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Gas Grill? Which one?
May 24, 2012
There may be no home cooking appliance with a wider price range than the outdoor gas grill. With models starting as low as $29 and climbing to $5,000 and higher, it is an understatement to say there’s is a model for every budget. When shopping for a gas grill, the motto “You get what you pay for” is especially fitting, explains Dan Marguerite, owner of Backyard Barbecue Store in Wilmette, Ill. Basement models, he says, offer poor performance, are cheaply constructed, and often fail to survive two summers.
Cost range: $29-$5,000 and up
Likely additional costs: Assembly, natural gas hookup or propane tank, cover
Average life span: 2-16 years
Sub-$50 range
Grills in the sub-$50 range are often of the tabletop propane variety. These units are constructed of thin painted sheet metal and cheaply fabricated components, all but guaranteeing a short lifespan. Brief 90-day warranties don’t offer much of a safety net.
When it comes to power, these grills are positively entry level, says Marguerite. The single, 12,000 BTU burner is satisfactory for grilling hamburgers and hot dogs but will be far less successful at charring a thick porterhouse. Still, when it comes to portability, these grills have no equal. If you are looking for a highly mobile tailgating grill, look to this sector of the market.
$50-$150 range
The biggest differences between a $50 gas grill and a $150 grill will be size and fuel source. Boasting cooking areas over twice that of their less expensive counterparts, these grills are the most economical options for families.
Models in this price range run on liquid propane stored in large refillable tanks (as opposed to the small disposable cylinders). Construction quality is moderate, featuring lightweight steel or aluminum bodies. However, the boost in price over the cheapest gas grill models yields an extra burner (albeit a low-powered one). Most are furnished with thin, steel-rod cooking grates that may warp from exposure to high temperatures, such as those from flare-ups.
$150-$350 range
Marguerite says buyers in this price range can expect to get “middle of the road” power, with burners putting out around 20,000 BTUs. Shoppers should expect a three- or four-burner grill, a roomy cooking surface, and perhaps even a storage cabinet and side burner—a separate burner used for boiling water or other independent cooking chores.
With widths of 20 to 24 inches and boasting around 400 square inches of grill surface, these units can simultaneously cook about two dozen burgers. Homeowners in cool climes who grill year round likely will lament the thin-body construction, says Marguerite. “These grills do a poor job of retaining heat in cold weather,” he says. At this price range, expect less-expensive porcelain-coated steel cooking grates that tend to chip, rust and need replacing at a cost of $30 to $60.
$350-$600 range
Constructed of heavy cast-aluminum or thick-gauge steel, and utilizing high-quality stainless steel burners, these units are built to last. Parts that do fail will be covered by five- to 10-year warranties.
Averaging between 400 and 500 square inches of cook surface, these units are not substantially larger than those in the $150-$350 category. But they are constructed of heavy cast aluminum or thick-gauge steel and utilize multiple high-quality stainless steel burners. Heavy-duty castors and solid-built carts make it easy to move these grills from spot to spot.
Grills in this category can handle enough food for 15 to 18 people. Buyers are urged to select a burner configuration that appeals to them as some models arrange them front-to-back versus side-to-side, which can complicate indirect cooking.
$600-$1,500 range
Units starting around $600 feature burners that reach 40,000 BTUs, power that will make short work of even the largest barbecue payloads. Precision controls and even heat distribution give home cooks the ability to simultaneously sear, cook, and keep food warm. To step up to a 36-inch grill that approaches 900 square inches of cook space, a shopper should expect to spend at least $1,000.
Constructed of high-quality stainless steel throughout, these grills will weather years of use. These first-class rigs often include heavy cast-iron grates, side burners, under-grill storage, and even a rotisserie spit and motor. Buyers also get the peace of mind that comes with improved customer service and best-in-class warranties that range from 10 years on burners to 25 years on the body.
$1,500 to $5,000 range
When you spend upwards of $2,000 on a grill, you’ll get a host of features and quality construction. These appliances boast six or more top-of-the-line burners. Almost standard issue these days is an infrared sear burner that can reach temps topping 700 degrees.
Most include a rear-mounted rotisserie burner with motor, interior and exterior lighting, and even a spring-assisted lid for effortless opening. With the best grills also come the best warranties, typically covering most components for 10 to 25 years.
