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Displaying blog entries 11-18 of 18

So Much To Do Around The House….And So Little Time!

Saturday, December 13, 2008
by lheraty
Every homeowner knows that there are things that simply have to be done, either every three months, every six months or yearly, to keep your biggest investment in tip-top shape. Here is a tidy little check-list to keep on hand to make sure you are staying on track: Yearly:
  • Inspect those gutters to make sure they are securely attached and free of leaves and debris
  • Inspect your chimney to determine if a professional cleaning is needed
  • Furnace must be inspected and cleaned by a professional
  • Hot water tank inspection…by a professional
  • Clean and seal your wood deck and its railings
  • Vacuum all that lint from your clothes dryer duct and vent
  • Check your septic tank’s level
  • Re-caulk your exterior windows, doors, siding base and trim
  • Re-caulk along the fronts of tubs and showers
  • Inspect for worn fittings and connection on all plumbing fixtures in your home
  • Have your carpets cleaned by a professional
  • Garage Doors: oil the track, roller, hinges, pulleys and springs with a light gauge oil
  • Have your sprinkler system inspected and winterized
  • Drain and remove all hoses from the exterior of your house
  • Shut off all of your outside faucets before freezing temperatures
  • Prune trees
Every Six Months:
  • Vacuum vents and coils at the back of your refrigerator
  • Clean your stove’s vent and fan
  • Check the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Every Three Months:
  • Clean or replace your furnace filter and air-conditioner filter
  • Fertilize your lawn
For more home maintenance information go to This Old House.

Keep Your Home Building Options Open With All Things Green

Friday, December 12, 2008
by lheraty
Despite the current economy, the United States green building market is growing at a steady clip. Statistics show it at $49 billion for this year, a huge increase over the $10 billion dollars in 2005. Experts are speculating that number could triple by 2013. One green builder has a very smart plan: to focus on building green homes for the middle class. Green Builders Incorporated, out of Austin, Texas builds homes that have an average asking price of $225,000. Green features of this home include:
  • Square footage which ranges from 1,600 square feet to 3,500 square feet
  • Bamboo flooring
  • On-Demand Water Heaters
  • Rain Barrels
  • Insulated Windows
  • High efficiency heat pumps
  • Icynene spray foam insulation
  • Non-toxic finishes minus those nasty volatile organic compounds
  • Formaldehyde-free kitchen cabinets
  • All homes come complete with Energy Star specs
  • All homes meet the National Association of Home Builders green building standards
How, you are probably asking yourself, does this builder manage all of this with that svelte price tag? Well, for starters, this builder’s thirty years of experience has helped them to figure that certain higher-cost “green”" items actually save them money in other places. For example, when installing that thicker insulation, a smaller air conditioner is needed. Shorter duct runs are a savings when the attic is well-sealed. Facing and runs of soffit are reduced due to their Craftsman style, which amounts to the windows being placed farther up into the eves. In addition, the marketing of this type of home appeals to those looking to save up to as much as 50% on utilities, the health-conscious and environmentalists who are looking to live in a green home. For more information about green building see Green Builders Inc.

Great ranch priced to sell immediately in Lafayette!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008
by crussell
Priced to sell!!  Great starter home with large living area--the focal point is the brick fireplace flanked by windows, kitchen open to dining area, shed and play equipment stay!  Click the link below for more information and to view photos. 281 S. Furlong

If You Are Contemplating Renting Your Home, Do Not Be Scared! Simply Research State Law And Carefully Plan Ahead

Friday, December 5, 2008
by lheraty
door knocker: Open door stock photos If you need to sell your home and find that you are having trouble selling it, why not rent it? For many, this is a frightening idea because people believe there are so many ways for problems to arise within this particular arrangement. To avoid any possible problems, homeowners simply need to arm themselves with a few key pieces of information. For starters, you must be able to emotionally disconnect from the house. You need to approach this new situation in the way you would if you were selling the house, since tenants do have privacy rights. Secondly and most importantly, you must screen each and every tenant that you consider. You may consult the Landlord Protection Agency website for screening worksheets. Beware of “professional tenants” who seek out landlords that do not screen and bank on the idea that you may not know how to remove them from the house. Thirdly, learn the laws in your state. There are many laws that protect the tenant and you must tailor your lease to your state’s rules. Fourth, be smart about what you charge for rent. Consulting a real estate agent to learn about competition and rental prices is always wise. Finally, be prepared to decide who is responsible for which repairs and upgrades. A basic rule of thumb is that if something breaks that affects quality of life or poses a danger to your tenant, you are responsible for it. Upgrades are obviously not requirements, although you may want to consider them if you find an agreeable tenant that you wish to keep long-term. For all landlord related questions see The Landlord Protection Agency Website.

Open plan for entertainingin the heart of West Lafayette!

Friday, December 5, 2008
by crussell
Wonderful Downham-built multi-level home with an abundance of living space plus an elevator, beautiful solarium, for year-round enjoyment, thermostat in every room, deck, whirlpool, lawn sprinkler, security system, Home Warranty available!  Click the link below for more information and to view photos. 112 E. Navajo St.

Cape Cod with incredible charm in West Lafayette!

Friday, December 5, 2008
by crussell
Built-ins galore, Wood floors under carpet, fruit trees, fenced yard, covered patio, play equipment, fireplace, basement with rec room and large laundry area, darling neighborhood, lots of possibilities, 4th bedroom could be turned into master bath, move right in!  Click the link below for more information and to view photos of this home! 611 Hillcrest

Quiet setting, close to everything, & lots of room in Lafayette!

Friday, December 5, 2008
by crussell
Wonderful colors!  Rivate cul-de-sac, durable wood laminate floors, self sufficient with stand-by generator, whole house humidifier, crown molding huge deck with storage shed, water softener, fireplace, assumable loan!  Click the link below for more information and to view photos of this home! 3986 Abraham Ct.

Fireplace Season Is Upon Us! Here Are Some Common Problems And Their Simple Solutions

Thursday, December 4, 2008
by lheraty
Napoleon - NZ26-WI Wood Burning FireplaceWhen the cold weather season begins, nothing is more enjoyable than sitting in front of a warm, crackling fire. Not only does it warm the body, but it also adds wonderful atmosphere for any occasion that simply cannot be duplicated. If problems with your chimney are getting in the way of your enjoyment of this small pleasure, please read on as there are always solutions. Many homeowners complain of smoke coming out of their fireplaces when it is windy outside. This is caused when wind currents force air back down the chimney. Most of the time, large trees near the house can cause these downdrafts. You can fix this problem by placing a chimney cap on the chimney. If you already have a cap on your chimney, you may want to try installing a cap of different design. Another common problem some homeowners experience is smoke that continuously pours out of the fireplace. This could be due to a blocked flue, or the flue is partially filled with soot and creosote. You can check for blockage with a flashlight for bird’s nests, or branches and leaves. If you find that you have creosote build-up, you will need a professional cleaning. Another cause of smoke is that you may be using wet and/or green wood. Make sure that you dry your wood out properly before use, or purchase only seasoned dry wood. In a worst-case scenario you may find that you have a crack or leak in your flue lining. If this is the case you will need to have the liner replaced. For more information on smoky fireplaces see The Garden Web.

Displaying blog entries 11-18 of 18

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Photo of Cathy Russell Real Estate
Cathy Russell
The Russell Company
2522 Covington St.
West Lafayette IN 47906
(765) 426-7000
(765) 335-5588
Fax: (765) 497-1003
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