Blog - Sean Besso Realty

Get Your Home Summer Ready!

Summer is around the corner! Get your home warm weather ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Check Outdoor Lighting

- Make sure all outdoor lights are in working order, including porch lights, landscape lighting and motion-sensing security lights. Replace bulbs or schedule repairs as needed.

2. Keep Cooling Systems Running Smoothly

- Take the time before hot weather sets in to dust ceiling fans, install window air-conditioning units and schedule maintenance for a whole-house cooling system.

3. Reorganize Your Kitchen

- The change in seasons is a good time to rethink how you have things arranged in the kitchen. If there are small appliances you use more in the warmer months (a blender for smoothies, perhaps, or an ice cream maker), move them to a more accessible spot, and you will be more likely to use them. Stations devoted to a certain purpose can also do wonders. If you have children on summer vacation, create a self-help station stocked with healthy snacks. Or create an iced-coffee bar or smoothie-making station for yourself with all needed supplies within reach.

4. Hang a Clothesline for Summer Energy Savings

- While the weather is nice and warm, consider skipping the dryer and hanging your clothes to dry in the fresh air instead. It may not always be possible, but even occasionally putting a clothesline or drying rack to work will save energy. If hang-drying isn’t an option, you can still reduce your energy bill by washing in cold water, cleaning the lint trap and having your dryer vent serviced to increase airflow..

5. Empty Standing Water Regularly

- The best way to keep mosquito populations down is by regularly checking your property for standing water and emptying it. Even a saucer of water can become a mosquito nursery, so leave no pot unturned!

6. Organize Your Summer Calendar

- Beach days, lemonade on the porch, pick-your-own fruit farms — with so much to look forward to in summer, don’t let it zip by in the blink of an eye. Be sure you are making the most of your season by creating a list of your personal must-dos and posting it where you can see it. A big chalkboard or family bulletin board would be ideal.

7. Check Safety Devices

- Test those smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors! It’s also a good idea to check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if need be.

8. Check Play Equipment for Safety

- Over time, wood, ropes and fastenings can degrade, making outdoor play equipment potentially unsafe. Check swings, zip lines, slides and other structures for safety; repair or replace as needed.

9. Lighten Up Decor

- Roll up heavy rugs, put crisp percale or cooling linen sheets on the beds and bring in accents in lighter hues for the warmer months ahead. Breezy white curtains look delightfully cool in summer, but if the weather gets quite hot where you live, you may want to leave heavy window coverings in place. Closing the shades during the heat of the day can actually help keep your house cooler.

10. Get Seasonal Gear Ready

- What with camping and beach trips, summertime activities come with a lot of gear. Get it cleaned up and ready now, so you’re not surprised by a leaky tent or blown-out beach umbrella when it’s too late to replace them. And if you plan to waterproof anything (tents or outdoor tablecloths, for example), now is the time.

Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

10 Bathroom Design Features Pros Always Recommend

Here are the 10 bathroom details that came up again and again. Use these cherished design elements and you’re almost guaranteed to end up with a bathroom you love.

1. The Right Lighting

- Attention to lighting is also high on bathroom remodeling pros’ recommendation lists. They encourage a layered approach with overhead lights, accent lights like sconces and decorative lighting like chandeliers. If you get up frequently during the night, don’t forget to include a nightlight (at the toe kick or underside of a floating vanity are popular areas). If possible, a skylight over the shower, preferably operable for ventilation, is something you’ll never regret.

2. Heated Floors

- “Most people would assume the must-have bathroom amenity is a giant tiled shower or a freestanding tub,” says home builder Stephen Alexander. “We do recommend those, but the one feature that’s always overlooked is the cold tile floor that can diminish the spa experience. So we always specify heated floors.” Many pros say the feature is relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

3. Shower Niche

- Few pros these days design and build showers without dedicated space for shampoo bottles and other products and a niche recessed into a shower wall is by far the most popular solution. Make sure the dimensions can accommodate the height and amount of products you typically keep in the shower, and maybe a little extra room for overflow. A niche also offers an opportunity to introduce some extra style into the shower with a contrasting accent tile or other material.