Propane vs. natural gas
Homeowners should decide before buying a grill whether they intend to fuel it with propane or natural gas, says Marguerite. While many grills can be converted for around $50, it is best to buy one factory engineered for one fuel type or the other.
Owners of built-in units typically choose natural gas as there are no tanks that need filling and the cost to operate is roughly half that of propane. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s most recent figures, propane costs $20.47 per million BTUs compared to natural gas’s $12.18. Assuming a homeowner grilled once a week, he or she can expect to pay about $40 per year for propane and $24 for natural gas. Marguerite says that his company charges $150 plus $7 per foot to connect a grill to a natural gas line.
Suggested extras
A good-fitting cover will extend the life of any outdoor appliance. Expect to pay between $30 and $50. Owners of propane powered grills should consider purchasing a $20 back-up tank so that a fully charged spare is always on hand. A $20 gas gauge will take the guesswork out of estimating a tank’s contents.
Do you have questions about today’s real estate market?
May 16, 2012
Questions like…
- Do I need 20% down to avoid PMI?
- How long do I have to wait after a short sale or foreclosure?
- Do I need perfect credit?
- When does the market hit bottom?
- Where is the best place to buy?
- How much will I save?
- How much are closing costs and fees?
- What is the current rate?
We have answers!
Come to our FREE networking meeting about how to make the money you spend in rent WORK for you! Find out more about today’s real estate market, investment opportunities and the true cost of not being a home owner. No obligation, just show up with your questions. Join Wes and myself for a relaxed, no obligation meeting to find out the answers to the questions you have.
WHEN: Two dates to choose from: May 17th or 24th at 6pm to 7:30pm
WHERE: Prestige Home Mortgage 45 Lyman Street Westborough MA – Terrace LevelLunch and dessert…mid week open houses in Holden
May 16, 2012
That’s right! Get a free lunch!
Take a break and visit us at 54 Brewers Way in Holden and then 1565 Main Street in Holden for lunch and dessert on Thursday, May 17th between 12:30 and 2pm. Leave us your feedback and enter to win a gift certificate to the 111 Chophouse!
Why? Because we would love to see you and we value your opinion!
1565 Main Street in Holden is a completely new house that was built on an existing foundation. It features some out-of-this-world upgrades such as granite, hand laid mosaic tiles, solid maple cabinets and marble fireplace. Complete with a media room, wet bar, lower level walk out and in-law set up this 4 bedroom home can be single level living, in home office or do an in-law set up.
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E1ar_gnmWw
Hope to see you there!
To stem foreclosures, committee recommends loan modication bill
May 14, 2012
Stop foreclosure! There are a variety of options for distressed home owners such as loan modifications, deed-in-lieu or a short sale. Find out which option helps you the best!
New news and new avenue for distressed home owners! Please see the Boston Herald article reprinted below. There is a new hotline in Massachusetts for residents facing foreclosure. If you are facing foreclosure, there are a variety of options available to you. Call or email to me to find out what they are. You can also visit www.dontforeclosenow.com to review them.
“In an effort to stem the tide of foreclosures, a key legislative committee on Wednesday advanced a bill that would require banks to make loan modifications available to homeowners when financially feasible to prevent families from unnecessarily losing their homes.
The Joint Committee on Financial Services unanimously recommended passage of the bill (H 1219) on Wednesday, with 10 of the 17 committee members voting in favor of the legislation, which has been a priority for Attorney General Martha Coakley.
“This is a fair and balanced approach that brings both the bank and the borrower to the table to look at the mortgage,” said Rep. Michael Costello, a Newburyport Democrat and co-chair of the Financial Services Committee.
The bill, filed by Rep. Steven Walsh (D-Lynn), would require banks and other lenders to assess a borrower’s ability to pay and the value of a loan modification compared to the cost of foreclosure before entering into foreclosure proceedings. If a modified loan is worth more than the amount the bank expects to recover through foreclosure, the lender must offer a modified loan to the borrower, according to the bill.
The legislation also addresses two recent Supreme Judicial Court decisions by requiring that lenders produce proper documentation showing they are the legal holders of the mortgage before foreclosing.
Coakley, who says foreclosures are a major obstacle to a full economic recovery, applauded the advancement of the bill on Wednesday. Coakley has said that in addition to pushing families out of their homes, unnecessary foreclosures have led to more abandoned property in cities and towns.
