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Wednesday Feb. 28, 2018
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
House hunting? Use this checklist before making an offer
(BPT)
water to reach the tap.
ouse hunting can feel like an adventurous new chapter in your life. If you’re lucky enough to find the property that checks off all the “must have” boxes – appearance, size, price, location – it’s easy to fall in love.
HVAC system: Know the age of the heating and cooling systems, and check these for tags and other signs of routine maintenance. If the system is older than a decade, that can spell costly repairs and a replacement in a brief time frame. When it comes to older systems, energy efficiency is another consideration, according to Tom Tasker, product manager with Coleman Echelon Variable Capacity residential systems.
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Not so fast. Before making an offer on any property, it’s smart to take a deeper look at the overall structure and its systems, just to make sure warning signs of major and costly problems are not hiding in plain sight. If the house holds more issues than your budget (and drive to renovate) can handle, it might be best to walk away. Of course, once the offer is accepted, it’s always a smart idea to hire a third-party home inspector to take an in-depth look at the property. In the meantime, one last passthrough with this checklist in hand can give you peace of mind about taking the next step. Exterior: Walk around all four sides of the house, scanning it from ground to rooftop. Note the condition of the doors and window frames, and look for cracked or peeling paint or signs of loose siding. Higher up, eye the chimney, making sure it appears straight and is in good condition, while the gutters and drainpipes should be in place and functional. Roof: Ideally, the roof would be 10 years old or less, so scan the roof for the classic warning signs of aging and neglect. Things like curled and missing shingles, dark stains, moss growth and signs of sagging can signal serious issues. (A home inspector can confirm if full replacement is needed, or if a few simple repairs would stabilize things for another decade or so.)
“Newer HVAC systems are remarkably more efficient when compared to those from even a decade ago, which means they keep your house comfortable for as little as half the cost,” says Tasker. For example, Coleman’s Echelon products are rated up to 20 SEER, which stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. Compare these to the 10 SEER systems of 25 years ago, and that can give you an idea of what to expect in potential energy costs, he says. Appliances: Note the age and condition of things like the refrigerator, oven and range, washer and dryer, and hot water heater. As with the HVAC, older appliances tend to consume more energy and you’ll face a shorter timeline for needed repairs and replacements. Buying a house is a big decision, but knowing what you’re buying can go a long way in assuring you that you’ve found the right place!
Yard: Take note of the landscaping. Is there a slope angled away from the house, or is there a potential for a flooded basement after a major rainfall? Mature trees provide lots of shade, but watch for overhanging branches, as these can break off in a storm and do major damage to the roof. Finally, take note of the condition of the driveway and sidewalks. Foundation: The sight of a few hairline cracks in the cement is no cause for panic. Do look for telltale signs of serious issues, such as widening cracks, water stains and bulges. It doesn’t hurt to bring a level to make sure the walls are straight. Plumbing: In addition to checking basement and under-sink pipes for signs of leaks, scan the ceilings for water stains. Open all the faucets to check the water pressure as well as the time it takes for hot
Spring without the wings: 5 tips to avoid a seasonal pest problem (BPT)
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aydreaming of spring is something everyone does during the coldest days of winter – even pests. The promise of warmer weather on the horizon is also a boon for the numerous species of pests that inhabit your area, and when the temperature perks up, many of those pests come out of hiding and start looking towards your home for food and shelter. Protecting your home and property from seasonal intruders is a year-long job, but your task could be simpler if proper preparations are made in advance of spring’s first bloom. To help you do just that, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) offers these tips for keeping your property pest-free this year: · Identify the threats. To start your pest prevention effectively, the first step is to know what to look for. The winter months saw an influx of furry critters trying to invade homes, but springtime pests are more often of the six-legged variety. Ants, flies, bees/hornets, ticks, mosquitoes and termites are all common nuisance pests during this season. Visit www.pestworld.org to learn more about what threats are most common in your area and how to identify them. · Block the openings. Even the smallest pests are able to find a way into your home, and in many cases that way is through your windows. Keep windows shut during swarming periods for insects like ants or termites and install screens and door sweeps to keep winged intrud-
ers, like flies, mosquitoes and hornets, out. · Make your yard less inviting. Don’t allow your yard to be a base of operations for future pest activity. Keeping your grass freshly cut makes the space less appealing to pests, and trimming trees and bushes near your home is a great way to prevent easy access for potential travelers. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, you should also remove standing water from your property. Even an upside-down Frisbee can collect enough water to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Fill wet patches with dirt, if necessary, and tip over any cups, flower pots or bowls that collected water during the winter. · Look for signs of activity. A pest infestation can’t stay hidden forever. Alive or dead insects in your home are a sign of a larger problem, as is damage to wood if you live in an area where termites are prevalent. Signs of a potential problem may exist outside, as well. Take a stroll around your home and check your roof for hornet nests. They will be small in the spring but will grow larger throughout the season if action isn’t taken. · Contact the experts. If you’re looking for even more strategies to reduce the risk of pests infesting your home or you suspect your home has already succumbed to an infestation of some type, your local pest control professional can help you rid your home of existing threats and shore it up to prevent against new invaders. Visit www.pestworld.org to find a local exterminator in your area. It’s the easiest way to turn your spring pest problem from growing to gone.
