real estate | Real Estate and *stuff *

Make Your Home Cozy In The Winter Months!

October 27, 2015

We’ve got more than 9 mood-lifting ideas to make your home more welcoming and efficient this winter.

The dark days of winter can really do a number on your well-being. Shorter days trigger the blahs; freezing temps spark the sniffles. So we put together a list of ideas that’ll turn your home into a comfy haven.

Cozy and Clever Energy Savers

Here’s how to create a brighter and warmer home without using more energy or cranking up the thermostat.

1. Clean dirty light fixtures and dusty bulbs to make your home appear 30% brighter without turning on more lights.

2. Seal sneaky air leaks. It’s not just window and door leaks killing your cozy vibe. Don’t forget to plug stealthy gaps around recessed lights, electrical boxes, and wall outlets. Use a lit incense stick or scented candle to hunt down drafty spots while leaving behind a cozy scent.

3. Replace your traditional gas or wood fireplace. Why? Both suck out heated indoor air and send it up the chimney. A gel fireplace insert is an eco-friendly option that produces a burning fire without gas, wood, electricity, or even a chimney. It’s also smoke-free and emits fewer allergens than a wood fireplace; some options crackle like the real thing. A basic model costs between $100 to $210; custom models go up exponentially from there. A case of gel fuel comes with 12 cans that burn for three hours each (about $35).

Tip: Use a slow cooker to infuse your home with a warm and cozy aroma. Even better, slow cookers are more energy efficient than electric ovens, typically using less energy than a light bulb.

Immunity Boosters

You’ll feel coziest in a healthy indoor environment that keeps allergies at bay and reduces your chances of getting sick.

4. Get plants. Some indoor plants, like golden pothos and gerbera daisies, are particularly adept at sucking up nasty VOCs — the vapors emitted from household cleaners, paints, and dry cleaning. And since plants increase humidity levels, they help decrease household dust.

5. Vacuum while your thermostat is set to “fan on.” This helps filter dust that gets kicked-up while cleaning. Just leave the fan on for about 15 minutes after you finish vacuuming and switch it back to “auto” afterward. HVAC blowers aren’t intended to run all the time.

6. Change your HVAC filter every couple months (monthly if you have pets) to prevent excess dust from circulating.

Tip: Combat superbugs with copper. If you’re planning to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom fixtures, consider classic and homey-looking copper or a copper alloy like brass. A three-hospital study in 2011 found that bacteria can only survive on copper for a few minutes, but germs can live on stainless steel for weeks.

Sun Worshippers

Lack of natural light can trigger a mean case of the winter doldrums — or worse, mood-altering seasonal affective disorder. Maximize daylight and make rooms feel warmer by adding the following to your yearly fall maintenance checklist.

7. Make your windows pane-fully clear. Clean glass not only lets more natural light into your home, it’s a feel-good task, according to a survey by the American Clean Institute. When ACI asked consumers what clean surfaces make them happy, “gleaming windows” made the top five above a “spotless sink.”

8. Ditch your window screens in the fall and winter. They trap dirt and can make your home appear darker inside and out. It’s a good curb appeal booster, too.

9. Add an interior window to a room next to a sun-drenched space to take advantage of natural light.

Tip: Paint chilly rooms, especially north-facing walls that don’t typically get sunlight, in reds, oranges, or yellows — cozy colors that can actually help the room feel warmer, according to a Michigan State University study.

The dark days of winter can really do a number on your well-being. Shorter days trigger the blahs; freezing temps spark the sniffles. So we put together a list of ideas that will turn your home into a comfy haven.

Cozy and Clever Energy Savers

Here’s how to create a brighter and warmer home without using more energy or cranking up the thermostat.

1.Clean dirty light fixtures and dusty bulbs to make your home appear 30% brighter without turning on more lights.

2. Seal sneaky air leaks. It’s not just window and door leaks killing your cozy vibe. Don’t forget to plug stealthy gaps around recessed lights, electrical boxes, and wall outlets. Use a lit incense stick or scented candle to hunt down drafty spots while leaving behind a cozy scent.

