We’ve all seen the lists and heard the recommendations for which home improvements add value, and which ones warrant second thought. Landscaping falls firmly in the first category, especially when you’re selling your home. Certainly landscaping, like everything related to your home, is going to be a matter of taste. Where you might enjoy raking… Read More
Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Virtually undetectable by humans, it is highly toxic. Most builders are required to install carbon monoxide alarms in residential new construction. I might argue that every home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector. The most likely culprits? Gas appliances, hot water heaters, fireplaces, coal, pellet and… Read More
Did you know, that something called a CLUE report can be critical when you’re buying a home? CLUE stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange and might also be known as a Letter of Experience or simply Property Insurance History. This report details all insurance claims made against a specific property, typically within the past 7… Read More
Weather skirmishes differ in personality but many are capable of being harmful or damaging to your property, and in various regions of the country we are now anticipating some version storm season. Along the East Coast, folks are readying for hurricanes while the Southwest has Monsoon to look forward to, and though thunder storms can… Read More
Tis the season. Throughout most of the country, Winter is notorious for provoking power outages. Most often caused by storms and accidents, power blackouts can wreak havoc on our health and safety. Freezing pipes, spoiled food, hampered communications, and exposure to extreme temperatures are among the serious threats that can that can befall you during… Read More
Now is the time! Even here in Arizona we’ve been warned. Residents North of Flagstaff and along our Eastern border with New Mexico, have already seen a snowstorm, unseasonable weather and short-lived to be certain, but a playful reminder that weather anywhere can turn on a dime. How often do we think about turning on… Read More
The Importance of a Home Safety Check Both Realtors and Homeowners need to be aware of what is included in the Home Seller’s listing disclosures, as what is not disclosed may come back to bite you. The first step in identifying items that might need to be disclosed is by doing a thorough safety check… Read More
Are there environmentally friendly ways to eliminate insects? When home buyers ask about pests in Arizona I usually pass on a local adage that was conveyed to me when I moved here: “There are two kinds of houses in Arizona, ones that have termites and ones that will have termites”. Having said that, in the… Read More
What time of year should you be most aware of fire threats in your home? The groundhog is forecasting 6 more weeks of winter. That means six more weeks of fireplaces and wood stoves, space heaters, overworked furnaces and, according to the National Fire Prevention Association, increased fire danger. – Firefighters get help with your… Read More
Common Home Health Hazards Can be More Harmful During the Holidays. Your home is cozy and weather tight. You’ve taken all necessary measures to keep Winter weather on the outside. But sometimes consequences of winter-proofing your home may be more harmful than helpful, particularly during the holiday season. Decreased circulation of fresh air along with… Read More
