Homeimprovement092614

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Page 2 Home Improvement & Real Estate

Friday, September 26, 2014

Keep growing with season-extending gardening tips for fall Warm weather, continued care and robust plants have yielded a bounty of beautiful, fresh vegetables — and personal satisfaction — from your garden this season. As the weather cools and fall approaches, it is not time to hang up your hat, gloves and trowel for the year. Autumn provides optimum weather and ample opportunity to keep growing and harvesting delicious, healthy produce well into the season.

Some gardeners assume that when fall arrives and kids return to school, they’ll have less time to garden, and may experience less success from their garden plots. But cooler temperatures and fall conditions can actually make gardening easier and more enjoyable.

Many of fall’s best-producing vegetables are also colorful, making them great additions to flower beds and containers.

If you loved summer gardening, you can keep your garden growing right through fall.

Here’s how to make the most of fall season gardening:

Size up the soil Most vegetable plants require full sun for six or more hours a day, and because fall provides a bit less sunlight than summer, you may need to relocate your plot to make the most of shorter days. If moving your garden isn’t an option, you can still take full

Summer is over but Fall is a beautiful time of year to sit outside and enjoy the leaves changing colors and the cooler weather.

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advantage of sunshine by planting veggies in containers or by creating a raised bed in a sunny spot. If you’ll be reusing your summer garden plot, remove any leftover debris. Don’t forget to pull up weeds before they go to seed. Fluff any compacted soil with a garden fork. Next, test the soil to see if any amendments are needed. Even if your soil is in good shape, adding a 2-inch layer of bagged compost or a balanced, natural fertilizer can give plants a boost.

Be prepared for frost Keep materials on hand to protect plants when frost threatens, such as floating row cover, a cold frame or a cloche. On frosty, cold nights, move container plants to a protected spot.

Not sure when frost will arrive in your area? Check out the USDA frost map on the Bonnie Plants website at www.bonnieplants. com.

Pick your plants While crops like strawberries and tomatoes have faded to sweet summer memories, many plants thrive in fall. To ensure a successful harvest, it’s important to pick the right plants and give yourself a jump start by using transplants, rather than starting off with seeds. Planting six-weekold transplants ensures you’ll have the best opportunity to take advantage of fall’s shorter, and you’ll harvest sooner than if you plant from seed.

Producers provide garden retailers with transplants intended to grow well during the specific growing season and are suited for your geographic region. Seasonally appropriate transplants ensure you’ll have greater success in your garden. An added bonus of fall planting is that many cool crops are also packed with nutrition and are among the healthiest vegetables you can eat.

Choose hardy crops that can withstand light frost and temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Hardy Bonnie favorites for fall include: • Broccoli — This versatile veggie is packed with vitamins K, C and A, and is a good source of folate.

• Cabbage — A staple of Oktoberfest celebrations across the country, cabbage comes in several varieties, all of which are high in

beta-carotene, vitamins C and K and fiber.

• Kale — Some varieties of kale, like Winterbor Kale, actually taste better when kissed by frost. A prolific producer, kale thrives in fall gardens and is a good source of vitamins A, C, K and B6, as well as manganese.

• Leeks — Prized by gourmets for their milder flavor, leeks are frost-tolerant in all but the coldest planting zones. The health benefits of all onions are well documented, and leeks also add a pop of bright color to culinary dishes.

• Spinach — This nutrient-rich green does as well in fall’s cooler temperatures as it does in summer heat. Spinach will continue to produce throughout the season, providing a tasty source of vitamins A, C, K and E, as well as the minerals iron, potassium and magnesium.

The end of summer doesn’t have to herald the end of your garden harvest and enjoyment, or a return to the grocery store produce aisle. With the right fall crops, you can achieve a satisfying, healthful harvest throughout the fall.

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Friday, September 26, 2014

Home Improvement & Real Estate

Did you know?

Many home improvement projects involve hanging decorative items like photo frames or shelving.

Homeowners frequently wrestle with nails, screws and hanging hardware, perhaps creating more holes in their walls than necessary to get items level.

Instead of playing a guessing game of figuring out where the hanging holes or hooks are located, use office equipment to make

Chic storage ideas to corral clutter

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life easier. Make a copy of the back of the item with a printer/scanner or a copy machine, making sure to copy it to full scale. Print the copy at full size and use it to drill the hanging holes.

If you don’t have access to a copy machine or scanner, use a piece of tape to measure the distance between the hanging holes on the back of the frame. Stick the tape to the wall and then put your nails or screws at the ends of the tape.

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ith the fall season comes cool weather and more time indoors. Snuggling up with blankets and partaking in activities at home can create more clutter than usual around the house. Instead of getting frustrated, it’s easy to add stylish storage to corral extra items. Get organized and keep your home clutter-free with a few smart tips.

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Neat reading racks Many people enjoy a good read before counting sheep. However, books, magazines and tablets can just add disarray if left scattered around the bedroom. To combat this type of clutter, add wall-mounted magazine racks or crates to hold your reading pieces.

Paint a wooden crate using FrogTape MultiSurface painter’s tape. Add stripes in striking colors for a reading rack that’s functional and fabulous looking. FrogTape is the only tape treated with PaintBlock Technology, which forms a micro-barrier against paint bleed, giving you sharp and precise paint lines. Learn more at frogtape.com. After drying, cut your crate down the middle — you now have two spots for book storage. Install simple wallhanging brackets to the edges of the crates and attach each to the wall with drywall anchors for a sturdy and safe finish. These are also great for stowing away toys in a child’s playroom or towels in the bathroom.