Page 2C • Wednesday, Feb 28, 2018
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
5 top trends for your kitchen in 2018
(BPT)
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t’s your home’s focal point. The site of some of your best moments and the base of operations for entertaining – it’s your kitchen, and no room in your home is more valuable. A magnificent kitchen defines a home, and bringing your kitchen to this level means capitalizing on today’s top trends. Many of the trends that will define kitchens for the year appear first at KBIS, the kitchen and bath industry convention held every year in January. More than 600 brands attended this year’s event, and here are the five trends that stood out from the show and are sure to dictate kitchen styles for the rest of this year and beyond.
the wow factor of this kitchen mainstay. From mirrored glass and backlit onyx to decorative sculptures, the kitchen backsplash is becoming the statement piece of any kitchen and a unique way to express your own style and taste. · Matte black finishes. The standard appearance of kitchen fixtures is taking on a darker tone in 2018, as matte black finishes are flourishing in a big way. This elegant, luxe appliance finish complements any kitchen and is also designed to conceal fingerprints and smudges. This smooth, low-gloss design option enhances any style kitchen, from modern to farmhouse, traditional to contemporary and every style in between. · Design elements everywhere. Long a place of functional purity, the kitchen is getting a dramatically artistic makeover in 2018. Designers from one side of KBIS to the other were showcasing lavish kitchens complemented with unique patterns, angles and texture choices. You simply wanted to go out and touch and savor every single detail they offered. The takeaway? It is possible to enjoy looking at your kitchen as much as you enjoy working in it.
· Appliances that can do it all. As home chefs have become much more refined, the need for kitchen appliances capable of delivering to these expectations has increased. Signature Kitchen Suite, the new-to-the-scene luxury brand, for example, debuted the first-of-its-kind pro-style range with built-in sous vide for the ultimate in precision cooking. The range is among the most versatile available with two extra-high burners that deliver 23,000 BTUs of cooking power and two ultra-low burners to maintain temperatures as low as 100 degrees. This appliance is also Wi-Fi enabled, which means you can monitor and control your kitchen wherever you are. · Unique backsplashes. The tile backsplash still has plenty of staying power, but the latest trends are upping
· Smarter kitchens. New Wi-Fi enabled appliances are helping people control their homes in new ways, allowing for greater convenience – either through the touch of a button on their smartphone or via voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Want to preheat the oven before you head home from work? Done! Need a fresh batch of ice before company arrives? You don’t even have to get up. Forget to turn on the dishwasher? No problem. Choose a cycle and turn it on from virtually anywhere. Smart home leaders like LG have also teamed with food and recipe services such as Innit and SideChef to better assist home chefs with planning, shopping, preparing and cooking delicious meals. The latest and greatest innovations for your kitchen were on display at KBIS, but bringing them home is up to you. Need more renovation inspiration? Check out new virtual design tools to experiment with different styles and appliance combinations to create your dream kitchen. You may just find a whole new look for your kitchen.