3. Replace your traditional gas or wood fireplace. Why? Both suck out heated indoor air and send it up the chimney. A gel fireplace insert is an eco-friendly option that produces a burning fire without gas, wood, electricity, or even a chimney. It’s also smoke-free and emits fewer allergens than a wood fireplace; some options crackle like the real thing. A basic model costs between $100 to $210; custom models go up exponentially from there. A case of gel fuel comes with 12 cans that burn for three hours each (about $35).

Tip: Use a slow cooker to infuse your home with a warm and cozy aroma. Even better, slow cookers are more energy efficient than electric ovens, typically using less energy than a light bulb.

Immunity Boosters

You’ll feel coziest in a healthy indoor environment that keeps allergies at bay and reduces your chances of getting sick.

4. Get plants. Some indoor plants, like golden pothos and gerbera daisies, are particularly adept at sucking up nasty VOCs — the vapors emitted from household cleaners, paints, and dry cleaning. And since plants increase humidity levels, they help decrease household dust.

5. Vacuum while your thermostat is set to “fan on.” This helps filter dust that gets kicked-up while cleaning. Just leave the fan on for about 15 minutes after you finish vacuuming and switch it back to “auto” afterward. HVAC blowers aren’t intended to run all the time.

6.Change your HVAC filter every couple months (monthly if you have pets) to prevent excess dust from circulating.

Tip: Combat superbugs with copper. If you’re planning to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom fixtures, consider classic and homey-looking copper or a copper alloy like brass. A three-hospital study in 2011 found that bacteria can only survive on copper for a few minutes, but germs can live on stainless steel for weeks.

Sun Worshippers

Lack of natural light can trigger a mean case of the winter doldrums — or worse, mood-altering seasonal affective disorder. Maximize daylight and make rooms feel warmer by adding the following to your yearly fall maintenance checklist.

7. Make your windows pane-fully clear. Clean glass not only lets more natural light into your home, it’s a feel-good task, according to a survey by the American Clean Institute. When ACI asked consumers what clean surfaces make them happy, “gleaming windows” made the top five above a “spotless sink.”

8. Ditch your window screens in the fall and winter. They trap dirt and can make your home appear darker inside and out. It’s a good curb appeal booster, too.

9.Add an interior window to a room next to a sun-drenched space to take advantage of natural light.

Tip: Paint chilly rooms, especially north-facing walls that don’t typically get sunlight, in reds, oranges, or yellows — cozy colors that can actually help the room feel warmer, according to a Michigan State University study.

Deirdre Sullivan

Thinking of Renovating Your Bathroom? Here Are Some Good Tips!

October 1, 2015

10 Inside Tips From a Designer Who Specializes in Small Baths

Got a small bathroom to renovate? Go wild with texture and colors if it’s a rarely used guest bath, but stick to clean and simple in a master bath.

That’s the word from designer Jamie Gibbs, who transforms incredibly small New York City bathrooms into beautiful spaces. “I liked being shocked by details in a little space, especially if it’s not going to be used much,” Gibbs says.

His small-bath secrets:

1. Avoid textures in bathrooms that get daily use. In a heavily used bathroom, anything with texture becomes a collection spot for mold, mildew, and toothpaste. Say no to carved vessel sinks or floor tile with indentations.

2. Be careful with no-enclosure showers with drains right in the floor. These Euro showers allow for a feeling of openness, but the average American contractor doesn’t know how to waterproof the floor for them, Gibbs says. The tile seals can be compromised if not installed correctly, causing the materials to decompose, and water to leak underneath.

3. Use opaque windows and skylights to let light filter into all parts of the bath. A long skinny window with frosted glass means you don’t have to burn high-wattage light bulbs. Make sure water condensation will roll off the window into an appropriate place (i.e. not the framing or the wall) to avoid future maintenance issues.

4. Look for fixtures that have a single handle rather than separate hot and cold taps. “Space-saving gearshift faucets are a very good choice in small bathrooms,” says Gibbs. You’ll also save money by not having to drill holes in the countertop for the hot and cold taps.

