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12 Delightful Ways to Make Your House Brighter in Winter
November 9, 2018
Meet you under the skylight, on the white sofa, with a cream cheese brownie.
Fall and winter start cozy — who hasn’t used the colder temperatures as an excuse to binge-watch Netflix while swaddled in a couch blanket?
But come January, staying indoors can feel less like a treat and more like you’re living in a cave.
Here’s how to make your house lighter, brighter, and cheerier.
#1 Take the Screens Off Your Windows
You’ll get 30% more sunlight shining indoors without screens on your windows.
Here’s the best part: Sunlight warms your room and saves you money on your heating bill. It’s solar power — for you!
Be sure to store your screens in your garage or basement where they won’t get damaged. In the spring you’ll want to put them back on so you can keep that 30% of the sun out and run your cooling system less.
#2 Hang Outdoor String Lights Indoors
They don’t give off a lot of light, but they’re cheerful as heck.
Drape them around a window or a mantel, or hang a string of LED glimmer lights in a tall potted plant. They’ll add a layer of soft light to your room and remind you of fireflies, flip-flops, and patio parties.
#3 Steal a Little Swedish Chic
Scandinavians excel at making a home light and airy because they’ve got places where the sun doesn’t rise at all from November to January.
And you thought you had it bad.
To adapt to weeks and weeks of polar night, Swedes keep interiors pale to reflect and amplify light.
Think white walls, light woods for furniture and floors, and light upholstery. To get the look without getting rid of your dark furniture and floors, put white or light gray slipcovers on your sofa and chairs, and put down light-colored rugs.
The fastest way to bring a little Sweden into your room is to paint it. Try creamy white, pale blue, or dove gray.
#4 Change Your Bulbs
Replace those incandescent bulbs and their yellowy light with LEDs, which produce a brighter, whiter light.
But get your bright right:
- The higher the K rating on the bulb, the cooler and whiter its light.
- For cool, white light, opt for a bulb rated 3,500K to 4,100K.
- For blue-white light that’s closest to natural daylight, use a bulb between 5,000K and 6,500K.
Unless you live in Sweden (see above) you may want to leave the uber-high K bulbs for grow rooms and seasonal affective disorder therapy clinics — because they’re as bright as real sunlight on a hot summer day at noon. You’ll need sunglasses to read.
#5 Hang Mirrors
Make the most of that weak winter light by bouncing it around the room with mirrors.
If you don’t want the distraction of seeing your reflection all the time, use a large, convex one — also known as a fish-eye mirror. It will amplify light better than a flat one. Another option: Hang a gallery wall of small mirrors.
#6 Replace Heavy Curtains With Blinds or Roman Shades
Fabric curtains, while quite insulating, block light and make a room feel smaller and more cramped, especially if they’re a dark color or have a large print.
Try Roman shades or a simple valance paired with blinds to let in the maximum amount of natural light.
#7 Trim Branches and Bushes That Block Light
If you look out your windows and see the tops of your bushes, grab your pruning shears and get whacking.
You don’t want anything blocking that precious natural light. Same for tree limbs that may be arching down and blocking windows. Cut them off.
#8 Clean Your Windows
Dirty windows block a lot of natural light.
Admit it, yours are kind of cruddy because who remembers to block out an afternoon to clean the windows?
So get it on your list. Clean the glass inside at least once a month and the glass outside once a year. Your serotonin level will thank you.
#9 Swap Your Solid Front Door for One With Glass Inserts
A solid front door can make your house look and feel as dark as a dungeon.
Get rid of it and install a half-light or full-light door that lets the natural light stream in. For even more natural light, add glass sidelights and a glass transom.
The median cost of a new door is $2,000 for steel and $2,500 for fiberglass, before any extras, but a new door will add curb appeal.
Curb appeal equals higher resale value. And coming home in the evening to the warm glow of light radiating out the glass panels in your front door is an instant mood lifter.
#10 Add a Skylight
It’s the ultimate way to bring more natural light into your house. A window only catches sun for a couple of hours a day, but a skylight lets in the sun all day.