“Addressing the foreclosure crisis is a critical step toward moving our economy forward. This bill would promote reasonable loan modifications that keep people in their homes, keep properties on the tax rolls, and without requiring banks to sacrifice the bottom line,” Coakley said in a statement.
Among those who cast votes, the bill received unanimous support in the Financial Services Committee. Ten members voted in favor, four did not vote and three Republicans reserved their rights. Sen. Michael Knapik and Reps. Nicholas Boldyga and Marc Lombardo reserved their rights, while Sen. Brian Joyce and Reps. Kevin Murphy, Lori Ehrlich and James Cantwell did not vote.
According to Costello’s office, more than 45,000 Massachusetts residents have lost their homes due to foreclosure since the start of 2007. In February, there were almost 1,400 new foreclosures started, more than double the amount from a year ago and showing that the problem has not gone away even as the economy has rebounded.
The Warren Group recently reported completed foreclosures in Massachusetts dropped more than 30 percent last year, compared to 2010, but analysts believe the drop was partly due to lenders slowing the process down.
With $44.5 million paid to Massachusetts as part of a national settlement over illegal foreclosures and loan servicing with Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citigroup and GMAC/Ally, Coakley two weeks ago launched a HomeCorps program featuring the hotline (617-573-5333), which makes loan modification experts available to advise residents.
Coakley said last week that the hotline had been inundated with calls from more than 1,000 homeowners calling in the first week, averaging 200 to 300 calls a day.
“We are going to try to help everybody we can to stay in their homes,” Coakley told Fox 25. “For a lot of people this can be real relief.”
Under the national settlement, the banks are also ordered to provide about $14.6 million in cash payments to Bay State borrowers and $257 million worth of mortgage relief across Massachusetts, money that Coakley said can be used for refinancing or principal reduction.
By Matt Murphy / State House News Service
Open today! What an opportunity to own in Shrewsbury!
May 12, 2012
Bring your imagination and your hammer! This is an opportunity to own in Shrewsbury!
“Arts and Crafts” style home with newer roof and newer furnace needs your finishing touches to bring out its best! Seven roof gables, pass through lot with 2 car garage to Fairlawn Circle, easy highway access with a wooded private yard at the end of the day. First floor master, hardwoods, 2 full baths, tons of natural light and tons of character!
Short sale approval is already in process – here’s your chance!
Open today – May 12th – 1 to 4pm
16 Rofle Ave, Shrewsbury
How Do Paint Colors Get Their Names?
May 6, 2012
What’s in a paint color name?
Whether it’s Harbor Fog, Just Peachy, or Van Buren Brown, an enticing paint color name has the power to excite, persuade, and ultimately close a sale.
But no matter how much Crème Brulee or Butterscotch Tempest may whet your appetite for freshly painted walls, your satisfaction is going to come down to good surface prep, and selecting a top-performing paint.
Do paint names come from thin air?
Creating paint names is more serendipity than science. And, it turns out, no two paint namers name alike.
“There’s no book on this; very few people do this, and we all do things differently,” says Mary Lawlor, manager of color marketing for Kelly-Moore Paints. In a typical year, a professional paint namer may be asked to come up with hundreds of new names — all checked against a master databank of paint names for originality.
Flowers, which stimulate scent and sight, are wellsprings of inspiration. Places, such as the French Riviera or Monte Carlo, evoke enviable lifestyles. And fabrics — satin, cashmere, even mohair — recall texture and feel.
But nothing stimulates the color imagination like food, which adds taste to the mix of memories.
“Strawberry Parfait is good to taste, as well as look at,” says Leatrice Eiseman of the Pantone Color Institute. “Pink Flambe has an exotic connotation.”
Name aside, results matter
Name aside, results matter
No matter what it’s called, a paint by any other name is still a paint. To get results you love, buy quality paints and take the time to prepare surfaces properly.
Top-rated interior paints recommended by Consumer Reportsinclude:
- Benjamin Moore Aura Satin ($60/gal)
- Behr Premium Plus Ultra Satin ($33/gal)
- Kilz Casual Colors Satin ($27/gal)
For good surface prep, follow these guidelines:
- Gather up the right painting tools, especially brushes and drop cloths.
- Know your paints, including which sheen to choose, and how low-VOC paints protect indoor air quality.
- Fixing and cleaning walls before painting is essential; be sure to patch drywall holes and remove stains before painting.
If you could name a paint color, what would it be?