5. Save space with wall-mounted toilets and bidets, but be aware that the water tank goes into the wall. That’s fine if space is such a premium that you won’t mind going into the wall to make any repairs. But if you share a wall with a neighbor, that’s a different issue.

6. Use a wall-mount faucet to make a reduced-depth vanity work in a small space. “I can get away with a 22” vanity instead of a 24” vanity with a wall mount faucet,” Gibbs says.

7. Check the space between the handles and the faucet of any space-saving fixtures. “If you can only get a toothbrush in it to clean, you’ll save space, but it’s functionally stupid,” Gibbs says. Make sure the sink is functional, too. If you’re using a vessel sink, make sure it’s large enough and not too high. “If it’s too high, you’ll knock it so many times that the fittings will come loose,” Gibbs says.

8. A pedestal sink is all form and no function. “It’s a great-looking sink, but there’s no place to [set] anything,” Gibbs says.

9. Wall-mounted vanities seem like they’re space savers, but they create dead space between the vanity and the floor — a space that often accumulates junk and never gets cleaned.

10. If you’re comfortable with it, go European and put up a glass walls between the bathroom and bedroom to create the illusion of space. Or put bathroom fixtures in the bedroom just outside the bath.

Dona DeZube

Let’s Get Organized For The Fall And Save Some Money!

September 14, 2015

If you’ve ever accrued a late fee after losing a bill, thrown away spoiled peaches you forgot to eat, or bought yet another pair of sunglasses because you couldn’t find yours, then you know being disorganized can cost you money.

At best, clutter in the home causes mistakes, late fees, overdue payments, and missed deadlines. At worst, a house in chaos can eat away at your finances, mar your credit, and reduce your productivity. That’s a whopping price to pay for being disorganized.

According to an Ikea “Life at Home” survey, 43% of Americans admit to being disorganized, and the average American wastes 55 minutes per day looking for stuff they’ve lost or misplaced.

“Do you think organizing is just for appearances?” asks Lisa Gessert, president of Organizing.buzz, a professional organizing service in Staten Island, N.Y. “Organizing your home is financially beneficial.” Gessert stresses to clients the need to sort, purge, assign things a home, and containerize. “This process saves people tons of money.”

Here’s why being organized saves you money, and how to get your home into shape:

Disorganization in the Home Office Costs You:

Lost papers = time spent looking for them, money wasted on duplicates

Misplaced bills = late fees, bad credit causes higher interest rates

Missed tax deadlines = penalties

If any of these sound familiar, you’ll need a home office system for dealing with important papers, bills, and personal correspondence. The Ikea survey found 23% of people pay bills late because they lost them. Wall-mounted bill organizers can help you stay organized. Look for ones with two or more compartments to categorize by due date.

“Having your papers organized will save time, help you pay bills on time, and allow you to be more productive,” says Alison Kero, owner of ACK Organizing, based in New York City.

Mount shelving and create a file system for important papers, such as insurance policies and tax receipts. Look for under-utilized space, such as converting a standard closet into built-in storage with shelves and cabinets for your papers, files, and office equipment. If you need to use stackable bins, don’t stack them around equipment that needs air ventilation, such as scanners and Wi-Fi receivers, since they could overheat and malfunction — costing you money.

Disorganization in Your Closets Costs You:

Missing clothes = money spent on duplicates

Hidden items = wasted time since you can’t see what you own

Accessory mess = wasted money on items you don’t wear, can’t find
“Organizing often reduces duplication of possessions,” says Lauren Williams, owner of Casual Uncluttering LLC, in Woodinville, Wash. “No more buying an item for a second, third, fourth time because someone can’t find it.”
If closets are crammed, paring down is a must. First, take everything out. Rid yourself of multiples, anything you no longer wear, and assess your shoe collection. Create piles: purge, throw out, or donate.

