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Sunday, October 28, 2018
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Housing market sees increased sales, prices
Roswell Daily Record
A local real estate professional advises people considering a home purchase in the Chaves County area to start home shopping now. Sales and price data for the local residential housing market indicates that 2018 has been a strong year, with the average sales price and the number of transactions going up. “It has begun to swing a bit to a seller’s market,” said Marcia Tidwell, president of the Roswell Asso-
ciation of Realtors and an agent with Century 21 Home Planning. “We are fairly balanced right now, but I can see that the pendulum is swinging toward more of a seller’s market.” Tidwell said she also sees indications that purchase prices and interest rates will increase in the coming year. “With the oilfield and everything, we get the spill over, so to speak, from Eddy or Lea County. All the indications are that it will be strong for the next five to 10 years,
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at least,” she said. During the first nine months of 2018, 469 transactions occurred, with total sales of $70,112,917. The average number of days on the market for a house was 134, and the average sales price was $149,494. For the same period in 2017, there were 404 transactions totaling $58,543,620. The average sales price last year was $144,909, with the average days on the market at 132. Right now, Tidwell said, the number of active listings is 273.
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“That’s about right,” she said. “We like to run around 300. That seems like a good number.” Statewide, sales totals so far in 2018 have exceeded the annual sales for each of the past 10 years, according to information from the Realtors Association of New Mexico. That group indicates that, from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2018, 24,016 homes have been sold throughout New Mexico. The average sales price was $200,000. For all 12 months of 2017, total homes sold numbered 22,221, with an average sales price of $190,900. The number of homes sold in 2017 was
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Sunday, October 28, 2018
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Housing Continued from Page 2
a record. Tidwell recommends that people find a realtor that they are compatible with and stick with that person until they purchase a home. Most importantly, she said, potential buyers should pre-qualify for loans. “Quite often, you can qualify for more than what you realize,” she said. “So it is good to know before you start home searching what you qualify for. You don’t want to set your heart on what you can’t buy, or maybe you can afford something a bit more expensive than what you thought.” Courtesy of the Roswell Association of Realtors
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Sunday, October 28, 2018
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Fall garden cleanup shouldn’t be too thorough
By Lee Reich Associated Press
Dead leaves on the ground, dead stems on trees and shrubs, dead plants where flowers and vegetables once strutted their stuff — how forlorn the yard can look this time of year. The urge is to tidy things up by blowing or raking leaves out of sight, pruning away unwanted branches and ripping dead plants out of the ground. Garden cleanup has its virtues but can do more harm than good if taken to excess.
Autumn leaves have their place
For instance, many gardeners like to clear dead leaves out from beneath shrubbery, where the leaves often come to rest after fall winds give them a few swirls around the yard. In fact, trees and shrubs would love to have their roots cozied in beneath a thick blanket of leaves. Such a blanket keeps roots warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and moister year-round. All of which spurs roots to grow more, and more root growth means more robust plants. Many gardeners similarly wield leaf blowers and rakes to remove leaves that have drifted onto the lawn. But these leaves do no harm there, unless they blanket the ground so thickly that they exclude light. A final pass with the mower might be all that
is needed to grind leaves fine enough to filter down through the grassy blades to the soil. A mulching mower, or a conventional mower fit with a mulching blade, does this job well. The benefits of working the leaves into the lawn are similar to those of raking leaves beneath shrubbery. Next summer, your lawn will look nicer and be better able to survive periodic droughts.
What about pruning?
Let’s next take a look at all those dead and misplaced tree and shrub branches, many no longer hidden behind green leaves. Wouldn’t it be nice to prune these plants to look healthy, prim and pretty now? Anytime you notice them is a good time to prune dead branches and, in most cases, diseased ones too. Generally, though, don’t prune for beauty at this time of year. Fall pruning might stimulate a little cell activity at a time when plants should be shutting down in preparation for the cold. And wounds left by fall pruning stay exposed all winter. So plants are more likely to be injured by cold weather, and pruning wounds are more likely to get infected if plants are pruned now than if pruned in late winter or early spring. Don’t bother with wound dressings to avert infections; they’re generally
Lee Reich via AP
This undated photo shows a perennial garden in New Paltz, N.Y. Leaving a few old plants and seedbeds, rather than thorough garden cleanup, keeps the garden interesting all through winter. useless. If you can’t resist the urge to grab your pruning shears and beautify some trees and shrubs, work with plants that are very cold-hardy and subject to few diseases — ornamentals such as spirea, snowberry, sumacs, and ninebark, and fruits such as gooseberries and currants.