4. In-Drawer Outlets

- Most of us use some sort of plug-in gadget in the bathroom. Hiding an outlet in a drawer or cabinet helps keep those hair dryers and other items off the countertop and can prevent them from encountering pooled water and creating a hazard. Pros recommend storage with outlets in it for electric toothbrushes and razors. That way they are off the counter and hidden. It can be a medicine cabinet that has been designed with outlets, or even a plug strip inside a vanity cabinet. This approach also keeps unsightly outlets from diminishing the look of a backsplash or other feature.

5. Natural Materials

- Many people feel, either consciously or subconsciously, that natural materials have an inherent quality that’s hard to put into words. They provide a feel-good something that seems absent in synthetic materials. Bathrooms can represent rest, relaxation, and self care. Pros recommend using natural materials whenever possible — real stone, wood, plants, etc. The earthy elements balance out the water element, and together they create that spa-like feel that is so nourishing for our mind, body and souls.” Consider wood vanities, natural woven elements or, many pros’ favorite, marble.

6. Storage, Storage, Storage

- A bathroom can’t function without proper storage. And most pros recommend a mix of open, closed, drawer, cabinet, niche or any other necessary solutions. “You always need a lot of storage for towels and other bathroom accessories, and there are so many ways to include bathroom storage in a beautiful and functional way with gorgeous cabinetry,” says designer Christie Veres of CDV Interiors.

7. Quality Plumbing

- Don’t judge faucets and other plumbing fixtures on looks alone. The inner components are vital to how these pieces function and how long they will last. Poorly made fixtures often have plastic gaskets and other pieces inside that quickly break down, affecting water flow and other performance features.

8. Handheld Sprayer

- A handheld sprayer might seem like a small detail, but its inclusion can have an enormous effect on the shower experience. They are great for rinsing shaved legs, cleaning shower walls and more. Pros recommend adding a handheld in the shower because it makes cleaning pets, kids or the walls so much easier.

9. Shower Controls Near Entrance

- Nobody likes getting sprayed with cold water when reaching in to turn on the shower. Placing the controls on the opposite side of the shower head will add some extra expense to a renovation, but it’s a feature you will appreciate every day.

10. A “Wow” Moment

- Every space needs a focal point or feature that makes you smile or say “wow” every time you see it. It could be a wall treatment, a decorative light fixture, a graphic floor tile, a standout vanity or anything else that keeps things interesting. Try wallpaper or a funky light fixture. This keeps the room fresh and brings in a little flair.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your April! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

April Home Maintenance Checklist

Get your home Spring ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Get Rid of Dust & Clutter

- Start with clearing out any cluttered areas because the less stuff is in your way, the easier it will be to clean surfaces. Be sure to remove items you don’t want from your home! If you don’t, it’s highly likely that these items will find a way of working themselves back into your closets, cupboards, and drawers. Have old furniture, kitchenware, or clothing? See if a local charitable organization is accepting items and will do a pickup. Having a pickup scheduled can be a good way to get motivated to get the work done.

2. Clean the Exterior & Inspect Your Window Screens

- One extremely way to increase your home’s curb appeal is as easy as turning on the hose (or pressure washer if you have one!) and giving your siding a quick blast to remove unwanted dirt and debris. While you’re at it, inspect your window screens and see if you can find any small tears that need replacing to avoid letting bugs in. Warmer weather is around the corner and you’ll want to open those windows!

3. Simplify Your Living Room

- Take a look around your living room and consider reducing the amount of books and media to create a more relaxing space. Donate used books, movies and music to your local library or sell them. Organize what’s left, hiding anything unsightly (like gaming equipment) behind closed doors. There is even this modern Ikea hack to help hid your router: click here.

4. Deep Clean the Kitchen

- Give your kitchen a fresh spring start with a thorough cleaning. In addition to your usual cobweb clearing and floor mopping, wipe down walls and doors and vacuum behind the fridge and stove. Encourage seasonal eating by cleaning out the fridge and pantry, and stocking the space with items from your local farmers market. Check the expiration dates on your spices and toss/repurchase as necessary.

5. Clean Ceiling Fans & Overhead Lighting

- Time to bust out a tall ladder and carefully get to work! Use a duster or microfiber rags to remove dust from fans and light fixtures. Be careful not to use wet rags; it will only make the dust harder to remove. For caked-on grime, start with a dry duster or microfiber cloth and then move on to a fresh damp cloth if needed.