An indoor view of the sky makes deepest January more tolerable. And feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, light streaming from above, is liberating. A skylight, installed, can cost as much as $3,000. A cheaper alternative is a tubular skylight, which costs around $1,000.
If you’re really good with tools, you can install a tubular skylight yourself. Don’t even think about installing a full-blown skylight yourself.
#11 Add Plants
Putting pots of plants around your room will remind you that spring and green will return.
Match plants to the amount of light you have, because dead and dying plants are depressing. Tropicals that thrive in indirect light are usually the best choice. If you have a sunny window you’ve got more plant options.
Bonus points for adding a plant that blooms in the winter, like a kaffir lily or anthurium.
#12 Celebrate National Cream Cheese Brownie Day
February 10 is National Cream Cheese Brownie Day. Really. Since February is when winter is feeling longer than a seminar on insurance underwriting, this is exactly when you need to make cream cheese brownies.
Chocolate won’t make the sun shine longer or your house brighter, but it will make you feel better because … endorphins. Besides, you spent a ton of money on that marble-topped kitchen island and those double ovens, so get baking!
New Listing and Open House in Sturbridge, MA!
November 9, 2018
Oasis in Sturbridge! A commuter’s dream! Sitting on 1.5+ acres with deeded lake rights you can enjoy country living AND an easy commute.
This house has been tastefully updated to open concept living with character.
The chef style kitchen with granite, stainless steel appliances, double wall ovens, center cooking island and gathering island is open to the fireplace living room and upper deck.
Full pantry and plenty of storage! The main level Master has a walk in closet, accessory office space, separate side entrance and private bath with tiled shower and jetted tub.
The lower level has been updated with a fantastic family room. The double fire place wall accents the room with a separate entrance, granite, wet bar and stove.
There is also additional space for a guest room or office. Two generous sized bedrooms and a full bath complete the top floor! The property is also being sold with a .78 acre lot on Leadmine Road for additional frontage! (Optional bomb shelter in basement)
Come check out the open house on Sunday Nov 11, 11AM -130PM!
Can’t make the tour?
Take a 3-D Interactive tour by clicking the photo below!
Rental available in Marlborough, MA
November 7, 2018
Wonderful updated rental in the Church Street neighborhood of Marlborough! Take a look at the pictures to see the updated kitchen with brand new stainless steel appliances.
Refinished hardwood flooring in the main living areas and two bedrooms. Dining room, entry way, living room and plenty of closet space with additional storage room on the same level.
Off street parking for 2 cars. Gas heat, central a/c! Rent includes hot water, water and sewer.
Tenant responsible for heat, electric and cable expenses. No pets, no smoking and no laundry in building.
NOTE: This rental requires first, last and security in full. Tenant to supply credit report with application. Minimum credit score that will be considered is 650. No exceptions.
Perilous to Tinker with Home Ownership Programs, Voter Survey Finds
November 6, 2018
A survey uncovers the one thing we can all agree on no matter our political persuasion — home ownership.
Washington may be having trouble finding bipartisan consensus, but a National Association of Home Builders survey has pinpointed one area where likely voters — Democrats, Republicans, Tea Partiers, Occupiers — agree: home ownership and many of the programs that support it are important enough to affect elections.
No matter how you slice the political pie, about 70% of voters say a Congressional candidate who wanted to eliminate the home mortgage interest deduction likely wouldn’t get their vote.
NAHB earlier this month asked 1,500 people whether they’d be more likely — or less likely — to vote for a candidate who opposed the mortgage interest deduction:
- 67% of Tea Party supporters said they’d be less likely to vote for that candidate.
- 70% of Tea Party opponents would be less likely to vote for that candidate.
- 69% of independents, 68% of Democrats, and 68% of Republicans would be less likely to vote for that candidate.
The poll uncovered other surprising nuggets:
- Even people whose homes have lost value think home ownership is worthwhile. An incredible 84% of those who owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth say they’re happy with their decision to own a home, and 69% of them would tell a close friend or family member just starting out to buy a home.