Boost bedroom storage If every closet, nook and cranny in your home is occupied, it’s time to look toward other avenues for order. Calm your chaos with under-bed storage units by transforming old dresser drawers into storage space. Paint the drawers in the color of your choice and drill casters to the bottom for easy rolling access.

Slide them under your bed and you can now neatly put away items that were once a nuisance.

Multipurpose seating Chic ottomans and cushioned benches are great pieces that provide extra seating in family rooms. But in addition to their pleasant outward appearance, many contain hidden storage underneath the lid. Neatly stow away movies, games, blankets and pillows that would otherwise crowd this high-traffic area. Position the furniture as an accent piece or place a lengthy bench along a window for a cozy reading nook, while simultaneously increasing your storage.

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as a storage spot, since it’s usually closed off with drywall. What most homeowners don’t realize is this tricky triangle is typically hollow, and the “wasted” space can be utilized to store your family’s odds and ends. For extra functionality, transform it into a closet if you’re a DIY weekend warrior. All you’ll need is a couple of days and these steps: • First, frame the door opening for your new closet. Use a drywall saw to create the outline that fits the pre-hung door of your choice.

Secure the hinged side to the frame and use wood shims (thin pieces of wood that will properly align the door) to ensure it’s a secure fit within the opening.

• Next, you’ll need to create the closet walls inside. Measure the area of the closet and cut sheets of plywood or drywall to those dimensions (depending on how “finished” you’d like the final space to look). Paint the plywood in the color of your choice and install it by nailing it to the existing studs. Just keep in mind that drywall will require a few extra steps, like taping, mudding and sanding before it’s ready to paint.

• Now, determine what size storage containers and hooks the space will allow and create shelves and cubbies. Using a nail gun, install ledger strips around the entire closet to support the shelves, making sure they’re level.

Secure with screws and install your painted shelves for a cozy — and contained — storage solution.

If the construction of this project seems a bit too ambitious, reach out to a trusted contractor to handle the building components.

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Friday, September 26, 2014

Did you know?

Smartphones can make the home improvement process that much easier. Various apps are designed to make it easier to plan and execute home improvement projects. Some allow smartphone users to more easily match the colors of their furnishings with certain accents, saving homeowners the time spent wondering if certain items will match or clash with existing furnishings.

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Create a cozy, clutter-free kitchen Clutter can disrupt the flow of any home, bringing unwanted stress and frustration, especially in the kitchen. As one of the most prominently used rooms, maintaining a clutter-free environment will create a happier and healthier space for your family to enjoy. Here are a few tips to help you achieve and maintain a fully functional, chaos-free kitchen.

Look better, feel better Whether you’re entertaining friends or just hanging out with family, hosting others at your house is fun, but can also be stressful. Even if it’s last night’s dinner dishes or wine glasses from your latest soiree, allowing clutter to pile up in the sink can negatively impact the look and feel of the entire kitchen.

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Many kitchens suffer from countertop overload. This is where too many kitchen appliances and miscellaneous items, such as mail, phone chargers and car keys, seem to find a home. The solution to clearing this area is simple — get creative.

Dish towels are infamous for cluttering countertops.

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a special spot for this kitchen necessity: mount hooks, towel rings or towel bars, like those in the Ashville collection from Moen, on the side of an upper cabinet, the end of the island or in another kitchen work space. Voila, you’ve found the perfect home for your dish towels!

De-stress your life It happens to all of us: your significant other informs you last minute you’re having guests for dinner, and the chores you need to complete before their arrival seem endless. To make this experience less stressful, spend 15 minutes each day maintaining a clean and orderly kitchen. Place dirty dishes in the dishwasher, wipe down the countertops, sweep the floors, put away toys and tablets and file mail. Simply staying on top of these little tasks will make it easier to accommodate unexpected company and allow you to enjoy their visit.

By following these few tips, you’ll create a functional and mess-free environment for your family to gather and share the happenings of each day. It might be difficult at first to maintain the routine, but it only takes 21 days to form a new habit, according to a study by The University College London.

So stick to it and make this change a permanent one.

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Unused items, like the waffle maker that you desperately desired 10 years ago (but have yet to use), needs to go. To make some space in your kitchen, grab three boxes: one for garbage, one for donations and one for belongings you want to keep. Allocate a few hours and begin organizing. While separating items, ask yourself when did you last use this? With the exception of holiday-specific dishes and tools, if it’s been longer than a month, donate it or throw it away. Once everything is in a box, find the best spot for items you’re choosing to keep.

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Winterize to safeguard your home from harsh weather Autumn is a beautiful time of year marked by welcoming cooler temperatures and the natural beauty of leaves changing colors.

Autumn also has a tendency to fly by, as if the powerful weather of winter simply cannot wait to make its presence felt.

With such a seemingly short time between the end of summer and the dawn of winter, homeowners know they don’t have too many weekends in between to prepare their homes for the potentially harsh months ahead. But such preparation, often referred to as “winterizing,” can make a home more comfortable when the mercury dips below freezing, while saving homeowners substantial amounts of money along the way.

• Clean the gutters. Leaves falling in fall can be a beautiful sight to behold, but many of those leaves are likely finding their way into your gutters, where they can lodge and cause a host of problems down the road. If the leaves and additional debris, such as twigs and dirt, that pile up in your gutters are not cleared out before the first winter storm, the results can be costly and even catastrophic.

Winter rain and snowfall needs a place to go upon hitting your roof, and gutters facilitate the travel of such precipitation from your roof into street-level drainage systems. If gutters are backed up with leaves and other debris, then ice dams may form, forcing water to seep in through the roof. That damage can be costly and can even cause the roof to collapse inward in areas with heavy snowfall. Clean gutters throughout the fall, especially if your property has many trees, and be sure to check gutters one last time before the arrival of winter.

