MAY 30, 2018 • Volume 13 • Issue 22
RE WEEKLY RESIDENTIAL • ACREAGE • FARM • COMMERCIAL • AREA DEVELOPMENT 515-233-3299 • 317 5th Street, Ames • All REALTOR® ads within are REALTORS® licensed in the State of Iowa
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Page RE2 • REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, May 30, 2018
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Page RE4 • REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, May 30, 2018
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REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, May 30, 2018 • Page RE5
TIPS OF THE WEEK WILDFIRE PROTECTION
DECOR
CLEANING
LOOK OVER YOUR HOME
ADD NORDIC STYLE
WINDOW- WASHING TIPS
If you live in a wildfire-prone area, make sure you’re taking the right steps to prevent damage long before flames rage toward your doorstep. Michael Steinberg of the National Fire Protection Association recommends paying special attention to:
Here’s how to achieve a Nordic look in your own home, according to Lumber Liquidators: • Scandinavian style incorporates materials that meld indoors with outdoors — natural woods, slat walls, leather accents and greenery. • Scandinavian style incorporates natural tones of whites, grays and light browns.
• The roof • The gutters
A good project to do during warmer weather is to clean windows. Arm & Hammer offers these tips for tackling the job: Remove the screens and use a vacuum’s extendable attachment to remove the loose gunk and dust, then wash with soapy water and a firm brush. Rinse with a hose and let air dry. — Brandpoint
• The foundation • The windows and vents • The landscaping Learn more about the Wildfire Response Program at www.usaa.com.
DEAR MONTY
Home seller leaves belongings behind at move-out
RICHARD MONTGOMERY
R
eader question: We recently moved into our first home. The contract called for the seller being out on a specific date with all of their possessions. We also contractually agreed to allow them to harvest some outdoor plants after they come up this spring. On the move out date, the seller left some items and he said he was coming
back for them in a few days. Additionally, he told us he had promised some neighbors that they could have specific things, and they were to pick them up on their own. Some articles are in the garage, and some are in the house. It has now been three weeks, and he has not come back. The neighbors have shown no interest in receiving the goods. We do not want to be the cranky new neighbors, but we do want our peace of mind. My question is; what is our responsibility for those left behind items? Should I contact seller’s agent? Monty’s answer: What you are describing is not uncommon. In most cases, the sellers do come back and collect what was left behind without being reminded. Occasionally, an absent-minded seller or a callous
seller will decide they don’t need that stuff and deduce it would just be easier to let you throw it away. Based on what you have shared with me, here are two thoughts to keep alive the idea that you want to be a good neighbor. When you do not know the identity of the specific neighbors, it is a bit more of a challenge. Consider sending a nice letter to the former owner. Copy any close neighbors that you can identify or tape a copy on their front door. An optional plan Invite the neighbors to a getacquainted coffee and doughnut breakfast on a Saturday morning. You probably have ideas on organizing such an event. You do not know whom the seller promised what items to, but whoever they are, they are likely among these neighbors.
Use this event as an unusual way to meet the neighbors and rid yourselves of the seller’s leftovers at the same time. Assemble all the items left by the former owner in one spot. After you have greeted the neighbors, point out the collection and mention to them that if the previous owner had promised them something, it would be there. They can pick it up on the way out the door, then discard any leftover items. The best way to resolve this situation is to turn it into a positive event.
Richard Montgomery is the author of “House Money - An Insider’s Secrets to Saving Thousands When You Buy or Sell a Home.” He is a real estate industry veteran who advocates industry reform and offers readers unbiased real estate advice. Ask him questions at DearMonty.com.
Page RE6 • REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Upgrade AIR CONDITIONING
Change the filter. No, you’re not looking at a typo. In the case of an upgrade, “change the filter” means start using a kind that will do a better job. Disposable A/C filters are cheap and convenient, but for more effective filtering of small particles such as mold and pollen, substitute electrostatic or preferably, pleated “allergy” filters.
Maintain, upgrade your system
Install a smart thermostat — it’s a smart step to ensure that your house is cooled when you need it most without wasting A/C if you’re away from home or not using a particular room. Install ceiling fans. Circulate conditioned air more effectively with ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are energy-efficient and affordable to run, and will boost the benefit you get from your air conditioner, which means you’ll spend less on electricity for the same level of cool comfort. Downsize. When it’s time to replace your old air conditioning, service pros advise that you can downsize for even more energy savings … provided you’ve done your homework first. That means sealing and insulating your home and your ductwork. Not only is a “right-sized” A/C system cheaper to run, it will last longer and experience less wear and tear due to overly frequent on-off cycling. Talk to an HVAC professional about the type of air conditioning you need. Check SEER rating. Another important factor in purchasing new air conditioning is the SEER or seasonal efficiency rating. This measures performance and ranges from 10 (the minimum requirement these days) up to 26. The higher the SEER, the less you will pay annually to run your air conditioning. Add a smart thermostat.
By Laura Firszt More Content Now
H
ot, sunny weather is just around the corner. That means it’s time to get your air conditioner in shape. Here’s how to get the best out of your A/C this summer, with practical tips on maintaining and upgrading your system.
Maintenance Change or clean the filter. A simple DIY way to maintain your air conditioning in great working order is to change your filter regularly (or cleaning a reusable version), especially during periods of heavy use. This ensures proper airflow and keeps dirt out of the system’s coils. Follow the manufacturer’s directions; usually every 30 to 90 days is recommended. Take care of this task more frequently if you have a cat or dog, live in a very dusty or polluted area, or suffer from allergies. Tune-up. Schedule an A/C tune-up annually. Best time is in spring, before the period of heavy use begins, or in fall, when you’re ready to “retire” the air conditioner till next year. Your air conditioning service pro should clean and inspect the system and test performance of key components. The tune-up optimally includes a report on the current condition of your A/C, and also recommendations on avoiding potential problems. TIP: Hands-on homeowners might want to watch the tune-up process to better understand how the system works. This will help you troubleshoot if anything goes wrong in future. Home service plan. An air conditioning service contract with a reliable HVAC firm may be a good idea for several reasons. First of all, if you are juggling multiple responsibilities (and who isn’t, these days?), you will have one item you can cross off your to-do list. Second,
you’ll get priority scheduling for your air conditioning service — both tune-ups and emergency even during the busy season. Third, you will often benefit from preferred pricing and extended warranties on repairs. Before signing the contract, read the fine print to see exactly what it includes. Duct cleaning. A certain amount of dust in HVAC ductwork is normal and won’t harm the system or impair your home’s indoor air quality. However, if your ducts are seriously clogged with dust, pet hair, and other debris; are releasing dust into your rooms; or are moldy, have them cleaned and get rid of the source of any mold growth, so that it won’t recur. Duct cleaning is usually a 2-step process: dislodging dirt with special equipment and then using a powerful vacuum cleaner to remove it completely.
Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.
REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, May 30, 2018 • Page RE7
Page RE8 • REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, May 30, 2018
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