When’s the Best Time to Buy Appliances or Electronics? Decide.com can tell you!
April 29, 2012
In the market for a new appliance or electronics? Timing is everything. Here’s a website that’ll tell you if now is a good time to buy.
The best quality at the lowest price — that’s the mantra of every savvy appliance shopper. What you may not know is that prices fluctuate, and some times are better than others for buying.
So how can you find that magic window that will save you the most money? Decide.com lets you enter the appliance or gadget you want to buy — anything from refrigerators and washer/dryers to Kindles and iPads — and it’ll give you a thumbs up — buy now! — or a thumbs down — hold your horses, because prices will drop soon.
Decide will even give you a little graph of the price history for the product, and whether a new model is coming out anytime soon. Try getting that kind of info out of a retailer.
National Open House Weekend…here’s your free pass
April 24, 2012
Well…they are all free open houses but here is your way to go through the houses without being stalked by the listing agent. Print off this flyer and hand it to the agent as you sign in. Make sure you include your name as they do need to track who is in their client’s homes. You’ll be able to freely view the house at your own pace and enjoy your time!
If you have additional questions afterwards or would like a free list of the open houses in your target area – just let me know!
National Open House Weekend…it’s THIS weekend!
April 24, 2012
What is going on this weekend? NATIONAL OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND! The 2012 event will be bigger and better than ever, with hundreds of thousands of Open Houses across the nation and currently in 13 other countries… It’s gone global! RE/MAX Professional Associates is taking a huge part in this (inter)national weekend with many of our available listings. Please see below for a brief list but be sure to send me an email or give me a call to find out everything that is open in your area. I would be happy to provide you with a complete list of homes with times!
Saturday April 28th
77 Congress St, Fitchburg: 12pm – 2pm
Classic Victorian! Short sale opportunity with over 2700 sq feet!
39 Tannery Road, Sturbridge: 11 am – 1 pm
Beautiful newer colonial with all the extras – hardwoods, maple cabinets and granite!
240 Dudley-Southbridge Road, Dudley: 2pm – 3:30 pm
So many updates and so affordable! Title V in hand! NOT a short sale or bank owned so quick close!
5 Pleasant Street, Marlborough: 12pm – 2pm
Classic west side Victorian with double French doors to the sun porch and four bedrooms! Walk up attic – so much space and so well cared for!
24 Wales Street, Millbury: 12pm – 2pm
Easy to own and easy to update! Great price on this 3 bed/1.5 bath with 2 car heated garage that is in a great commuter location but with a private yard!
12 Cottage Street, Ware: 2pm – 4pm
HUGE updated Victorian in a great location off Church Street! 6 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 4,400+ sq feet! 2 story barn and 2 car garage! NOT a short!
101 Temple Street, West Boylston: 11am – 1pm
Newer construction with full in-law and 2.9 acres right by the lake! Great commuter location and this house has all the extras – granite, hardwoods, solid cabinets, TWO master bedrooms with private baths!
6 Carol Lane, Blackstone: 11am – 12:30pm
Great price on this newer colonial on a quiet street! Updated kitchen with ceramic tile and granite – new roof, new siding, new deck, refinished hardwoods. 4 beds/2.5 baths/2 car garage
1565 Main Street, Holden: 1pm – 3pm
NEW construction with a flair! 4 beds/3baths and location location location! All the extras are here PLUS some you didn’t know you wanted!
374 Mashapaug Rd, Holland – 12pm – 2:30pm
Charming 2BR Ranch, fantastic lot, inground pool w/patio, rustic stone fireplace in walkout basement, cathedral ceilings in living room
7 Knollwood Rd, Brimfield – 2:30pm -4:30 pm
New construction w/hdwd flrs, ss appls, cntr islnd, 1car gar, opn flr pln, deck, near Lake Sherman.
Sunday April 29th
13 Leisure Drive, Holland: 12pm – 1:30 pm
WATERFRONT with 3 beds and 1.5 baths! Over 50 feet of frontage and triple sliders to enjoy it!
17 Forrest St, Brookfield: 12pm – 2pm
WOW! Cedar log home! Private lot with 3 bed/2 baths/2 car garage! Must see!
9 Ansonia, Worcester: 12pm – 2pm
3 bed/1.5 bath with a fireplace and near UMASS! Great price and great alternative to renting!