• Tend to your attic. Homeowners who have attics in their homes might want to add some extra insulation up there, especially those who recall feeling cold inside their homes last winter, which is often a telltale sign of improper insulation in a home. A good rule of thumb when determining if your attic needs more insulation is to look for the ceiling joists. If you can see the joists, then you need more insulation.

• Address leaky windows and doors. Sometimes attic insulation is not the culprit when it comes to a cold home. Oftentimes, leaky windows and doors are the real bad guys in a drafty home. Fall is a great time to inspect for leaky windows and doors, as the wind outside can serve as your partner. When the wind outside is blowing, take a tour of your home’s windows and doorways, standing next to them to determine if there any holes or leaks that

are letting outdoor air inside. If you notice any leaks beneath exterior doors, install some door sweeps to keep outdoor air where it belongs.

Leaks around windows can be snuffed out with caulk or weather stripping.

• Test the furnace. Homeowners typically do not devote much thought to their furnaces in spring, summer and fall. But with winter on the horizon, fall is the time to test the furnace to make sure it’s ready for the months ahead. Expect a somewhat foul yet brief odor to appear when starting the furnace. That odor should dissipate shortly, but if it does not go away, then your furnace is likely in need of repair. But even if the smell does not stick around, you might want to have the furnace cleaned by a professional anyway. Such cleanings ensure the furnace works efficiently throughout the winter.

• Clean the garage. You might not mind parking in the driveway during the warmer months of the year, but why subject your vehicles to harsh winter weather if you don’t have to? Clean the garage in the fall so you have an indoor parking spot throughout the winter season. Protecting your car from the elements can add years to its life and also saves you the trouble of digging your car out of the snow.

Fall is a time of year for homeowners to spend a weekend or two preparing their homes for the often harsh weather that awaits when winter arrives.

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Page 6 Home Improvement & Real Estate

Friday, September 26, 2014

brighten your home

Paint-free ways to . . .

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Autumn is a beautiful time of year marked by pleasant temperatures and colorful fall foliage. But as vibrant as nature can be in the weeks after summer has ended, homeowners know that the shortened days of autumn mean less light inside their homes, which can become dreary even in the weeks before the arrival of winter.

Many homeowners pick up their paintbrushes in an effort to make their homes more colorful. But homeowners need not embrace their inner Picasso to brighten their homes’ interiors. The following are a handful of paint-free ways to add some splashes of color to your home this fall.

• Bring nature inside. Flowers and plants can make colorful additions to a home’s interior. Flowers tend to be aromatic, which can make a stuffy house in which windows need to be kept closed a lot more pleasant. Plants and flowers also can improve indoor air quality. Several studies, including one published in the Journal for the AmericanSociety for Horticultural Science, have shown that houseplants improve indoor air quality by filtering out volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that can be harmful to human health. That’s especially important come late fall and winter, when homeowners typically shut their windows and keep them shut until spring, making it difficult for fresh air to enter a home.

• Invest in some colorful throw pillows. Natural sunlight brightens a room come spring and summer. But sunlight is increasingly scarce as fall turns into winter, and rooms that do not boast too many colorful accents can quickly grow drab as summertime sunlight dwindles. Instead of buying new furniture, invest in some colorful throw pillows to give a room a more vibrant look. Patterns can be mixed and matched to provide some contrast and transform a room from somewhere to spend time into a sight to behold.

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ried out of the home, leaving the pollutants to linger and potentially putting the health of the home’s residents at risk.

Though it might seem counterintuitive to allow outdoor air into a home during winter, when such air tends to be at its coldest, such outdoor air can protect a home’s inhabitants from the immediate effects of indoor air pollution, which include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, as well as headaches,

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Because removable wallpaper does not require a significant financial investment, you can experiment with various colors or change things up each month if you so desire.

• Add some artwork. Another way to add color to the walls inside your home without dusting off your paintbrush is to hang some colorful artwork. Paintings that feature bold colors tend to draw your immediate attention when you enter a room, and that quality can make you forget the room is not benefitting from natural light. If you want to go the extra mile, find a painting that features colors which match throw pillows or other accessories in the room. This way your walls and your accessories are working in concert to make a room more colorful.

• Rug it out. A patterned throw rug is another accessory that can effectively brighten a room without much effort or financial investment on the part of homeowners. When choosing a throw rug, find one that’s colorful but does not clash considerably with existing furnishings, as you don’t want the rug to draw attention for all the wrong reasons. You have more freedom with regard to rugs if you’re furnishing an empty room, as you can choose whichever rug you look and then choose additional furnishings based on the rug.

Homes tend to darken as late fall turns into winter. But homeowners can brighten their homes in various ways, even if they prefer not to paint.

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dizziness and fatigue.

Long-term effects of prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution can include respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer. But homeowners who want to increase outdoor air infiltration in their homes do not have to open the windows even when temperatures dip.

A simple inspection of mechanical ventilation systems, such as bathroom and kitchen fans and air handling systems that employ fans and ducts to remove indoor air and distribute filtered and conditioned outdoor air throughout a home, may be all that’s necessary to ensure indoor air stays healthy during the winter.

If such systems are in need of repair, homeowners should ensure those repairs are made prior to the arrival of winter.

Friday, September 26, 2014

Are you spending home improvement dollars on the wrong door?

How often do you use the front door? Not often, right? When Americans come home from work or school, the front door often takes a back seat to the garage door these days.