- A majority of likely voters wants the federal government to continue to doing what it can to make home loans available and affordable — especially if discontinuing federal support would mean higher mortgage interest rates for consumers.
- 60% of voters think dealing with mortgage and foreclosure issues is key to stabilizing the economy, including 57% of Republicans and 66% of Democrats.
- 58% of voters say stabilizing and restoring the nation’s housing market should be “an absolute high priority” for the federal government.
“With the 2012 election season in full swing, candidates running for the White House and Congress would be wise to heed the will of the American voters, who have expressed broad support for government policies that encourage home ownership and oppose efforts to make it more difficult to get a home loan and to tamper with the mortgage interest deduction,” said Celinda Lake, president of Lake Research Partners, a Democratic polling firm that conducted the survey with Republican polling firm Public Opinion Strategies.
Would you vote against a candidate who eliminated the mortgage interest deduction or made it more difficult to get a home mortgage?
Three Bedroom Available in Leicester, MA
November 2, 2018
Nicely renovated large farm house style colonial on a tree lined country road is now ready for you! The large rooms and high ceilings provide a light and airy flow. The living room has newly refinished parquet wood floor, a fireplace with gas insert, beamed wood ceiling and entrance to the deck.
Great outdoor space with a wrap around farmer’s porch, flat yard and 3 bay garage.
Updated kitchen includes granite counters, mud room/pantry, stainless steel appliances and propane cook stove.
Dining room features newly refinished hardwoods, a pellet stove and is bright with multiple front windows! Master bedroom has a dedicated staircase and cathedral ceilings with decorative window.
Two more bedrooms are also generously sized. New well and septic! Great yard!
Take a 3-D tour by clicking the photo below!
6 Near-Genius Ways to Fool Burglars Into Thinking You’re Home
November 2, 2018
Your home: You love it, but sometimes you have to leave it.
Whether it’s the eight hours a day or eight days on a dreamy beach, allowing your biggest investment to fend for itself can be stressful. And it’s a legit concern; when your home looks empty, break-ins happen. A lot. Ugh.
You could deter burglars by never leaving your house again. Or you could do the next best (OK, way better) thing, and just make it look like someone is there all the time. Here’s how.
#1 Light Up a Room (From the Road)
Your parents may still rely on their lighting timer — on at 8 p.m., off at 7 a.m. That old-fashioned option still works, but apps are more fun. They not only turn your lights on and off, but can do so randomly for a more realistic effect. And you can decide to flip on your porch light while sipping a mojito in Fiji.
You can Google your options, but one affordable example is the Lutron Caséta Wireless system (about $80 for the device and $55 per switch). You replace your current wall switches with these wireless ones and “talk” to your lights from afar.
#2 Fake a Netflix Binge
Nothing says “we are definitely home” like the colorful glare of a television dancing in the window.
Put the little FakeTV gizmo where it can project light onto a curtain, and that’s exactly what your home will say to passersby.
The device (which runs between about $20 and $40 depending on size) plugs into an adapter and can either work on a timer or with a light sensor, so it can switch on when it gets dark.
#3 Change Up Your Shades Remotely
Leave your window shades down while you’re gone and you might as well put out a “Gone Fishin’” sign.
Check out wireless options to throw some shade on the go. Several companies have systems — including Hunter Douglas PowerView, Pella Insynctive, and Lutron Serena — that allow shades to go up and down at your command for about $300 to $500 a window.
#4 Make Some Noise
Burglars can change plans in a hurry at the first sound of life inside a home — they’re a bit tetchy that way. So one option when you’re just gone for the day is a noise app, like Sleep And Noise Sounds that can play on a homebound phone, tablet, or computer. With noises like vacuuming and a boiling kettle, it can deter a thief who cracks open a window.
#5 Make Them Ring And Run
“Burglars will often ring your doorbell, and if no one answers, they’ll go around back and kick in the door,” says Deputy Michael Favata with the Monroe County Sheriff’s office in New York. Now you can answer the door with the Ring Video Doorbell ($180 for the basic model).