Some cleanup is in order
The place to put most of
your tidying energy is into your vegetable and flower beds. Old, infected plant parts left lying around can help spread diseases like tomato leafspots, powdery mildew of zinnia, phlox, and other plants, and peony botrytis. For specific concerns such as these, it pays to thoroughly clean up this time of year. In this case, ripping dead, old plants, stems or leaves out of the garden and then carting
them away to the compost pile also carries away some potential pest problems. Another reason to clean up vegetables and flowers now is to give you an earlier start next spring when the urge strikes you to plant. But some restraint is needed even where vegetables and flowers grew. A few plants left here and there will capture snow and hold it on the ground.
Snow insulates the soil and even adds a bit of nitrogen for next year’s plants. A few stalks left here and there also liven up the drab winter landscape. Birds will flit about old sunflower heads looking for a few remaining seeds. And while seedheads of coneflower and teasel hardly get a second glance in summer, they begin to look mighty interesting come February.
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Sunday, October 28, 2018
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2018 Home
Go green - Energy-saving tips Metro Creative Services
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onserving energy is a great way to protect the planet and save money. While energy bills might be highest in summer thanks to air conditioning units, certain factors around a house can make winter more wasteful and costly than it needs to be. Energy bills are influenced by a variety of factors, including geography and how energy-efficient a home is. For example, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average monthly utility bill in Connecticut in 2015 was $153.13, while New Mexico residents paid slightly more than half that amount ($79.23) on average. Homeowners cannot control winter weather, which can greatly affect how much energy homeowners consume between December and March. However, there are other ways for homeowners to curtail their energy consumption and save money throughout winter. • Address any leaks or drafts. Drafty windows and doorways can make the air inside homes feel warmer in the summer and colder in the winter. As autumn weather grows colder, homeowners can
perform simple inspections around windows and doorways to determine if they have any leaks. On a cold and/or windy day, place a hand near all windows and doors to feel if there are any leaks. Use caulk or another type of sealant to address leaks so you can keep cold air out and set your thermostat to a reasonable, eco-friendly temperature. • Inspect air vents, faucets and plumbing fixtures. Air vents, faucets and plumbing fixtures attached to exterior walls should be inspected for leaks. Such inspections might need to be conducted from outside the home, which can make it more difficult to detect if cold air is entering the home. Look for gaps in the insulation around these areas, filling in those gaps as necessary. • Inspect heating systems at the start of each new season. According to EnergyStar.gov, heating systems account for 29 percent of the average homeowner’s energy expenditures. Inspect your heating or HVAC system before the start of winter, making sure all gas or oil connections are operating properly. EnergyStar.gov notes that dirty burners and
cracked heat exchangers can cause heating units to operate less efficiently and may even pose a safety risk. Inspect the air filter of the heating system at least once per month, as filters can quickly become dirty during a heavy-use season like winter. Dirty filters cause the system to work harder to keep a home warm, unnecessarily wasting energy as a result. • Install a Wi-fi enabled programmable thermostat. Some programmable thermostats can be very difficult to use effectively, making it far too difficult if not impossible for homeowners to set their thermostats for various temperatures in a single day. Wi-fi enabled programmable thermostats that allow homeowners to control their heating and cooling systems via their smartphones can be more user-friendly than many other programmable thermostats, ensuring homeowners are saving money and not wasting energy heating empty homes. Winter utility bills can be costly, but homeowners can reduce their cold weather energy consumption in various ways without sacrificing comfort.