For what’s left, you’ll need a better closet system. You can choose a ready-made system that simply needs installation, or create your own. PVC pipe can be used to create additional hanging rods, and you may also want to add shelving to store folded clothes, hats, and bulky items. Look for wire mesh shelving, solid wood shelves, or an all-in-one closet shelving system depending on space. Large and small hooks can be wall-mounted to hold belts, accessories, and scarves.
Disorganization in the Kitchen Costs You:
- Expired food = wasted money
- Overflowing pantry = can’t see what ingredients you have and duplicate them
- Crammed cabinets = overspending on multiple dishes and gadgets
Since the kitchen is often the hub of the home, it has a tendency to clutter. No wonder the Ikea survey found 50% of the world’s kitchens have junk drawers. Categorize yours by adding small plastic or wooden drawer organizers for things like thumbtacks, rubber bands, scissors, and tape.

To avoid buying your third jar of oregano or second potato ricer, buy or build an organizational system for your pantry. Built-in lazy Susans work great. Use pull-out mini shelving to corral items like dressings, hot sauces, and vinegars. Tackle cabinets and counters by mounting behind-the-cabinet-door racks to hold items like pot lids or cutting boards.

Add pull-out drawers in your bottom cupboards to make everything easily accessible and easy to see. You’ll thank yourself when you get older, too.

Disorganization in Your Living Areas Costs You:
- Lost keys, missing wallet = late for work, lost productivity
- Not being able to fully enjoy your home = you spend money elsewhere for fun
- Blocked ventilation = utility costs rise
- Your living space is where you want to get the most enjoyment out of your home. If you can’t relax and enjoy yourself there, you’ll constantly be seeking out other places to find solace and fun — and that can add up to a lot of money spent on entertainment and recreational venues.
  And, meanwhile, you could be paying more than you should for the living space you’re not enjoying.
  
  “I run into people whose homes are unorganized to the point of papers, boxes and ‘stuff’ blocking air vents that supply heat and air conditioning to their homes,” says Gessert. This costs a fortune in utility bills. Likewise, a jumble of electrical wires around TVs and home entertainment systems can be sucking energy from always being plugged in. Connect them all to smart power strips that can turn everything off with one switch.
  
  Once you’re living with organization, you’ll start to see the benefits everywhere. No more dealing with late fees on bills, having to buy replacement earrings or bread knives when items go missing, and — perhaps best of all — no more having to leave your home in order to find relaxation and entertainment. After all, saving on bills can be a big boost to your monthly budget, but there’s no greater value than getting more enjoyment out of your home
  
  Jennifer Nelson

Outdoor Solar Lights

September 22, 2012

Outdoor solar lights are bright ideas for exterior illumination. Find out how these energy-saving lights work and the many types that can make your nights shine.

Outdoor solar lights were some of the first alternative-energy products to gain a mass-market foothold. Today, sunlight-powered fixtures are flooding the landscape and garden lighting market.

How solar lights work

Solar lights have three main components:

Solar panels: Gather sunlight and convert it to electrical power.

Batteries: Store electrical power generated by the panel. Expect 6-10 hours of illumination from a fully-charged solar light battery.

LED bulbs: LED (light emitting diodes) are super-efficient, shine very brightly, and are long-lasting.

The upside of outdoor solar lights

You don’t have to worry about plugging in your lights or running wires to your outdoor solar fixtures.

You don’t have to change bulbs on solar lights, thanks to super-long-lasting LEDs.

Your utility company doesn’t get a dime from you when you get your nighttime shine from stored sun-power.

The downside

Outdoor solar lights don’t really have a lot of downsides. However, if you live in a cloudy climate, or if you’ve just experienced a long haul of rainy and overcast weather, the brightness and longevity of the lighting may be affected.

Also, solar lights cost more at the outset because they’re complex and have expensive components.

Types of outdoor solar lighting

String lights come in various lengths, such as 25 and 50 feet, and usually have 2-6 bulbs per foot, depending on the manufacturer. There are many styles, colors, and sizes of bulbs to choose. They’ve become popular as Christmas lights, but you can use them to light up your outdoor living spaces all year round.

You should know: Solar string lights don’t need regular household electrical current, but they’re attached by wire to a small solar panel — make sure the panel has access to as much sunlight as possible.

Cost:$20-$40 for a 25-foot strand.