If someone pushes the doorbell, you can talk to them through an app on your phone. Whether it’s your nosey neighbor or a sketchy stranger, you can say, “I’m in the basement” while you’re really on the slopes. They’ll never know. And even if they don’t believe you, they know they’re being watched (insert devilish laugh here).
#6 Try a No-Tech Technique
Not everything requires a gadget. Here are ways to up your home security without downloading a single app:
- Hire a house sitter. Then someone will be home.
- If there’s snow, have a neighbor walk up and down the path to your door, shovel a passage up to the garage door and drive in and out of the driveway. If it’s hot out, ask them to keep your plants looking fresh with regular waterings. And don’t forget to bring them a nice gift from your getaway.
- Ask friends, family, or neighbors to just be present on your property — use your patio, play in your yard, or bring in the mail.
- Invite a neighbor to keep a car parked in your driveway. During the holidays, they may be happy if they need overflow for visitors.
- Install a fake security camera for as low as $8. Burglars may not notice these fakes don’t have all the wiring necessary to be real. And their blinking red lights offer reasonable doubt.
- Get a dog. A real dog. While you’re at work or running errands, nothing deters bad guys and gals like a barking, slobbery security guard. And when you go away, having a pet sitter stay can be as economical as some boarding facilities (especially if you have multiple dogs), and you’ll get the benefit of a human and canine sentinel.
Rental Available in Millbury, MA
October 31, 2018
Don’t miss out on this affordable rental!
Lovely colonial home in Millbury featuring a large cathedral ceiling family room with fireplace!
There are three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms in this house available for rent!
Additional 4th bedroom off the Master makes a great nursery or office. Large flat back yard, deck and 2 car garage.
Commuter friendly location with quick access to shopping, Mass Pike, Rte 9, UMass Memorial but on a wooded side street. Oil heat, central a/c, solar panels for low energy costs and appliances included. Tenant to supply credit report with application.
How to Get Wax Out of Carpet and Other Halloween Cleanup Hacks
October 31, 2018
A week ago you were worried about how to get spooky outdoor Halloween decorations into your life, but now you want to get the ickiest holiday of the year out of your house.
Those melting candles, special makeup effects, and sticky treats have taken a toll on your home. Here’s how to get wax out of carpet and other tricks for post-Halloween cleanup:
Cleaning Egg Off Your House
Sun-baked yolks can stain your siding, so get started right away. Hose the mess off the house, spraying above the egg so the falling water can wash it away. If that doesn’t do the trick, wash it off by hand with dish soap and warm water. While learning how to remove egg from house siding, consider if it’s time for a more comprehensive cleaning.
Removing Toilet Paper from Trees
Pull down the paper with a rake or blast it away with a leaf blower. Wet toilet paper is a beast to remove, so wait until the sun evaporates dew. But if there’s rain in the forecast, start removal right away.
Getting Wax Out of Carpet
Trying to remove hot wax will only cause it to spread. Once it has cooled, break up the wax with a dull knife. Cover remaining bits with a paper towel or rag, and press a warm iron to the area. Replace the towel frequently to avoid spreading the wax.
Getting the Ick and Grime Off Doorknobs
After a night of being touched by little sticky fingers, your door fixtures have probably lost some luster. Restore the shine with a spritz of hydrogen peroxide.
Removing Halloween Makeup From Upholstery and Carpet
If only learning how to get wax out of carpet solved all your floor problems. The good news is many commercial carpet and upholstery cleaners can remove makeup, too. Blot the stain starting from its outer edge and working to the center. Always test the cleaner first on a small spot to make sure no color from the carpet is transferred to the white cloth.
Getting Your Porch Clean
All those grimy pirate boots and well-worn ballet slippers can leave a porch filthy. Remove planters and deck furniture, sweep the deck, then spray it down. If your porch is wood, remember that regular deck care protects your favorite place to kick back.