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Sunday, October 28, 2018
Keep pets safe this winter Metro Creative Services Story and Photo
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warm coat, a cozy spot to sleep and limited time spent outdoors can keep pets safe during winter. Pet owners may be well aware of the hazards of warm weather, including the threat of leaving pets in hot cars. But cold weather also has its share of risks. Heed these tips to keep pets safe and secure. The arrival of cooler temperatures sparks various changes. Chilly air and precipitation can be dangerous, especially to pets that are unaccustomed to extreme changes in temperature. Pet owners may be well aware of the hazards of warm weather, including the threat of leaving pets in hot cars. But cold weather also has its share of risks. Heed these tips to keep pets safe and secure. • Schedule a well visit. The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests scheduling a visit with a veterinarian to check for any medical issues. Cold weather can aggravate symptoms of certain conditions, such as arthritis. A thorough examination can shed light on potential problems. • Keep homes humidified. Going in and out of the house and moving from cold air to dry indoor heat can affect pets’ skin. Itching and flaking may result, causing pets to scratch at such areas. Maintain humidity in the home for comfort. The ASPCA also says to reduce bathing to help preserve essential oils on the skin. • Protect paws outdoors. Pet paws are sensitive to sand, ice, snow, and chemical ice melts. Massage petroleum jelly or another protectant onto paw pads, or consider the use of pet booties. • Keep pets indoors more often. Pets should not remain outdoors for long stretches of time in frigid temperatures, even if they are accustomed to roam-
ing during other seasons, advises The Humane Society of the United States. • Provide options for sleeping. Come the winter, cats and dogs may need new sleep spaces to avoid drafts and stay warm. Give them other spots they can call their own. • Consider a sweater or vest. Some pets are more tolerant to the cold than others. However, some dogs and cats may benefit from a sweater, vest or coat designed for pets to offer a little more insulation. • Update identification and contact information. Snow and ice can mask scent cues that help pets find their way home. Update contact information and make sure pets’ collars are on tightly. • Keep coolant and antifreeze locked away. Coolant and antifreeze are lethal to dogs and cats and should be kept out of reach. Clean up any spills from vehicles promptly. • Provide fresh food and water. Pets may burn more calories trying to stay warm. Be sure the animal has a little extra food and plenty of water to stay sated and hydrated. Winter weather requires pets owners to make changes so pets can remain happy and safe.
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Protecting cars from fall leaves and natural hazards
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axing a car is a great way to maintain its exterior. Including waxing as part of your routine vehicle maintenance can protect the car or truck from some natural hazards, including sun damage, pollen and the dirt and grime that can accumulate on a car over time. Motorists unfamiliar with waxing may be intimidated by the sheer volume of waxes on the shelves at their local automotive supply stores, which will no doubt offer an array of both liquid and paste waxes as well as many spray waxes. When testing waxes in 2013, Consumer Reports found that liquid and paste waxes were relatively equal with regard to their effectiveness, while spray waxes were very convenient
though not very durable. Waxing a vehicle is no small task, and drivers should learn as much as they can about car wax and the different types of waxes before attempting the job themselves. The differences between waxes In their study of liquid, paste and spray waxes, Consumer Reports found that paste waxes were easier to apply than liquid waxes, but that the overall performance of paste waxes fell short of liquid waxes. Liquid waxes were very durable and provided the gloss many motorists look for when waxing their vehicles. But liquid waxes were difficult to apply evenly, something first timers should consider when choosing a wax. Spray waxes were convenient and easy to use, and many can be wiped off without dry-
ing. But Consumer Reports found spray waxes were not as durable as liquid or paste waxes, so they may need to be applied more frequently. Because waxing is done to protect a car and improve its appearance, it’s important that drivers waxing their vehicles for the first time test the wax on an area of their vehicles that is not easily seen to the naked eye. This affords some room for error as you learn the waxing ropes while also allowing you to test out different waxes until you find the right fit. There are some additional tricks drivers can employ when waxing their vehicles that can make the job easier and the wax that much more effective. • Wash first, then wax. Make sure you give your car or truck a good wash before you apply any wax. Allow the car to dry completely
before applying any wax. • Avoid sunlight. Consumer Reports notes that sunlight can soften paint and make it susceptible to scratching, so avoid washing and waxing your car in direct sunlight. • Use microfiber towels. Microfiber towels were found to be more effective than cloth rags at removing residue. In addition, cloth rags can trap dirt and scratch finishes, so opt for lamb’s wool mitts instead. • Go from top to bottom. The bottom of a vehicle is more susceptible to grime, so work your way down when waxing so you are not contaminating your towels. A contaminated towel increases the risk of scratching your vehicle’s exterior. When waxing your vehicle, the right wax and technique can make all the difference.