“The garage door is used more often, it commands more curb appeal, and pricewise, it’s a great bargain,” said Jim Lett of ABE Doors & Windows in Allentown, Pa. A past president of the International Door Association, Lett sells both garage doors and entry doors.

Lett says this major paradigm shift means more homeowners are investing in impressive garage doors with substantial curb appeal instead of front entry doors, which are used less and often shrouded in shadows.

Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com). In that same report, the cost of an upscale garage door was only $2,800 compared to $7,300 for an upscale front entrance.

“It’s crazy, but the garage door delivers five times the curb appeal, yet it costs less than a comparable front door,” Lett said.

“I always encourage garage door customers to go for the upscale models. It’s well worth every dollar. You shouldn’t settle for a plainJane garage door.”

Unprecedented choices

A national survey by Harris Interactive reveals that the garage door is indeed the door used most often to enter U.S. homes. Fortyfive percent of homeowners with garages say the garage door is the primary point of entry into their home. The front door came in a distant second at 35 percent.

The front entry door is used so little, many homeowners no longer even carry a key to that door. The new house key to today’s home is the remote control to the garage door.

The last 10 years have seen manufacturers introduce an unprecedented variety of dynamic new garage door styles. It’s now common for garage door dealers to offer dozens, if not hundreds of carriage house designs, the hottest new look.

Today’s garage doors are widely available in durable low-maintenance steel, and some new steel doors have a paint finish that looks exactly like real wood. Besides steel, the industry also offers innovative designs in aluminum and fiberglass. Gorgeous custom wood garage doors are also available as a premium choice.

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Today, when America comes home, it’s “For decades, garage door guys were jealous of the attention given to the front entry not through the front door. In terms of use, door,” said Gordon McGraw, owner of Over- convenience, and visual appeal, the garage head Door of Eugene-Springfield, Oregon. door is the new front door of the American “But that’s changed.” home.

Real estate agents used to tell people that Brandpoint the front door is the most important element to spruce up, because it’s the first thing visitors see, he says. “But that’s not true. A front-facing garage door is clearly much more dominant.”

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Friday, September 26, 2014

Prepare your windows, doors for winter and save energy

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How much do you spend on utilities?

Are you looking for ways to save? A typical American household spends about $2,100 on energy bills each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Most of that expense comes from a home’s energy use during the winter heating season. But a quick home checkup can help you can reduce these costs, prepare for winter and enjoy energy savings.

Properly installed and maintained windows and doors can help keep your home more comfortable year-round. Save on heating costs by preparing your windows and doors for winter with these tips: • Clear sills and moving parts of dirt and debris. Debris like sand, dirt or leaves can get caught in windowsills and moving parts of windows or doors. Clean these areas with a dry paintbrush to create a tighter seal and enhance window and door performance.

• Check weather stripping. Re-attach or replace missing or worn weather stripping around windows and doors. Loose weather stripping can let cold air in during the winter and out in the summer, reducing energy efficiency.

• Reapply caulk or sealant around windows and doors. Reseal areas around windows and doors that may have been exposed to heavy weather or extreme sunlight — creating breaks in caulk or sealant — to help reduce potential drafts and leaks.

• Installing snap-in blinds or shades. Install snap-in blinds or shades to help insulate your

home from cold outdoor temperatures. Pella Designer Series windows and patio doors feature convenient between-the-glass options to add energy efficiency and privacy.

• Repair or replace damaged exterior surfaces. Cracked or deteriorated wood associated with water penetration may allow moisture or cold air to leak into your home.

Look closely for signs of moisture leakage and replace damaged wood. Consult a professional to help correct any roof or drainage problems around your home.

• Install storm doors. Storm doors add an extra layer of protection and help reduce air and moisture leakage. Adding a Pella storm door to your exterior doors can reduce energy loss through the entryway by up to 45 percent.

• Replace old windows and doors with energy-efficient ones. If you have single-pane glass, clear glass, or older windows or doors, you may be paying more to heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer. Replace old windows with energy-efficient, double or triple-pane glass versions made with insulating argon, or install new durable fiberglass doors to help save money and energy yearround.

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Friday, September 26, 2014

Home Improvement & Real Estate

Page 9

1937931

MEET YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS Melinda K. Roark

“Helping Home Buyers & Sellers Locally for 19 years”

ABR, CDPE, CDRS, CRB, CRS

Cris CURTIS

Integrity & Experience

.ASP,CDRS,CSSBR

REALTOR® Licensed in MD/VA/SC

Cell: 301-609-SOLD(7653) Office:301-609-9000 Fax:301-934-9602 Email: criscurtis@criscurtis.com Web:www.criscurtis.com

1937988

Kathy White-Thorne REALTOR

®

10665 Stanhaven Pl #300 White Plains, MD 20695 Cell: 301-643-6549 Office: 301-843-5100 kathywt@remax.net yoursomdhomefinder.com

1937952

Experienced in Short Sales and Foreclosures

Mobile: (240)463-1186 Direct: (301)893-3989 Office: (301)843-5100 ext. 1989 mkroark@att.net www.MelindaRoark.com

Page 10 Home Improvement & Real Estate

Friday, September 26, 2014

How to give your home an annual checkup There’s no better time than now to give your home the attention it deserves. Give it an annual checkup before cold weather arrives to help add comfort, save energy and cut home maintenance in the long-run.

When inspecting your home’s windows and doors, here’s what to check: • Inspect interior and exterior finishes: Over time, paint and stain can weather away.