6. Streamline Your Files

- Tax Day is quickly approaching. Since you’ll likely be digging through your paperwork and files as you prepare taxes, take some additional time to shred/recycle junk as you come across it rather than stuffing it back into your files. A slimmed down file drawer will make it much easier to find what you need so it’s worth the extra effort now.

7. Freshen Patios & Porches

- The longer days always tend to draw people outdoors onto porches, patios, and decks to soak up some sunshine. Make sure your outdoor spaces are ready for the season by cleaning away cobwebs and leaves, washing floors and refreshing outdoor furniture.

8. Refresh Your Textiles

- If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned your rugs or upholstery, this could be the right focus for you. Start by laundering small washable items, like shower curtains, cotton rugs and washable slipcovers, at home. When laundering slipcovers, try putting them back on while they’re still barely damp for a better fit.

9. Check Safety Devices

- Test batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing them as needed. It’s also a good idea to periodically check for recalls of your home safety products; you can find up-to-date listings at Recalls.gov.

10. Clean Out the Garage

- Can you park your car in your garage? If not (or if it’s a tight fit), it may be time to make some more space. Clear out the junk, and schedule time to take unused paint, motor oil and other hazardous items to a recycling center that accepts them. (If you’re not sure where to go, search Earth911 to find a center near you.) Once your garage is cleaned out, consider adding wall-mounted storage to keep things neat and off the floor.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your March! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

Home Improvements That Help Build Equity

Usually homeowners remodel or renovate their homes to better fit their needs and wants, but did you know that many home improvements can add value and help build equity? Below is a list of home improvements that give you the most bang for your buck while building equity.

1. Energy Efficiency Improvements

- A home inspector will note if your home lacks solid insulation or has drafty doors and windows. All of this leads to higher energy use, which costs the homeowner. You can start with small updates, such as adding extra insulation to your attic. Seal cracks around doors, windows, light switches and electrical sockets to prevent energy losses.
  Drafty, single pane windows may turn off potential buyers. Installing Energy Star-rated windows can help save money on heating and cooling costs. Upgrading to Energy Star-rated also qualifies you for a green energy tax credit.
  
  Since buyers expect windows to be in good condition before they buy, replacing them might not significantly add to your asking price. But not replacing them could decrease it.

2. Landscaping

- Ask any homebuyer what they look for in a home, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find one who doesn’t place value on curb appeal. After all, you can have the best interior in the world but without attractive landscaping and front exterior, few buyers (if any) will be charmed. Even a simple, well-maintained lawn can go a long way in building equity in your home. However, many warns that going overboard with landscaping (i.e. adding fountains, expensive plants, etc) will not necessarily add value to a home. Instead, the website encourages homeowners to “wow potential buyers with a well-kept lawn, and some well-laced shrubbery or small trees.” These front yard house changes tend to recoup a decent percentage.

3. Kitchen Remodel

- Kitchen remodels can either be extremely expensive or fairly affordable, depending on the finishes and appliances chosen. While it’s certainly never cheap to redo a kitchen, it doesn’t have to break the bank either. Those that choose high-end, luxury finishes, such as marble countertops, custom cabinets and designer backsplashes, could end up paying upwards of $100,000 or more. However, those that choose less luxurious finishes can easily redo a kitchen for $40,000 or less. For many homebuyers, having a spacious, practical and updated kitchen is at the top of their list of needs, making this improvement a must.

4. Updated Appliances

- If your appliances don’t match, consider ordering new doors and face panels from the manufacturer. This will give your kitchen a more cohesive look without the high costs of replacing the appliances.
  Consider replacing older appliances with new energy-efficient models, which are better for the environment and use less energy. Potential buyers are often looking for ways to save money when shopping for a new home.

5. Outdoor Deck Additions

- Everyone (especially a homebuyer) loves having an outdoor deck for lounging, eating and grilling. Adding a wood deck addition to your home can yield a return of more than 75 percent. The cost of adding a deck varies widely depending on materials and size, however, most decks cost anywhere from $1,200 to $10,000 or more. Though pricey, these decks will ensure you have plenty of outdoor space to enjoy while also building equity in your home.