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Sunday, October 28, 2018
The differences in caring for your lawn during fall
Metro Creative Services Story and Photo
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pring and summer may be the seasons most often associated with landscaping and lawn care, but tending to lawns and gardens is a year-round job. If lawn and garden responsibilities dip considerably in winter, then fall is the last significant chance before the new year that homeowners will have to address the landscaping around their homes. Fall lawn care differs from spring and summer lawn care, even if the warm temperatures of summer linger into autumn. Homeowners who want their lawns to thrive year-round can take advantage of the welcoming weather of fall to address any existing or potential issues. • Keep mowing, but adjust how you mow. It’s important that homeowners continue to mow their lawns so long as grass is growing. But as fall transitions into winter, lower the blades so
the grass is cut shorter while remaining mindful that no blade of grass should ever be trimmed by more than one-third. Lowering the blades will allow more sunlight to reach the grass in the months ahead. • Remove leaves as they fall. Much like apple-picking and foliage, raking leaves is synonymous with fall. Some homeowners may wait to pick up a rake until all of the trees on their properties are bare. However, allowing fallen leaves to sit on the ground for extended periods of time can have an adverse effect on grass. Leaves left to sit on the lawn may ultimately suffocate the grass by forming an impenetrable wall that deprives the lawn of sunlight and oxygen. The result is dead grass and possibly even fungal disease. Leaves may not need to be raked every day, but homeowners should periodically rake and remove leaves from their grass, even if there are plenty left to fall still hanging on the trees.
• Repair bald spots. Summer exacts a toll on lawns in various ways, and even homeowners with green thumbs may end up with a lawn filled with bald spots come September. Autumn is a great time to repair these bald spots. Lawn repair mixes like Scotts® PatchMaster contain mulch, seed and fertilizer to repair bald spots, which can begin to recover in as little as seven days. Before applying such products, remove dead grass and loosen the top few inches of soil. Follow any additional manufacturer instructions as well. • Aerate the turf. Aerating reduces soil compacting, facilitating the delivery of fertilizer and water to a lawn’s roots. While many homeowners, and particularly those who take pride in tending to their own lawns, can successfully aerate their own turf, it’s best to first have soil tested so you know which amendments to add after the ground has been aerated. Gardening centers and
home improvement stores sell soil testing kits that measure the pH of soil, but homeowners who want to test for nutrients or heavy metals in their soil may need to send
their samples to a lab for further testing. Fall lawn care provides a great reason to spend some time in the yard before the arrival of winter.
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The importance of clean air filters for your vehicle Metro Creative Services Story and Photo
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ehicle owners likely know to check fluid levels and get their cars’ oil changed, but air filters may not be at the top of their maintenance checklists. Despite being a relatively inexpensive part, air filters often go overlooked. Air filters have an important job in a vehicle, prolonging the life span of engines and helping cars run more smoothly and efficiently. Purpose of vehicle air filters Vehicle combustion engines operate with a mixture of fuel and air. Without oxygen, gasoline or diesel fuels cannot burn properly and power the engine. The air filter’s job
is to prevent dirt, dust and other debris from being sucked into an engine. Otherwise, grime can build up and impede engine performance or cause erosion of parts under the hood. It is much more cost-effective to routinely change air filters than replace expensive engine parts. Rather than ignoring air filters until the last minute, drivers can take steps to keep filters clean and functioning at peak performance. · Improve fuel efficiency. Clogged air filters reduce air flow to engines, resulting in an improper ratio of air to fuel. As a result, spark plugs can be negatively affected and the engine may idle roughly or misfire. These scenarios can greatly affect fuel efficiency as well as cause engine deposits from rich
fuel. To save money and trips to the fuel pump, replace filters regularly. According to GearHeads, for older cars, studies have indicated that by replacing
a dirty air filter, one can improve gas mileage by as much as 14 percent. · Reduce stress on the engine. Because of the air-to-fuel mix in engines,
even a mixture that is slightly off balance can affect what is going on under the hood. That means the engine must work harder to get enough
clean air into the chamber to complete the combustion cycle, says the Automotive Training Center. · Enjoy more power. A filter that is saturated with dirt will restrict air flow. In such instances, drivers may notice a lack of power during acceleration. Replacing the filter can easily restore that pep. · Reduce vehicle emissions. Environmental concerns are a priority for many people. By keeping the engine working properly, with the advantage of clean, unobstructed air entering the chamber, a vehicle may produce lower emissions. Replacing air filters is an easy fix that many drivers can do themselves, or ask their mechanics to do during oil changes or other repair shop visits.