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Real Estate
Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018 • Page 3C
Deliver curb appeal with a DIY block mailbox
(BPT)
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e’ve all heard the adage, “you only get one chance to make a first impression.”
Well, that statement holds true when you’re talking about a home. Whether it’s the landscaping, the siding, the front door, the windows, the paint, the driveway or the outdoor furniture, the initial reaction to the exterior appearance of a home is permanent.
Steps for building a block mailbox column:
· Mark off the mailbox footprint with paint and remove the dirt from inside until the hole is 12 inches deep. Level the bottom with a hand tamper. · Add 6 inches of crushed stone a few inches at a time and compact with a hand tamper. · Install the first course by centering the blocks inside the mailbox footprint and place 6 inches below finished grade. Check front to back and side to side with a level and adjust as necessary with sand and a hammer. · Lay the second course of block on top of the first course of block in an alternating pattern to make sure they fit correctly. Remove the blocks and apply two quarterinch-wide strips of QUIKRETE Polyurethane Construction Adhesive on each block in the first course approximately 3 inches away from the inside and outside edge before attaching the second course. · Repeat the process until you complete the column, being sure to alternate the course layouts as indicated by the directions. Be sure to use a level on each course.
Quite literally, the curb appeal of your home can influence the experience of visiting guests. In addition, 63 percent of homebuyers will visit a home they like after viewing it online, according to the National Association of Realtors. So, investing the time, energy and money to maximize the curb appeal of your home makes a lot of sense. Unfortunately, an important element of curb appeal that is often overlooked is the mailbox. There are more than 50 million curbside mailboxes in the U.S. While these mailboxes serve an important daily function, they also set the tone for a home’s curb appeal. Rather than feature a mailbox on a plain wooden or metal post, placing one in a brick, stone or block enclosure is a popular alternative that can be done without hiring a contractor or being a skilled mason. Building an attractive mailbox column is a DIY project any homeowner can now handle using a versatile block system like Stonegate Country Manor from Keystone Hardscapes.
· Once the seventh course is completed, fill the core with the remaining crushed stone so the mailbox has a location to rest. Build the mailbox layer by placing the first course of blocks and securing with concrete adhesive as indicated by the directions. · Use spray foam to seal behind the face of the mailbox and use QUIKRETE Non-Shrink Grout to fill around the mailbox so that it’s flush and the door opens and closes freely. · Install the second mailbox course and secure with concrete adhesive before filling around the mailbox again with grout. · Finally, secure the mailbox in place with concrete adhesive before installing a cap of your choice. There are a variety of block mailbox column styles, colors and sizes to match the look of any home. In addition, you can easily update your front or back yard with fireplaces, fire pits, kitchens, benches and retaining walls by downloading block system project designs and step-by-step instructions like Stonegate Country Manor at www.KeystoneHardscapes.com.
Page 4C • Wednesday, Feb 28, 2018
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Fresh beginnings: Clean your bathroom faster with these tech tools (BPT)
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f you’re like most Americans, you prefer to have an immaculate bathroom – you just don’t like cleaning it.
In fact, in a recent study by Kohler (conducted by independent research firm Vision Critical), 42 percent of consumers admitted cleaning the toilet is one of their most disliked chores. That said, domestic guru Martha Stewart recommends scrubbing your tub/shower enclosure, toilet and drains at least weekly to maintain decent standards of cleanliness. And a study from researcher Mintel shows 49 percent of American adults place importance on doing their housecleaning right, though 27 percent would like to minimize the time they spend in such pursuits. That may be why 42 percent prefer to clean in small increments, though “most are not interested in compromising on effectiveness or results.”
vorites list, consider some of these brilliant solutions technology has enabled that might make your bathroom sanitation a non-issue moving forward. · No flubbing the scrubbing. No more must you aggravate your bad back and tennis elbow manually scrubbing soap scum off your shower walls, sinks and grout. Powerful rotating brush scrubbers that operate on batteries can now do the heavy lifting for you; one of the latest is made up of a set of attachments that cleverly fit onto a normal household drill. · Go easy. Engineers at Kohler have developed a lowermaintenance toilet – the Corbelle with Revolution 360 flushing – that’s designed to remain cleaner, longer. Its CleanCoat surface repels bacteria, mildew and hard water buildup, its smooth design makes for easy surface maintenance and its powerful flushing motion flows at a 360-degree angle for thoroughness that minimizes the need for scrubbing. · Dreamy steam cleaning. Sanitize your bathroom floors, counters, tub and shower enclosures and other surfaces without chemicals by using one of the efficient and easy-to-use handheld steam cleaners now on the market. Steam can work efficiently to kill bacteria, germs and dust mites including E. coli, staph bacteria, salmonella and other micro-organisms.