Flaking or peeling may mean that it’s time to refinish or replace the unit. When replacing windows or doors, consider factory prefinished wood or fiberglass options from Pella, or vinyl options that don’t need painting or staining, to save time and money.

• Look for damaged exterior surfaces or signs of leaks: Check your sprinkler system to make sure it’s watering your lawn and landscape, not soaking your windows or doors.

Cracked or deteriorated wood may be a sign of water penetration. Leaks can linger and affect interior walls, floors or ceilings, so look

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closely for discoloration or other moisture signs.

• If you spot a problem, track its trail. For example, discolored trim around a window might actually be caused by moisture entering a ways away. With a leaky roof, water may run down inside the wall and appear at the window. Contact a professional for help in making home repairs.

• Clear windowsills and tracks of dirt and debris: Sand, leaves, insects or pine needles stuck in weather-stripping can affect the performance of your windows and doors. Open the windows and clean the opening with a soft brush, like a dry paint brush or vacuum attachment. Do the same for sliding patio doors.

• Try opening and closing: Open your windows and doors to make sure moving parts work, and units close properly. Replace worn or broken parts.

• Inspect weather-stripping: Re-attach loose weather-stripping around windows or doors, and replace material that’s ripped or torn.

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• Replace or repair broken locks: If locks feel loose or don’t work smoothly, replace them. Keep windows and doors locked when not in use. Locks help hold doors and windows tightly, to lock out rain, wind, snow and insects.

• Inspect weep and breather holes: Weep

holes in the exterior of windows, allow excess moisture to escape, while breather holes allow air exchange within certain components. Clear blocked holes of dirt or debris with a wire or toothpick.

Check exterior sealants and caulk on and around windows and doors. Pay attention to areas susceptible to rain, water and extreme sunlight.

Remove damaged material and reapply sealant.

In coastal locations, rinse exterior metal like exterior aluminum trim or cladding: Rinsing exterior metal parts three or four times a year can help extend the life of your windows and doors by minimizing corrosion from salt spray or fog.

Feel for signs of air leakage around the window or door: Improperly installed windows or doors can be drafty, decrease energy efficiency, and allow unwanted moisture into your home. To help save on utility bills and keep your home more comfortable yearround, replace drafty old, leaky windows with new, ENERGY STAR-qualified Pella windows installed properly.

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1937914

Buying a new home is the most expensive purchase a person is likely to make in his or her lifetime. It also can be one of the more stressful. The Employee Relocation Council states that moving is the third most stressful event in life, following death and divorce. But a well-timed move can reduce stress • New carpet and paint on Property Features: and save money.

Upper Level Moving during certain times of the year can result in conLower Level $12 psf with • Upper Level office suite siderable savings. Moving during the summer, when children $3 psf CAM=$15 psf starting at $500 a month Lower Level: 5,500 s/f are out of school and the weather is nice, can make a move • Suites vary from • Lower Level has build out in more manageable. Keep in mind that because late spring and 200s/f - 4,800 s/f place for kitchen summer are the peak moving seasons, they also tend to be more expensive. Many moving companies and truck rental agencies will charge a premium if you use their services during the summer. Furthermore, crews may change in the summer when students on vacation could fill in for regular, more expeOffice Phone 301-609-9550 rienced movers.

High prices are not only reserved for those who buy a Contact Agent new house during the spring and summer. Renters may find for more information spring and summer is also the peak season for rentals. Many Ray Curtis Joe Wustner apartment managers can attest that the dates between June 301-807-3185 301-752-5550 2 and August 30 are quite busy in terms of apartment turnover. College students are more likely to move as soon as curtissold@yahoo.com joewustner@verizon.net the academic year ends, and many landlords plan leases to expire in the summer months to ensure that re-renting places will be easier thanks to a flooded apartment market. According to Apartment Wiz, a Houston-based apartment locating service, although there might be greater apartment availability during the warm-weather months, it also means greater 22513 ARMSTRONG DR, 41080 NEW MARKET TURNER RD, competition between prospecLEONARDTOWN, MD 20650 MECHANICSVILLE, MD 20659 tive tenants. That greater competition can drive up prices.

But apartments are harder to fill in the fall or at the onset of winter. That’s because many people do not want the hassle of moving once school has started or the weather has chilled.

Landlords who are stuck paying utilities and advertising fees for vacant apartments are far more likely to negotiate rent prices, PRICE REDUCED lease terms and even securi$120,00 SM8250587 ty deposits during the winter $274,500 SM8385158 in an effort to fill the apartment Available & move-in ready. Freshly painted Older home on open 3+ acres. & new carpet. Meticulously maintained & it quickly.

In need of work and shows! 3 BRs, 2 BAs, front porch, open People sitting with homes floor plan, large eat-in country kitchen, gas

1937930

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on the market are also more likely to negotiate during cooler months when foot traffic has fizzled out. That can make shopping for a home in the fall advantageous to home buyers.

Here are some other tips to reduce stress and save money when moving into a new home or apartment.

• Move mid-week. Weekends are a prime time for truck rentals and moving companies. Pick a Tuesday or a Wednesday to move, and you’re much more likely to find an available moving service (even during peak moving months); you may even be able to negotiate a lower rate.

• Pick a mid-month moving date. Many people move at the beginning of the month when leases are up or after mortgage payments are made. Fewer people move in the middle of the month, so you might find more affordable moving deals if you can wait a few extra weeks.

• Schedule a fall or winter move. The American Moving and Storage Association says half of all moves occur during onethird of the year — between the beginning of May and Labor Day. Beat the rush by moving outside of these dates.

