can enjoy tunes while preparing meals.
Update his workspace. Wow him with a garage or workroom makeover, just don't move the tools!. Add a TV or stereo, or create a mini-fridge or coffee pot corner. If you’re unsure of what he would like, wrap up a home improvement center gift card so he can update his pegboard or get the new saw he’s been eyeing!
Bloom where you’re planted. Take a day to re-mulch landscaped areas, plant seasonal flowers and spruce up your front door area! A fresh look is sure to brighten everyone's day.
Maid to order. Take your spouse away for a little rest, relaxation and pampering. While you’re gone, send a cleaning service in to scrub those floors, buff up those bathrooms and refurbish the refrigerator.
Even if you’re not handy around the house, there are plenty of local contractors who would be happy to cost-effectively check some of the headaches off of your to-do list! You also can find helpful resource books and guides at your local home improvement center.

Financial Information

This may be a good time to remind you that we maintain a permanent file of financial information (closing statements, settlement charges, real estate taxes, etc.) regarding your home purchase.

This is very good news if you're one of those people who would rather go to the dentist than attempt to keep your financial files straight. On the other hand, it's probably only moderately interesting if you're one of those people who saves and files papers with ease.

Either way, if at any time you need an exact figure for financial record-keeping reasons or tax preparation purposes, a copy of a document for your files or if you have a question about any other real estate matter, please call or email me.

You lost your house - but you still have to pay

Former homeowners may still be on the hook if there's a difference between what they owed on their mortgage and what the bank could sell it for at auction. Read the CNN report here:
http://money.cnn.com/2010/02/03/real_estate/foreclosure_deficiency_judgement/

Happy Groundhog's Day

I know, it's an unusual reason to write a blog, but Groundhog's Day is a very important holiday. There's a whole "Groundhog's Day" section at Hallmark now. Did you know?
For those of you who are wondering just what Groundhog's Day is, it's the national holiday that elevates a certain groundhog (one that lives in Pennsylvania, I think) to weatherperson status. Now, on this day, if this certain groundhog comes up from the ground and sees its shadow, that means there's six more weeks of winter.
Kind of a silly reason for a holiday. Unless you look at it like this: If a groundhog can be a weather expert, you can be absolutely anything you want to be.