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Vital steps to prepare your cars for colder winter weather
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Sunday, October 28, 2018
Chimney maintenance to keep your home safe
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s the seasons change, motorists must take steps to safeguard their vehicles, especially when the season changes from fall to winter. Each winter, many vehicles are subjected to sub-zero temperatures, snowfall and icy roads, and such conditions can take their toll on vehicles over time. Taking steps to prepare vehicles for winter weather is a vital step that can make cars and trucks safer for drivers and their passengers. Battery Old batteries should be replaced before winter begins. Without a strong, properly functioning battery, engines cannot turn over. Most batteries last between three and five years. However, extreme cold can compromise batteries, especially those that have been around awhile. Batteries are made up of acid and water, and cold temperatures can freeze the water, thereby affecting battery performance. According to AAA’s Automotive Research Center, at 32 F, the average battery loses 35 percent of its strength. Newer batteries can be protected by starting the vehicle each day to warm up and recharge the battery. Let the car run for at least 10 minutes if you cannot take an extended drive. Exterior maintenance Keeping a car waxed and sealed can help maintain a durable exterior finish. This includes
not only the paint, but the rubber and vinyl parts of the car’s exterior. Winter is a good time to switch to a heavy-duty synthetic wax that can shield against water and road salts. High-quality sealants can be used on bumpers, trim and rubber door seals as added protection. Speak with an automotive retailer or even the car dealership if you are unsure which products will make your car’s parts most durable for winter weather. Do not stop washing your car just because the weather is cold. Slushy, wet roads and snow-melting salts can speed up the formation of rust or other decay on the undercarriage of the vehicle. These materials will need to be periodically cleaned off. Flush the underside of the vehicle whenever possible, taking advantage of any dry, slightly warmer days. Tire pressure According to the automotive retailer Pep Boys, vehicle tires lose a pound of air pressure for every 10-degree drop in temperature. Many modern cars will alert to changes in air pres-
sure, and drivers should be diligent in maintaining the proper tire pressure. Fuel economy as well as handling ability can decline when tires are not inflated properly. Tires can be refilled at many gas stations for little cost. Wipers Visibility is key in hazardous weather conditions, and keeping the windshield clean is a priority. This means ensuring there is enough windshield wiper fluid in the car and that it is a product that will not freeze. Wiper blades can freeze and crack in the winter. Older blades may be more susceptible to damage. It’s a worthy investment to replace existing wiper blades at the start of each winter. When vehicles are parked, pull the wipers off of the windshield to safeguard them from sticking and cracking. Cold weather requires drivers to amp up their vehicle maintenance routines. Consult with a mechanic or automotive retailer for more ideas and products that can help your vehicles operate safely and efficiently this winter.
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s temperatures drop and thoughts once again turn to lighting fires and sitting down with a good book, it’s important to revisit chimney maintenance. Even though chimneys do not require daily upkeep, regular maintenance efforts help chimneys operate safely and prevent deaths and injuries while protecting homes from fire. Various problems can arise when chimneys are not well maintained. Such problems include chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and early failure of the chimney and heating sources that the chimney vents. Carbon monoxide can be scary, as it is virtually invisible without a proper detector. The National Vital Statistics System says that, in 2015, 393 deaths resulted from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States. When carbon monoxide is breathed in, it builds up quickly and combines with the blood, reducing
the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. The Canada Safety Council says that body tissue and cells can’t function without oxygen. Chimney fires are another potential byproduct of poor chimney maintenance. The Chimney Safety Institute of America notes that chimneys expel the byproducts of combustion, including smoke, water vapor, gases, unburned wood particles, hydrocarbon, tar fog, and assorted minerals, which can condense on the inside of the chimney flue. The residue, called creosote, is highly combustible. With the right conditions, a chimney fire can occur. To avoid chimney fires and other risks, take these precautions, courtesy of CSIA, HomeAdvisor and Popular Mechanics. • Have chimneys inspected annually and properly cleaned by a professional chimney technician. • Make sure tree branches and other obstacles are cleared away from the top of the chimney. • Use seasoned hardwoods that have been split for several months to a
year. “Green” wood creates more creosote. • The top-down method of building a fire produces less smoke. This means using larger pieces of wood on the bottom and the smallest twigs and kindling at the top. The fire will burn from the top and down, igniting the wood beneath as it goes. • Put a cap on the chimney to keep out rain, snow and small animals. • Keep fires small; otherwise, the intense heat may damage bricks and mortar in the chimney. Repair any damage promptly before lighting another fire. • Open the damper and fireplace doors so that air supply flows freely and can vent the smoke promptly, reducing residence time in the flue; otherwise, creosote can form. • Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the home and routinely check the batteries. Learn more about chimney maintenance and find a certified chimney sweep at csia.org.
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