45 Channing St, Worcester: 12pm – 2pm
Charming turn of the century cape with 4 beds/2 baths and priced to make you move!
17 St. John St, North Brookfield: 12pm – 2pm
All the major updates are DONE in this colonial! Bonus is 500 gallons of FREE OIL! 5 bed/2.5 baths
57 Old Webster Rd, Oxford: 12pm – 1:30pm
Old meets new in this 4 bed/3 bath home that appears to be out of Old Sturbridge Village! Come see the distressed pine floors and claw foot tub!
33 Mendon, Worcester: 2:30pm – 4pm
Huge yard and easy in-town location! Perfect dollhouse and SO affordable!
6 Brown Street, North Brookfield: 2:30pm – 4pm
Retiring builder has offered up this unfinished new construction! Great price to get in and finish it off as YOU want!
39 Wilson St, Spencer: 2:30pm – 4pm
REAL country living with this home! NOT a short NOT bank owned NO septic issues! WOW!
82 Saundersdale, Charlton: 1pm – 3pm
Great location off of Dresser Hill with a full in-law! Land, 3 car garage and two living levels are highlights to this newer home. NOT a short sale!
67 Laurel Hill Lane, Holden: 12pm – 2pm
SO affordable with PRE-APPROVED short sale! Newer roof, newer windows, great yard and pool!
15 Canterbury Way, Marlborough: 1pm – 3pm
Beautiful end-unit in the 55+ community of Villages of Crane Meadow! One owner – all upgraded with fireplace!
275 Rumonoski Drive, Northbridge: 11am – 2:30pm
Great opportunity to own in a fantastic area! Comes with one year home warranty. Not a short sale or bank owned – just a solid house at a great price!
179 Rocky Road, Northbridge: 1pm – 2:30pm
Stunning colonial with massive family room on a beautiful tree-lined street. 15 mins to Worcester, 19 miles to Providence. Have it all for a great price on this 4 bed/2.5 bath/2 car colonial with custom build and first floor office.
39 July Road, Sudbury: 1pm – 3pm
So affordable for Sudbury and this charming updated home has a fantastic ½ acre wooded lot! Central a/c, updated kitchen, hardwoods, garage and finished area in basement. Own in Sudbury! Not a short!
10 Cranberry Meadow Shore Rd., Charlton: 12pm – 2pm
Brand new 2BR 2BA Ranch, open floor plan, granite counters, hardwoods all over, c-tile floors in kitchen & baths. 2 car attached garage.
1 Merrian St Auburn: 10:30am – 12pm
Reduced price on this charming cape on ¾ of an acre with a new Peerless Furnace! First floor laundry!
225 Highland Street, Holden: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Fireplace…french doors…open family room…private wooded lot! This cape has it all with a great Holden location!
18 Nancy Drive, Rutland: 2pm – 3:30pm
10 room, 6 bedrooms and 2.5 baths in the colonial WITH an in-law! New roof, new windows, new hot water tank. Come see!
15 Laurel Dr, Ware –11:30am -1pm
3BR Ranch, lrg fenced private back yard.
13 Stony Brook Drive, Sturbridge – 11am – 1pm
Charming 3+BR center hall Cape w/2car gar, flat lot, granite, hdwds, multi-tierd deck on cul de sac.
217 Greenwich Rd, Ware – 10am – 11:15am
Beautiful brand new 3BR 2.5BA Ranch. Open concept kit/LR/DR, hdwds, fireplace.
77 Providence St, Mendon – 12pm – 2pm
4BR 2BA Dutch Col log home w/farmer’s porch, 3 seas sunroom, wide hdwd floors 2car gar
119 Stafford Rd, Unit 60, Charlton – 2:30pm – 4pm
Bright, light filled 2nd floor 2BR condo w/appl, w/d hkup in unit. Commuter friendly location & small pets allowed
“There’s a reason owning a home is called the American Dream,” says NAR President Ron Phipps. “Home ownership benefits individuals and families, strengthens our communities, and is integral to our nation’s economy. We hope that everyone who aspires to become a home owner will come out this weekend, not only to learn about the homes for sale in their local market, but also to find out more about how current and future public policies may affect their ability to achieve and sustain home ownership, now and in the future.”
Come out this weekend – take a peak! Not sure where to start – let me know and I’ll get you going. amymullen@remax.net, 508-784-0504, http://www.amymullenrealestate.com
Real Estate and *stuff * 