Border and driveway lights illuminate walkways and the edges of driveways for safety and convenience.

Stake lights are self-contained — the solar panel is built into the fixture. They’re easy to install: You simply push the stake into the ground. You’ll find a big variety of styles, from modern to traditional; some even change colors as they glow. Cost: Color-changing stake lights: $40 for a light that’s 20 inches tall and 6 inches wide.

Stepping stone lights glow from within and are rugged enough for regular foot traffic. Cost: $25-50 each.

Paver lights can be installed in your driveway paving material. They’re made of glass or acrylic, and they’re tough enough that you can drive right over them. Cost: $32 for a 6-by-6-inch light.

Glowing globes are spherical sun-powered lamps that make chic architectural additions to your landscape lighting scheme. Stake them in your yard, float them in your pool or make them border beacons — no matter, you’ll enjoy the glowing-orb goodness.

You should know: Color-changing globe lights have three modes: off, “color mode” (which cycles through the spectrum), and “white mode” for simply glowing light.

Cost:Glowing globes, $29-$49; half-globe path lights, $7.99 each

Safety and security lights are ready to shine when the sun goes down.

Motion-detector lights switch on when the sensor detects movement; the range and direction of the sensor is adjustable. Because they don’t shine all the time, the battery for a solar-powered motion-detector should have a charge that lasts all night.

Solar-lit house numbers come in many shapes and styles. A sunlit address isn’t just aesthetically smart — if you ever need emergency services to find you after dark, your street number will be plainly visible.

You should know: A spate of sunless days could leave your motion-detecting security light off-line — a chance you take any time you go solar.

Cost: Security lights, $79.99 to $120; house numbers, $15 and up, depending on design.

Outdoor lamps light up your evening outdoor activities with style, and you won’t have to drape an extension cord over your deck and lawn.

Table lamps bring a bit of indoor functionality to your outside living spaces. Put them anywhere for a dash of living room panache.

Lamp posts are permanent installations for pathways, garden benches, and the bottom of deck stairways.

You should know: Some solar table lamps do include an electrical plug-in option as well as a solar panel.

Cost: Solar table lamps are $20 and up, depending on size and materials; $600-$1,000 for 9-foot high multi-fixture lamp post.

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.

Spring Cleaning the Anti-Martha Way

April 16, 2012

Martha Stewart spring cleans like a pro — because she is a pro. But the rest of us seek an easier way. Welcome to The Anti-Martha Stewart Spring Cleaning Guide.

For the record, I love Martha Stewart. She has elevated housekeeping to high art, which protects home values. Martha’s taught us the devil is in the details, and that even mundane chores can be tackled with grace, diligence, and elbow-high rubber gloves.

That said, spring is here, and cleaning is required. But who’s got the time or energy to rip apart every square inch of the house? When I saw a Martha blog that suggested cleaning our kitchen range in only 22 steps, we threw in the towel and shouted, “Get real!”

Then, I found Anti-Martha Stewart Spring Cleaning Guide, acknowledging that top-to-bottom cleaning is a good idea, but nobody’s idea of a good time.

But days have only 24 hours, and work, family, and the tyranny of getting in 10,000 steps makes spring cleaning Martha-style merely a fantasy for most of us. So, I found a “get-real” guide.

This guide is all about time-savers and corner-cutters. Top highlights:

Don’t scrub when a good soak will do.

Take small bites out of large tasks: If you live long enough, you’ll get it clean.

Invest in white vinegar companies, because vinegar is the one cleaner you can’t do without.

If a machine can clean it better and faster, buy it or rent it.

But seriously, folks. Here’s a little preview of the guide.

Shower heads: A warm white vinegar bath will get rid of mineral deposits.

Windows: Use coffee filters or microfiber cloths instead of paper towels to wash windows and avoid streaks.

Patio furniture: Vacuum wicker furniture with an upholstery attachment.

Primo declutter tip: Get rid of “fat clothes” first, which make you feel bad about your body.

Hey, we’ve got a million of these. Martha, I’m sure, is shaking her head in dismay. But I’m sure this guide will help you get clean in spring and still have time to enjoy the season. THE GUIDE

And that’s a good thing.