“Americans are more likely to prefer to clean as they go, doing quick cleanups that fit into their busy schedules, as opposed to setting aside time to give the whole house thorough top-to-bottom cleanings,” notes Mintel Senior Analyst John Owen. “This preference for on-the-go cleaning has helped fuel the market for quick-cleanup products designed to tackle small messes quickly and efficiently, saving both time and effort.”
If cleaning the bathroom is on the bottom of your fa-
· Floored by cleanliness. For larger bathrooms, the new and nicely compact mopping robots can wet mop, damp sweep or dry sweep hard-surfaced floors. Internal navigation systems let them clean systematically while identifying rugs, drop-offs, spills and stains, the latter of which are tackled with jet sprays and vibrating cleaner heads. · Suck it up. Several vendors now offer 3.2-gallon motion-sensor trash cans that keep their contents out of sight but automatically open (via battery) when you’re ready to deposit dirt and debris. Life is too short to spend more time than you have to keeping your house clean – and that’s where technology comes in handy. Consider investing in the products that can free up your life for more meaningful activities.
Add fire safety to your family’s routine (BPT)
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hink of all the items you replace regularly – your cellphone, lightbulbs and even your toothbrush. But when was the last time you replaced your smoke alarm batteries, or even the alarms themselves? It’s easy to overlook, but the time to think about fire safety is now – before an emergency strikes. Many assume that because they have smoke alarms in their homes, they’re protected in the event of a fire. In reality, smoke alarms need to be installed, maintained and tested regularly to ensure they’re working properly. That effort includes knowing how old smoke alarms and their batteries are, as neither lasts forever. While smoke alarm lifespan and sensing technology have improved in recent years, the fact remains that all smoke alarms – even hardwired and sealed battery models – expire after 10 years. “According to the National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org), three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms or from missing or dead batter-
ies,” said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert. “Just like other household duties, it’s important to make sure alarm maintenance and replacement and escape planning and practice become a regular, ongoing part of your family’s routine.” First Alert offers the following advice to ensure your family is best protected from fire. · Count the alarms. In most cases, one alarm isn’t enough. In fact, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), recommends smoke alarms be installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement, as well as one carbon monoxide (CO) alarm on each level and in each sleeping area. A quick and easy way to remember is one on every level and in every bedroom. · Install them properly. Does your alarm ever sound when cooking? Chances are, you’ve installed the alarm too close to your appliances. An easy way to reduce false alarms and maximize coverage is to take a moment to review manufacturer guidelines and install alarms in the proper locations. Smoke alarms should generally be installed at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance to minimize false alarms. It’s also recommended to install smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings. Remember, smoke rises, so high placement provides a direct path for detection. Lastly, don’t install smoke alarms near windows, doors or ducts, where drafts might interfere with their operation. · Get complete coverage. In general, there are two types of fires – quick flaming and smoldering. Today’s smoke alarms are effective at detecting both.
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Real Estate
Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018 • Page 5C
Top trends to inspire your outdoor living
(BPT)
Residential goes commercial
utdoor living spaces rank first among special function rooms desired by consumers, according to the American Institute for Architects, and so homeowners are expected to be going all-in for the outdoors in 2018.
While railing matched to the decking remains popular, an increasing number of homeowners are taking advantage of the complementary decking and railing pairings afforded by new railing materials in modern, metal finishes, as well as sleek designs inspired by commercial architecture. More homeowners are inspired by outdoor spaces they find in commercial settings, such as hotels and urban rooftops, and want to replicate those looks in their homes. A prime example of this commercial-to-residential trend is the growing popularity of horizontal railings such as rod rail – a sleek, industrial look that’s ideal for optimizing a panoramic view.