6. Bathroom Remodel

- Bathroom remodels will recoup 87.7 to 93.5 percent of your investment, according to the Cost vs. Value Report. Like the kitchen, don’t go crazy. Install new fixtures, brighten the room with paint, and re-grout the bathtub. A new mirror and light fixtures can easily transform the look of a bathroom.

7. Updated Flooring

- Believe it or not, buyers are looking at your floors. They’re looking to see what condition they’re in. They want to know how hard it is to maintain them and what types of flooring you have. Most homeowners find about a seventy percent ROI on new floors when they go to sell their house. New floors can add a lot of value to your home if done right.

8. Finished Basement/Attic Spaces

- Adding square footage to your home can quickly escalate and end up costing more than originally budgeted. Instead of trying to add on, renovate the existing space in your home. Imagine the attic as another bedroom or a workout area. Convert the basement into a family room. The more versatile the room, the more appeal to potential buyers who can personalize the space.

Sources: iBuyer.com, Moving.com, SeattleCU.com

Make Your Remodel More Sustainable!

Remodeling or doing a complete new build in a sustainable way is not only earth conscious, but can also help out your wallet as well!

1. Research, Research, and RESEARCH

- Thoroughly research your existing or building site so you have a complete understanding of which elements can be reused or retained. You might find that it’ll reduce waste/costs and minimize your demolition. Orientation of your build could also lower utility costs based on ventilation and how much natural sunlight your space receives. Find ways to utilizes hydronic radiant heating, solar panels, natural daylighting and an energy recovery ventilator system.

2. Salvage What You Can

- Anything reused saves new materials from being taken from the earth, eliminates transport costs and reduces your contribution to landfill, plus you get the pleasure of having something original and characterful in your home!

3. Think Small

- First step to building more lightly on the earth? Embrace a “less is more” philosophy. The most effective way to make your renovation more sustainable is to minimize the size of the new works or the amount of alterations. In essence, go for quality over quantity.

4. Avoid Demolishing

- Before you pick up the sledgehammer, ask yourself: Do you really need to knock down your existing structure and start from the ground up or can you get the same or similar results by upgrading what you’ve got? Renovating may end up costing the same as building from scratch, but you will save an awful lot on materials and transport, which is far better for the environment.

5. Design for Longevity

- Consider whether you can adapt spaces for different purposes, such as a home office or an extra bedroom that can double as a TV nook or music room. Build and design with quality finishes that aren’t going to break down or require replacement or ongoing maintenance.

6. Shop Locally

- Choosing locally sourced and made materials and products is not only environmentally responsible, it’s also socially responsible. It reduces transportation emissions and helps create jobs and support local industry.

Resource: houzz.com

8 Laundry Room Must-Haves

Straight from the experts! Check out these 8 laundry room must-haves that are not only visually pleasing, but highly functional.

1. Deep Countertops

- Having a decent amount of counter space in your laundry room is the number one request for most homeowners. Consider swapping out a top loader machine so you can place a countertop directly above your washer and dryer. You’ll want the countertops to be at least 24 inches deep — or ideally 25.5 inches deep, if you have the room — so you can include a decent-size sink as well as counter space to put baskets and folded clothes on top

2. Drying Racks

- Installing drying racks or a drying cabinet in your laundry room design means you can say goodbye to having those pesky free-standing drying racks all over the house. Place them over a heating vent or in a purpose-built cabinet.

3. Hanging Rod

- A hanging rod or rail installed above a countertop makes drying shirts easy and helps reduce the amount of ironing. Install the rail underneath overhead cabinets or make it a feature by installing it to hang from the ceiling. Just be sure to allow for enough clearance between the rail and the counter for shirts to hang!

4. Forgiving Finishes

- When it comes to flooring, experts recommend tiles that have a patina or stone look as they are great for minimizing scuffs and smudges that regularly occur in a hardworking spot such as the laundry.

5. Smart Storage

- Think about whether or not you want to store other items in your laundry room such as cleaning supplies, ironing boards, mops and brooms, or your vacuum cleaner. If so, you’ll want to plan your design carefully to accommodate for the extra storage you’ll need for these items. Include additional electrical outlets in your cabinetry design so you can charge cordless vacuums while keeping them out of sight.