The top five discussions from the State of the Union to the Housing Market

January 29, 2012

The State of the Union address and the upcoming Florida GOP primary are bringing new and much-needed attention to housing issues. Here are the top five articles on the housing crisis and how the politicians are looking at it.

President Barack Obama’s proposal for enhanced refinancing efforts sparked a new dialogue among members of Congress and the media after the State of the Union Tuesday. Issues like the size of down payments, principal write downs, and how to take advantage of low interest rates are suddenly gaining traction among lawmakers. Even the GOP candidates for president are having to face the housing crisis as they campaign in Florida, a state hard hit by foreclosures.

Associated Press: After Obama Speech, Three Arguments for Housing

President Barack Obama said in his State of the Union speech that he wanted to help struggling home owners refinance their mortgages. The Republicans who want his job say the government should get out of the way of the housing market. But some experts advocate something much bolder to provide relief to the 11 million home owners in the United States who owe more on their mortgages than their houses are worth.

MSNBC Bottom Line: Home Buying Could Soon Beat Renting

Falling home prices have sent many would-be buyers to the sidelines. If all goes well, record low interest rates and rising rents may soon prompt some of them to take a second look at buying.

New York Times (Bucks): Big Down Payments Could Bar Creditworthy Borrowers From Market, Study Finds

Requiring a minimum down payment of 20%, or even 10%, on home loans would push many creditworthy borrowers into higher-cost loans or out of the mortgage market entirely, a new study says.

HouseLogic: Finally Some Talk on Home Ownership; Will Action Follow?

It was nice to finally hear a politician talking about solving our housing market woes — the bull’s-eye in terms of economic recovery. Aiming to strike a populist chord with voters, President Barack Obama asked Congress Tuesday night during the State of the Union to pass a mass refinancing effort that would help home owners take advantage of today’s lower mortgage rates.

USA Today: Florida Primary Turns Spotlight on Housing Bust’s Fallout

As the GOP presidential contest heads to Florida, the Jan. 31 primary looms as the first in the nation where declarations by Romney and former senator Rick Santorum that housing should be allowed to bottom out will be judged by voters in markets where the housing bust has been concentrated.

What do you think?

New listing in North Oxford – bring this newer colonial to the next level and realize value!

January 24, 2012

I am super excited about this new listing in North Oxford. Sitting on top of a hill, it has a sense of privacy but is very convenient to 20, 56, 12, 290 and 90. With the 4+ acres that backs up to conversation land – you wouldn’t know you were that close to the highways.

Solid construction with 2×6, Advantechsub flooring, full insulation – there wasn’t anything spared. Almost finished with hardwoods, granite, recessed lighting, french doors and surround sound wiring. You will not find particle board, plastic or laminate in this house! Just a few finishing touches and this house is DONE!

Unique and beautiful feature in this West Marlborough Colonial for sale

January 22, 2012

Check out the “sewing room” in 5 Pleasant Street in Marlborough! New to market and open this coming Sunday (1/29) 12pm to 1pm this is some beautiful wood work!

4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, hardwoods, full pantry, first floor laundry, fireplace and full dry basement. Special incentive pricing and a great location. You can walk to the downtown area for dinner or shopping and still be moments from 495 for the Monday morning commute.

Want to this in person? Stop in the open house on Sunday 1/29 or contact me

The whole family gets involved! Sneak peek video for a new listing in Holden!

January 16, 2012

This is the living room and kitchen of 67 Laurel Lane in Holden which is coming on the market this week! This 3 bedroom, 1 bath ranch offers so much with hardwood floors, large windows, wood burning or electric fireplace and fenced in yard with a view of the woods.

The basement is dry and has a finished family room and plenty of space for a workshop. Great neighborhood and priced right!

For more information or schedule a showing of the whole house (not just the kitchen and the living room):

Amy Mullen, Realtor CPA CDPE MBA
RE/MAX Professional Associates
508-784-0504
amymullen@remax.net
http://www.amymullenrealestate.com

Real Estate and stuff