• Get an early start. Many people underestimate the amount of time it takes to actually move their belongings. Try to schedule a moving company to come very early in the morning to give you ample time to pack up the truck and unpack at your new home.

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Friday, September 26, 2014

Home Improvement & Real Estate

Page 11

Enjoying retirement in a home suited for an active life Preparing for retirement with a home designed for aging in place When it’s time to retire, do baby boomers just sit back and watch life pass them by?

Not anymore. Boomers are known for getting involved in their communities, enjoying the outdoors and starting new — or restarting older — hobbies. They also love spending time with family.

This active lifestyle means boomers don’t want to take care of the large homes they lived in for years while raising children. In fact, they’re ready to downsize, and want to design their homes to be exactly what they need for their retirement years.

Downsizing into a new home — one that can adapt to boomers’ changing needs as well as accommodate their occasional desire to entertain guests — is a great way to enjoy retirement in comfort and style. And with the customizable features available through Clayton Homes, they won’t regret downsizing at all. Boomers can choose these features in The Holland home model by Clayton Homes, specifically designed for the active boomer, and continue entertaining in these prime years.

Consider the following customizable features available in these homes: • Bragging wall — Every parent and grandparent loves to show off photos of their children and grandchildren. A wall designed specifically for hanging photos, awards and other proud mementoes gives parents and grandparents the perfect opportunity to share stories with visitors.

• Handy but hidden entertainment — When friends and family come over, consider how efficient it is to have a built-in cabinet that flips open to serve as a beverage station. When visitors are not around, tucking the beverage station away into a designated place makes the home more open. Another customizable feature is a support column

that acts as a wine storage cubby with a built-in bench beside it.

• Accessible laundry — Placing laundry facilities close to the bedroom is great for baby boomers. The space doesn’t need to be large, but sometimes when a small space is designed for laundry, you lose out on those wonderful additional features, such as drying racks. Clayton Homes has alleviated this issue by installing pull-out hanging racks or built-in storage above the machines and off the floor.

• Bedroom luxury — Enjoy a home that segregates the master bedroom and bath from the entertaining areas of the home. One way to make this private space perfect is to install a beauty bar. It’s a vanity station in the bedroom with a large mirror and chair so one can comfortably prep for the day without constantly standing.

• Fun space — Many retirees finally have the time to enjoy their hobbies to their full potential, and they’ll need to designate a space in their new home to accommodate the activity. Maybe they’re interested in physical fitness and need a place for equipment.

Sometimes a craft room is required so the grandkids can come over and put their creativity to good use. Entertaining is an option, too, and having a separate room near the kitchen just for those planned gatherings might be exactly what is needed.

By efficiently utilizing living space that is specifically designed for their use, boomers can enjoy their retirement years in a home that is built to suit their new active lifestyles.

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cially children, are taken care of; that they have the tools and materials they need to succeed. I’m happy to contribute,” Sutten said.

Century 21 New Millennium is a full service real estate brokerage company specializing in residential, commercial and luxury properties with local offices in California, La Plata, Lusby, Prince Frederick and Waldorf.

Spoil Yourself!

Immaculate Custom Golf Home! Open living!

Just 12 minutes across the bridge situated on beautiful 5.25 acres lot, 3 finished levels with over 4400 sq foot above grade.Lower taxes, call for appointment . Check out photo gallery at www.criscurtis.com

Too many high quality upgrades to mention – must be seen! Covered front porch entry into large foyer, great room, dining room, family room, breakfast nook, kitchen with walk-in pantry, butlers pantry, granite counters, and gas cooking, Huge master suite with walk-in closets and a super bath with custom shower, whirlpool, and programmable heated ceramic floor! Walk-in storage, complete home automation system, gas heat, oversize garage with heated floor, patio, screened porch, grill with built-in gas line!

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1937970

Always available at www.somdnews.com

Cris

1937911

Swan Point GOLF FRONT HOME

King George VA

$524,900

HOME INSPECTION RADON TESTING WELL/SEPTIC MOLD SAMPLING AIR QUALITY TERMITE

Sharon White 301-653-5298 Cell • 301-934-9985 Office

Century 21’s supply drive a success As part of its annual back to school supply drive, local real estate firm Century 21 New Millennium collected supplies for local charities and schools during the months of July and August. Individuals and businesses contributed to the drive by dropping items at office locations in Southern Maryland.

Supplies collected at the La Plata Branch during the drive were delivered to John Hanson Middle School in Waldorf on August 21 to ensure they could be distributed before the start of classes.

Overflowing boxes and bins of supplies were accepted by Principal Kathy-Lynn Kiessling.

Tommy Higgins, branch leader of Century 21 New Millennium - La Plata, was amazed at the amount of support from the community. “Our Back to School Supply Drive was once again a huge success this year.

We are grateful to the general public, local businesses and of course those within the Century 21 New Millennium family for participating,” said Higgins, in a press release.

Jeff Sutten, Realtor at Century 21 New Millennium, was a generous supporter of the drive. “This is what it’s all about. Ensuring that those within our community, espe-

• • • • • •

$209,000

INDIAN HEAD

Entertaining will be a breeze on the spacious deck overlooking the large, level fenced backyard of this 4BR, 3 full BA, well-kept home. After the BBQ, introduce your guests to kayaking just a short walk away on the Mattawoman Creek. 100% Financing Eligible. #CH8376023

1938314

$380,000

LA PLATA

Approved Short Sale at this price. Features 3600+SF of living space PLUS a fully finished lower level, 5BRs, 2.5BAs, 2-car garage, lg. rooms for entertaining, fenced rear yard & more on 2.37 acres with seasonal lakeview. #CH8174809

301-934-8407 301-645-8800

$460,000 CHARLOTTE HALL Custom designed, 3BR, 2BA, 3,234SF Rambler includes an attached 2BR, 1BA inlaw suite, hickory hdwd floors, kitchen w/ silestone & upgraded appliances, lg MBR w/ gas FP & beveled ceiling, new heat pump, 3car garage, 12x28 shed w/electric & 14x16 shed. ALL on 3.15 acres! #CH8385076

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1938311

WELCOME HOME

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Fred W Davis, Broker, Realtor® Emeritus 301-259-4400 301-873-1904 www.SwanPoint.com For current Real Estate info text FRED to 87778

Page 12 Home Improvement & Real Estate

Friday, September 26, 2014

Four real estate tips to help buyers, sellers both win

9330 Penns Hill Road, La Plata MD Located in La Plata on 14+ acres, Large All Brick Ramber with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, swimming pool, FIOS, plus a Large Detached garage.

3215 LEONARDTOWN ROAD WALDORF, MD 20601

1937954

Joan Harris, Realtor® 301-752-9381 Cell joan.harris@MRIS.com

301-645-8600 Office 240-585-7149 Fax

10506 Beechwood Drive, Waldorf, MD 20601

00 9 , 9 $25

Buying the right house, especially under pressure, isn’t always a sure thing.

A quarter of American homeowners who bought the home they’re currently in said they would not buy their home again, according to a nationwide survey from Redfin, a real estate brokerage, and conducted online by Harris Poll among more than 2,000 American adults.

Everyone wants to win in the real estate market, but not all do. Fortunately, some simple steps can help ensure both buyers and sellers achieve the best possible outcomes.

Don’t go it alone Directions: From 301 South turn onto Berry Road (Rt 228) Turn Right on Fox Run Turn Left on Beechwood Home is on the left

? 4 Bedrooms ? 3 Bathrooms ? Lot Acres/Sqft: .18/8,015

Angel Bracy– Miller

Phone: 301-843-3600 Mobile: 301-266-3901 Fax: 301-932-8475 E-mail: Angel@lnf.com Website:

http://Angelbracy-miller.lnf.com

? Total Taxes: $3,432 ? Tax ID: 0906084087 ? MLS# CH8392369

Nicole Conn

Direct: 301-893-6105

Email:

Nicole.conn@longandfoster.com

Website:

http://Nicoleconn.lnf.com

Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. 3165 Crain Highway, Suite 100, Waldorf, MD, 20603

In the past 10 years, 89 percent of Americans who bought or sold a home used a real estate agent, according to the Redfin survey. Real estate agents bring value to both sides of a home sale, ensuring sellers get top dollar and spend less time waiting for their homes to sell, and buyers get the best home at the best price. To find a good agent, interview several, read online reviews, get recommendations from family and friends and take your time. Look for an agent who makes you feel comfortable. An agent should never pressure buyers to bid on any house, and sellers should never feel

pressured to list their home for a price they’re not comfortable with.

Know what’s in your market It’s a hot market right now. In March, 63 percent of offers written by Redfin agents were competing in multiple offer situations. In order to maximize their chance of success, both buyers and sellers should thoroughly research home prices in their area. Knowing what other homes are selling for will help sellers competitively price their homes, and buyers who do their research will be less likely to overpay. Buyers may also be able to avoid unproductive bidding wars if they’re armed with price information and know ahead of time how much they are willing to stretch their budget for any given home.

Most agents will be happy to provide buyers and sellers with a comparative market analysis of home values and prices in their area.

Be creative Sellers don’t want to set prices too low and buyers don’t want to pay too much. Creativity can help close the deal for both groups.

Rather than listing a home for a lower price, sellers can enhance their listing’s attractiveness in a number of ways, such as offering to help buyers with closing costs or including a home warranty in the sale. Buyers — especially those in multiple offer situations — can make their offers more attractive by getting mortgage pre-approval, waiving contingencies or offering to rent the home back to sellers for a short period of time to help them with their transition.

Know when to walk away Sometimes a deal just isn’t right.

Perhaps the other party’s agent makes you uncomfortable, a buyer is adamant about a lowball offer or a seller refuses to make necessary repairs. Flash sales, bidding wars, price jumps and inventory crunches can also make you feel unsure.

When a bad scenario occurs, the best course of action may just be to walk away. With 25 percent of current homeowners feeling buyer’s remorse over the home they’re currently in, it pays to do everything you can to make sure the deal you’re considering is right for you.

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SM8357468 30570 LAKOTA LN CHARLOTTE HALL, MD 20622 4 BR, 2 FB, 2 HB $385,000

CH7979484 3405B WHITE FIR CT WALDORF, MD 20602 3 BR, 1 FB, 1 HB $132,000

PG7815573 4100 WOODREED DR BRANDYWINE, MD 20613 4 BR, 3 FB, 1 HB $464,990

CH8309898 2505 GREEN PINE CT WALDORF, MD 20601 3 BR, 1 FB, 1 HB $1,900/MONTH

PG7815573 4100 WOODREED DR BRANDYWINE, MD 20613 4 BR, 3 FB, 1 HB $464,990

CH8431229 9055 BASSWOOD RUN BEL ALTON, MD 20611 3 BR, 2 FB, 1 HB $345,000

PG8081838 11209 KETTERING PL UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20774 3 BR, 2 FB, 1 HB $176,550

PG8231774 5619 30TH AVE HYATTSVILLE, MD 20782 2 BR, 1 FB, 0 HB $149,990

SM8424636 SM8432268 21313 FOXGLOVE CT 27605 AVONLEA CT LEXINGTON PARK, MD 20653 MECHANICSVILLE, MD 20659 4 BR, 2 FB, 1 HB 4 BR, 2 FB, 1 HB $239,500 $385,000