6. Room for a Hamper

- A pull-out hamper fitted into your laundry room cabinetry is an excellent addition to any laundry room. This also deters you from having clutter or having to store dirty laundry in bedrooms.

7. A Big Enough Space

- If you are doing a complete laundry room remodel, it’s important to consider how much space you’ll need. A common mistake is designing a too-small laundry room, particularly in a busy family home. The recommended minimum amount of space for a laundry room is 80 square feet. This provides enough space for a single row of cabinets, including a recess for the washing machine, a generous sink and a decent-size hamper space, plus a sufficient walkway.

8. Clean Design

- To reduce visual clutter, conceal washing machine connections and direct bypass draining. Pull-out hoses are great for this application.

Festive Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces

You don’t need much to make your home feel like a winter wonderland this holiday season. Here are few ideas to help you decorate any space in your home – no extra large christmas tree required!

Snuggly Bedding

- Now is the time to bust out those cozy flannel sheets and warm plaid blankets! Place a warm fuzzy blanket on your sofa along with some holiday throw pillows and voila – easy festive living room decor!

Mantle Decorations

- A simple green garland that can be purchased at any garden center or local tree farm looks holiday-ready when draped over your mantle. Add candles (battery operated is recommended), twinkle lights, nutcrackers, pine cones, etc. for a little extra holiday cheer.

Pine Cone Garlands

- Speaking of garlands and pine cones, why not combine the two? Whether you buy pine cones or forage your own, you can elevate them with brushed on gold leaf. Attach them to some rope for a rustic natural feel and drape them across your mantle, entry or doorways.

Hot Beverage Bar

- Nothing says cozy winter time like a specific station set up for hot drinks. A tray stocked with the makings of your favorite hot beverage is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Use an insulated thermos to keep hot drinks toasty, and prop up a sign to let guests know what’s on tap. Garnish with marshmallows, candy canes, and cinnamon sticks.

Branch in a Vase

- This may seem very simplistic, but trust me when I say it can be a huge statement piece in any space. Take a fresh cutting from a tree outside and place it in a large jar with cold water. Surround it with white candles or even tiny presents. If you don’t have the space for a large christmas tree, this is a great alternative. It’s simple, beautiful, and very hygge (a mood of coziness and “comfortable conviviality” with feelings of wellness and contentment).

Holiday Books

- By strategically placing your favorite holiday books beneath a glass-top coffee table or propped up between bookends on a console table, you create fun and personalized holiday decor. Try using vintage children’s picture books or holiday classics like “Little Women” or “A Christmas Carol”.

Sprig of Red Berries

- This is one of the most cost effective ways to decorate for the holidays. Take some red berry sprigs and pop them in a glass or ceramic vase you already own. Not only does this bring color to any room in your home, it also brings warmth. Try placing them on your mantle, in your powder room, bookshelves, or on bedside tables.

Chalk Art

- Transform a chalkboard or a chalkboard painted wall into a holiday prop. Draw a wintry scene or a christmas tree. You can even place some wrapped gifts under your hand drawn christmas tree for added decor.

Mini Wreaths in Your Window

- You can find mini wreaths at craft stores or even create some of your own. Hang an assortment of wreath sizes from your window with red ribbon at different lengths for a stunning effect that works great indoors and outdoors.

Advent Garland

- Kids or no kids, advent calendars can be a lot of fun! Have a pet? Consider filling it with toys and treats for your furry best friend. These festive calendars look great hung up on a blank wall, banister or above your mantle.

Home Buying at a Glance

A lot goes into buying a home! To make things a little easier to understand, here is a quick overview so you are prepared and have an idea of what to expect when it’s time for you to buy.

Decide on a Budget for Your Purchase

- One of the most important steps of the home buying process is figuring out what your budget is. During this process, you’ll want to start talking to lenders, finding out about interest rates, obtain pre-approval letters. Your lender will help you figure out your debt-to-income ratio and what kind of loan you qualify for. While deciding on your budget, keep in mind that HOA dues, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and private mortgage insurance can all factor into your monthly mortgage payment.