Cleaning Up Candy Wrappers and Other Litter
The leaf blower is your friend. It will corral candy wrappers, litter, leaves, and other debris without breaking your back.
Repairing Damaged Walls
If you decorated inside with a little too much holiday abandon, you might regret all the new holes you created once the festivities are over. Easy fix: Fill the hole with a piece of cosmetic sponge and spackle.
And One Final Tip to Banish Halloween’s Mess…
Halloween costumes lose their appeal around November 2. Don’t let them stick around to clutter the place up. While you’re purging, get rid of summer clothing (and costumes!) you or your kids have outgrown.
New Listing in Ashland, MA-Open House Sunday!
October 30, 2018
Fantastic value in this four bedroom Cape style home! Centrally located in Ashland; this home provides an easy commute with minimal traffic at the end of the day.
The main living area has been updated with an open floor plan that allows for plenty of space! The kitchen opens to the living room and also to the sunroom with new sliders to the sizable flat back yard. Stainless steel appliances and refinished hardwood flooring!
A total of four bedrooms provide a flexible floor plan.
Two bedrooms are on the main level by the updated bathroom and two are in the upper level.
Full basement for storage, work shop and hobbies! Roof, furnace, windows, doors, flooring, appliances all within the past 15 years!
Join us for the market entrance open house on Sunday November 4th 11:30am to 2pm and see!
Can’t make the Open House? Take an interactive 3-D Tour by clicking the photo below!
7 Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips that Every Homeowner Should Know
October 23, 2018
Some Halloween tricks can really cost you.
Plenty of people love a good Halloween scare — as long no one gets hurt. And that includes your house.
Hot lights and large crowds present some real risks to homeowners. Follow these seven tips for trick-or-treat safety:
#1 Make Your Outdoor Lights as Bright as Possible
John Pettibone, curator of Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester, Mass., suggests checking the label on your outdoor light fixtures and using the highest wattage bulbs they can safely handle. You can always switch them back after the holiday for a softer glow.
#2 Prop Open the Storm Door for Trick-or-Treaters
Pettibone suggests propping open the screen or storm door so it doesn’t get in the way when there’s a big group of kids congregated on your stoop. Yellow caution tape can do the trick while keeping with your Halloween theme. A 1,000-ft. roll of 3-inch-wide tape is about $8.
#3 Use LEDs Instead of Real Candles
Pettibone warns against lighting real candles in carved pumpkins or paper lanterns; they’re a fire waiting to happen. LED-bulb faux candles are much safer, and the light looks a lot like the real thing. Before you purchase Halloween decorative lights, be sure to look for safety certifications such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories).
#4 Use Motion Lights After the Trick-or-Treaters Have Left
When the trick-or-treaters go home, the vandals often come out. Motion sensor lights that illuminate the whole house can help scare away mischief makers out to egg your house or do more serious damage.
#5 Tighten Railings
Fixing wobbly or broken porch railings is a trick-or-treat safety must, as they can cause severe injuries if anyone leans on them a little too hard. Hire a contractor or handyman to fix the problem before your guests arrive.
#6 Use Friction Tape on Steps
Steps can get slippery in damp weather. Prepare by applying friction tape ($16 for a 60-foot roll of 1-inch-wide tape) to steps.
If your neighborhood is at risk for an early freeze, stock up on ice melt, too ($20 for a 50-lb. bag).
A related Halloween trick-or-treat safety tip: Clear your walk, steps, and stoop of any obstructions like potted plants – and even jack-o’-lanterns. Move them where no one can accidentally stumble on them.
#7 Clear the Curb — It’s the Most Important Trick-or-Treat Safety Tip
Here’s a scary statistic: Four times as many child pedestrians are killed on Halloween night than a normal night. Of all the trick-or-treat safety guidelines, this one could be the most important.
Reduce risks to little pedestrians by clearing parked cars from the curb for better visibility and placing a reflective “Watch for Children” sign at the edge of the road. On busy streets, consider having adults take turns maintaining safety in the street with a hand-held traffic control light.
Real Estate and *stuff * 