CH8264332 2513 ROBINSON PL WALDORF, MD20601 3 BR, 1 FB, 1 HB $120,000

PG8291768 0 SIR MICHAEL PL LANHAM, MD 20706 4 BR, 3 FB, 1 HB $524,990

PG8442714 2605 BEECH ORCHARD LN UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20774 4 BR, 3 FB, 1 HB $610,000

PG8452677 13204 CLEVELAND LN FORT WASHINGTON, MD 20744 4 BR, 2 FB, 0 HB $234,999

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SM8406084 21281 CHANCELLORS RUN RD GREAT MILLS, MD 20634 5 BR, 3 FB, 1 HB $349,900

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Home Improvement & Real Estate

Page 13

Did you know?

Homeowners about to embark on home improvement projects should prioritize dust removal to avoid the potentially negative side effects of exposure to lead dust.

When undergoing a renovation, homes built before 1978 — the year the use of lead paint was banned — are likely to produce lead dust from sanding or being chipped. That dust can be especially harmful to children, pregnant women and pets.

PenFed Realty joins Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) announced PenFed Realty LLC is the newest national real estate brokerage to join the network. The entirety of PenFed Realty will assume the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty name by December.

Kevin Wiles, president of PenFed Realty in the Mid-Atlantic, sees the move as a way to deliver more value and advanced tools to agents in the brokerage. “Everyone at PenFed Realty is excited to be aligning with one of the most successful and most admired companies in the world,” said Wiles, in a press release. “Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices represents an industry leading brand and one of the fastest growing

real estate networks in the country. The unique tools, programs and resources offered by PenFed combined with the power of the Berkshire brand are going to create unparalleled growth opportunities for our Realtors.”

The BHHS network currently boasts more than 31,000 real estate professionals and 905 offices in 42 states. It is a finalist in the 2014 Inman News Inman Innovator Awards for the “Most Innovative Brokerage or Franchise” category.

It won the 2014 Harris Poll Equitrend “Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year” as chosen by a poll of 40,000 consumers ranked by brand familiarity and quality. In June, BHHS won a Gold Stevie Award in the American Business Awards

as “Startup of the Year” for 2014 across 3,300 nominations from all business categories.

“We are elated that Prudential PenFed Realty will join our Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brokerage network,” said Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC, which operates the network. “Kevin Wiles and his team are among the finest in real estate and will represent our brand well in all of their markets.”

Prudential PenFed Realty serves clients locally in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Gregory Lawn Service • Yard Maintenance Weekly/Bi-Weekly

• Clean Up • Leaf Removal • Hauling • Installation of Sheds and Fences • Trimming & Hedging

Call Manuel Man uel 240.504.1512 1938302

Bartlett, Coller graduate from MAR Leadership Academy Rachelle Bartlett, an agent with Colonial Realty, and John Coller, broker of Colonial Realty, were among 20 graduates from the Maryland Association of Realtors’ 14th Annual Leadership Academy and were honored at Annapolis ceremonies held in June.

The MAR Leadership Academy was formed

by Realtors who understand the important role they play in their community and the need to enhance the leadership skills, knowledge, and competencies of fellow Realtors interested in making a difference in their personal lives and communities.

The Southern Maryland Association of Realtors (SMAR), one of 16 local Realtor boards/associations in Maryland, is a strong advocate and recognizes the importance of this program to the association’s future. Coller and Bartlett are both SMAR members.

The MAR Leadership Academy offers an intensive curriculum designed to develop skills in leadership, communications, strategic planning, legislative and government affairs and community involvement. Classes

ROCK BOTTOM PRICES FOR YOUR MASONRY SUPPLIES

• Building Block • Brick

To improve a furnace’s heating fficiency, consider adding insulation to heating ducts.

Welcomed a new agent, earned a new designation, achieved a sales goal? Real estate press releases may be sent to Megan Johnson at msjohnson@ somdnews.com.

REALTOR® Vida.Hanson@PenFedRealty.com

410.535.1155

Geri Brown

1938315

1938306

PenFed Realty 3720 Leonardtown Rd., Suite 110, Waldorf, MD 20602 Direct: 301-751-4180 Fax: 301-638-7101 Office: 301-870-sold (7653) http://vida.hanson.pfragent.com

Realtor 10665 Stanhaven Pl #300 White Plains, MD 20695 301-752-2491 cell 301-843-5100 office 301-843-9656 fax geribrown@wesellmore.com Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

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Dorsey Road, Prince Frederick, Maryland

Original Owners very well maintained inside and out.

Extra Large Colonial. 4 Bedrooms 2.5 Baths. Beautiful Kitchen opens into Family Room with Gas Fireplace.

Master Bedroom with Master Bath. Living Room, Dinning Room, Office. 2 Car Garage.

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are conducted over seven months and stress the value of professional and personal commitments to business, charitable and civic endeavors.

“It was an honor to have been able to participate in the 2013/2014 Leadership Academy with the best and brightest Realtors in Maryland,” said Coller, in a press release. “As well, the series included some of the most informative and talented lecturers I have met throughout my career in real estate. I recommend application to the academy for anyone wishing to serve in Realtor Association Leadership or to build their business.”

“The 2013-2014 Leadership Academy was a great opportunity to learn more about the opportunities within the local, state and national Realtor associations. The class challenged me to grow as a person and I count myself as alumni of a wonderful group of individuals,” Bartlett said.

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