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Trex Company, a maker of premium decking and railing, has gleaned insights from contractors, homeowners and industry experts to compile the following outdoor living trends that will dominate this year:
Hide and chic With the increased usage of outdoor living spaces comes higher demand for chic decor and privacy. An easy design trick that adds personal style and functionality, lattice panels are perfect for enhancing privacy and concealing storage areas or unsightly views. With styles ranging from romantic to deco, lattice panels can be integrated into any outdoor area and applied to structures such as arbors, trellises and gazebos, or used as decorative wainscoting or deck skirting. Fun and games
Year-round enjoyment Among the biggest trends is a shift away from seasonality as consumers adopt more of a year-round mindset, no longer restricting outdoor living to spring and summer. Thanks to new high-performance materials and innovative design approaches, homeowners everywhere are transforming their outdoor spaces into multi-seasonal extensions of their homes. For example, Trex contractors have reported an uptick in requests for its RainEscape deck drainage system by clients looking to add multi-seasonal living space underneath an elevated deck. Minimal maintenance, maximum enjoyment Just because people are spending more time outdoors doesn’t mean they’re willing to put in extra hours for upkeep. In fact, high-maintenance materials like wood are seeing a decrease in demand as people are opting for offerings that deliver better performance and sustainability. Unlike wood, high-performance composites resist fading, staining, scratching and mold – and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter. No sanding, staining or painting is required, and food and drink spills wash off easily with just soap and water. Comfy cozy Among the hottest design influences right now is “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) – the Scandinavian term for a feeling of coziness and comfort. This year, outdoor spaces will beckon homeowners and their guests to relax and rejuvenate with hygge-inspired accents, from plush cushions and throws to protective pergolas, cozy warming features and outdoor lighting.
Kids are not the only ones who enjoy playing outside. Outdoor play spaces for all ages are on the rise, including everything from swimming pools and embedded sandboxes to regulation cornhole courts, horseshoe pits and dedicated spaces for volleyball, badminton and bocce ball. Beyond yard games, electronics manufacturers now offer televisions and entertainment systems specifically designed for the outdoors, taking into consideration differences in lighting and outdoor acoustics. Meanwhile, new storage options include durable wall-mounted television and entertainment centers that beautifully protect pricey electronics from the elements, while concealing all of the unsightly – and potentially unsafe – cords and cables. For more information about outdoor living trends, go to www.trex.com.
Page 6C • Wednesday, Feb 28, 2018
Warm up with 3 DIY projects to tackle this winter (BPT)
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or the avid DIYer in you, the winter season may cause a little anxiety while you’re cooped up inside and unable to tackle those outdoor projects you’d love to finish. The good news, however, is that the inside of your home needs just as much DIY attention as the outside – sometimes more – and the winter is the perfect time to tackle these projects. Each of the tasks on the list below can be finished in a single weekend and, once completed, will make your home more enjoyable for the rest of the winter and beyond. · Apply a fresh coat of paint. Whether your drive to paint comes from a style choice or a need to repair dings and dents, there’s no reason you can’t tackle it now. Head to your local paint store to research options for colors and tools and then set aside a day where you can focus solely on your project. Whether you touch up your existing colors or go bold with an accent wall, this is one project you’ll be glad to finish. · Seal up those air leaks. This one isn’t just good for your house, it’s good for your wallet as well. Gaps around windows and doors allow cold air drafts to seep into your home as they let out the warm air needed to keep you comfortable. GREAT STUFF(TM) Window & Door Insulating Foam Sealant is a solution you can use to seal gaps around your windows and doors quickly to help make your home more comfortable and to reduce the cost of your next heating bill. · Clear that clutter. A few months cooped up in your home can really lead to some excessive accumulation, so why not start your spring cleaning early? Tackle your home’s clutter over the course of several days and review everything you find. If you haven’t used an item in more than a year – or you don’t even know what it is – now’s the time to sell it online, donate it or simply throw it out.
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS