Tips for maintaining — or selling — your home this fall Clean gutters, sweep chimneys, and more

By JOSEPH HUDSON

It may be 99 degrees outside this week, but believe it or not, fall is just around the corner. If you have thought about buying a home, selling a home, or even just maintaining the one you have, here are a few tips for the “Fall Market season.”

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Change the furnace air filter – service HVAC by a licensed professional

• Sweep the chimneys

• Dust off refrigerator condenser coil

• Clean windows

• Clean ceiling mounted light fixtures

• Check and clean gutters

• Clean patio furniture

• Check weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows

• Clean out closets or attic and donate or throw away items that are not needed

According to the 2023 Remodeling Impact Report – found on the NAR website – these 5 outdoor projects bring the most bang for your buck:

• Standard lawn care maintenance (fertilizer and weed control)

• Landscape maintenance (mulch, mow, prune shrubs and plant perennials or annuals)

• Outdoor kitchen install

• Overall landscape upgrade (install planters, upgrade a stone walkway, plant flowering shrubs, etc)

• New backyard patio

Home buyers and sellers may be wondering what the fall has in store with regards to interest rates and the supply and demand. In May of this year, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that 74% of homes sold in less than a month. If a buyer is considering whether to purchase, they still should talk with their lender to see if they can afford the monthly payment, and what their adjustment options for refinancing down the road may be.

JOSEPH HUDSON is a Realtor with the Rutstein Group of Compass. Reach him at 703-587-0597 or joseph@dcrealestate.com.

Massage Refresh Yourself

Massage for active adults. Private studio near Rosslyn. Fri-Mon, 12-8. text 301-704-1158 or visit http://www.mymassagebygary.com

MASSAGE FOR MEN 50+

It’s time to escape the summer heat and rejuvenate your body and mind! Discover a tailored and therapuetic massage service for men 50 and over by a certified and licensed massage therapist in the Washington, DC area. Come and enjoy the ultimate massage experience during the sizzling summer months.

M.J. Love 202-455-6254 www.squiremassage.com

Price: $119.00

BUY / SELL

THRIFT SHOP MY BRAND LLC THATGOODJUNK THRIFT SHOP inside of Pop-Up & Grow Weekend Vendor Market

3000 Festival Way Waldorf, MD 20601

(Completely in the rear of the left side of the building) Every Saturday & Sunday

11am-5pm Food Trucks On Site Men & Ladies Clothes $2 Kids Clothes $1

DVD’s $0.50 Tools, Housewares, Clothes, Shoes, Wall Art, Accent Pillows, Jewelry, and more Contact Danielle Battle Phone: 443-330-2755

CLEANING FERNANDO’S CLEANING

Residential & Commercial Cleaning, Reasonable Rates, Free Estimates, Routine, 1-Time, Move-In/Move-Out

202-234-7050 / 202-486-6183

LEGAL SERVICES

ADOPTION, DONOR, SURROGACY legal services. Jennifer represents LGBTQ clients in DC, MD & VA interested in adoption or ART matters. 240-863- 2441

JFairfax@Jenniferfairfax.com

LIMOUSINES

KASPER’S LIVERY SERVICE

Since 1987. Gay & Veteran Owner/Operator. Lincoln Continental Sedan! Proper DC License & Livery Insured. www.KasperLivery.com

202-554-2471

Counseling

COUNSELING FOR LGBTQ

People Individual/couple counseling with a volunteer peer counselor. GMCC, serving our community since 1973.

202-580-8661 gaymenscounseling.org No fees, donation requested.

HANDYMAN

BRITISH REMODELING

Local licensed company with over 25 years of experience. Specializing in bathrooms, kitchens & all interior/exterior repairs. Drywall, paint, electrical & wallpaper. Trevor 703-303-8699

KITCHEN & BATH

MOVERS

PROFESSIONAL MOVING & STORAGE

Let Our Movers Do The Heavy Lifting. Mention the Blade for 5% OFF of our regular rates. Call today 202.734.3080 www.aroundtownmovers.com

BODYWORK

THE MAGIC TOUCH

Swedish, Massage or Deep Tissue. Appts. Low Rates, 24/7, In-Calls. 202-486-6183

iBuilditBetter

is a custom Kitchen & Bath Designer / Contractor in the Washington D.C metropolitan area.

iBuilditBetter is also a certified distributor of “Plain & Fancy Cabinetry”and other brands. http://ibuilditbetter.com/ Licensed in D.C. & Maryland