Pick a Location

- Do some research on various neighborhoods and find out what area you think would suit you best. Make a list of priorities you need in a neighborhood – Do you need a shorter commute? What about school districts? Would you rather be close to shops, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. or in a more secluded area? These are all things to consider when figuring out the best location for you to call home.

Find “The” Home

- And don’t skip out on asking your Realtor for help (and hopefully that Realtor is me 😉)! Home search websites are great and all, but sometimes the information can be out of date and because they use algorithms, you might not see all of the listings in the location you are looking for. Realtors have various tools not available to the public and they have access to the Regional Multiple Listing Service – the largest real estate listing database in the area. Realtors can keep you in the loop of the newest listings that specifically fit your needs and wants of your future home. Once you’ve found “the one”, it’s time for your next step!

Do Your Due Diligence

- Find out as much information possible about the home. See if HOA dues apply and how that’ll affect your mortgage payments. Was a home inspection done prior to the house going on the market? If so, review it and make sure the condition of the home is to your liking. In most cases, sellers will fill out a “Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement”. This form discloses information about the property that the seller is aware of. If it has already been provided by the listing agent, go over it with your Realtor and see if anything on the disclosure statement raises any red flags. Think about any renovations and repairs you might want to do to the home and decide whether or not that fits into your budget.

Make an Offer

- It’s offer time! After doing your due diligence, discuss with your Realtor the amount you should offer for the home. Depending on the market, your offer price might be higher or lower than the listing price. In a highly competitive market, offer prices are usually higher than the listing price. Your Realtor will write up the offer for you to sign and submit it on your behalf to the seller’s agent.

Finalize and Close

- You just got a call that your offer has been accepted! But now what? Normally after your offer is accepted, you will need to act out certain terms and conditions of your offer. That typically includes providing your pre-approval letter or proof of funds, depositing your earnest money deposit, reviewing the title report and disclosures, schedule a home inspection and have your lender order an appraisal. Once all of the contingencies and terms have been met, you are on your way to closing! Prior to closing, you will receive a final settlement statement from title detailing your closing costs and a closing disclosure from your lender detailing your monthly mortgage payments. Closing will take place on the day specified in your offer contract and you can either sign at the title company where you are closing or you can sign digitally. Once title receives your funds to close, you will sign your closing documents and then move forward with possession. The possession date can either be the same day as closing or it could take place after closing depending on what is spelled out in your contract. During possession, you’ll receive the keys to your new home and VOILA! You’ve successfully gone through the grueling home buying process and are now a homeowner!

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Fall Ready

Happy First Day of Fall! Get your home colder weather ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Add Weatherstripping

- Have older windows in your home? Inspect them and consider adding weatherstripping to help retain heat and stop drafts. If you’ve applied weatherstripping to your windows before, inspect the areas where it was previously applied and see if any need replacing.

2. Remove Window A/C Units

- Used window air-conditioning units? Now is the time to remove them! Or if they are outside, cover them with protective insulation. Removing the units is the better option because this will allow you to close the windows, minimizing winter heat loss. If you choose to leave them in over the winter, be sure to pick up insulating covers made for this purpose and securely attach them outside.

3. Cozy Up With Warm Layers

- Yes, it’ll still be in the high 80’s this weekend, but now is the time to bust out your warmer bedding, blankets, coats, and shoes. Bring added warmth to the other rooms in your house with throws and pillows in rich fabrics like wool, velvet or faux fur. Thicker area rugs and curtains not only feel cozier, but they also can actually help your home feel warmer — and cut down on your energy bills!

4. Clean Leather Furniture

- It’s important to know whether your leather furniture has a finish before treating it with any products, so check labels or look up the item on the retailer’s or manufacturer’s website before you begin. If you have unprotected leather (aniline), wipe it clean with distilled water and a cloth. If you have protected leather (semianiline or pigmented), you can be a little harsher and use a homemade cleaning solution or commercial leather cleaning product. Wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth.

5. Inspect Roof and Gutters

- Give your roof and gutters a quick visual inspection. Pull out any sticks, leaves, or other debris blocking your gutters. Make note of any worn out seals around your vent pipes and chimneys.

6. Schedule Chimney and Furnace Maintenance

- Speaking of chimneys, make sure your fireplace and heating system are clean, safe and ready to go by having a pro look at them now. Having your chimney cleaned will also ensure that you don’t try to start a fire when an animal family (or an old nest) is inside. And if you don’t have a chimney cap yet, speak with your chimney sweep about adding a one. The metal cap with screened sides can prevent critters from getting in and helps protect your roof from burning embers.

7. Check Safety Devices

- Test those smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors! It’s also a good idea to check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if need be.

8. Maintain Your Washer and Dryer

- I cannot stress it enough! It is so incredibly important to clean out your dryer vents on a regular basis! If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning out your dryer vent, hire a professional to do it for you. Washing-machine hoses need to be replaced from time to time, and a cracked hose can cause a leak — which can mean costly damage to your home. Clean dryer vents and hoses will help your machine work more efficiently and reduce the risk of fire.

9. Consider Beefing Up Insulation

- Energy bills can get fairly costly during the fall/winter. Consider adding insulation to your attic space or inside walls. Not only would this help save on your energy bills during the winter, it also helps to keep your home cooler during the summer months.

10. Order Firewood

- Whether you use a wood stove for actual warmth or just for coziness, now is a good time to order a delivery of firewood. If you can help it, don’t store large quantities of wood directly against the house, which can encourage pests, but do keep it protected from rain and snow beneath a shelter.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your September! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

PDX Neighborhood Spotlight: Mississippi

Highlighting a long stretch of restaurants, bars, shops and music venues, Mississippi Avenue is rich with cultural heritage, delicious food, and fun activities.

About Mississippi
This historic Portland neighborhood has undergone quite the transformation over the last few years. Like many inner suburbs, Mississippi experienced a steady decline in residents and businesses beginning in the 1950s. But then something amazing happened – the neighborhood rallied together and formed The Mississippi Avenue Business Association which raised enough money to save the last African American owned building. Today, this tight-knit community is a haven for locally owned eccentric businesses and some of the best food Portland has to offer.

Mississippi Street Fair
Featuring live music on multiple stages, Mississippi Street Fair is one of the city’s largest street fairs, bringing in 30,000+ visitors to the close-in North Portland street. The street fair usually occurs on a Saturday the beginning of July on North Mississippi Ave. between North Fremont and Skidmore. The whole street closes down for a day of food, more than 150 local vendors, music, a beer garden and more! There is usually a rib-off competition and a kid zone as well.

*Photo From This Year’s Mississippi Street Fair*

Food/Drink
Mississippi Pizza – One of the district’s oldest businesses, you can find delicious slices, karaoke, bingo, trivia, bingo, and live music all at Mississippi Pizza.
Miss Delta – Craving southern soul food? Definitely checkout Miss Delta. Chicken and waffles, crawfish etouffee, and shrimp and grits – you can’t go wrong!
The Rambler – Dog friendly and friendly staff! Sit on the outdoor patio with a pint of their Rambler Lager along with their infamous chicken strips and tornado potatoes.
Prost – Inviting neighborhood bar that features authentic German food and beer. It’s a great place to gather with friends!
Prost Marketplace – Directly next to Prost the bar is a parking lot filled cart food and cold beverages.

Shops/Things to Do
Mississippi Studios – Formerly a Baptist Church, Mississippi Studios and Bar Bar is an acclaimed music venue and home of great burgers! The venue has a homely feel, but you can find a lot of major acts there on any given night.
Pistils Nursery – This nursery offers a variety of indoor plants, outdoor plants, housemade living art pieces, and homewares.
Paxton Gate – Not only does Paxton Gate offer some of the most eclectic curiosities and oddities, they also offer a variety of classes like insect pinning and terrarium building.
Mississippi Records – This small independent record store features a friendly staff, a listening station, and an excellent range of records.
Rose City Comics – Rose City Comics stores thousands of graphic novels and a huge selection of Portland-based creators. It’s fit for the hardcore collector and the casual reader alike.

Market Stats
The Mississippi Ave. area is very competitive! On average, homes go pending in around 14 days or less. Last month, the median sales price of a home near Mississippi Ave. was approximately $652,500 with 3% of homes selling over asking price. Click here for a free home valuation.

References: VenturePortland & TravelPortland.com

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