By Jule’ Dunham
Greetings from the World of Real Estate with Julè. Monthly maintenance should be considered while being a homeowner and some of these suggestions you may consider even if you are a renter.
By maintaining your home regularly, you will keep your home functioning smoothly and may prevent costly repairs down the road. Some tasks may be to difficult for you personally to do, so you may consider hiring a professional to help. Never be embarrassed to ask for help. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Here is a checklist that may help you, however, there may be more to consider:
Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda. You will be surprised at fresh smell once completed.
Clean or replace your air conditioner filters, this makes it easier to maintain the house temperature and probably reduce your electric bill.
Clean the faucet aerators and showerheads. Vinegar is a great cleaner for the showerheads.
Test all smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. Please get the correct information for the correct placement of carbon monoxide detectors. Installing them near the ceiling is incorrect.
Return vents should be vacuumed. Dust that cannot be removed with a vacuum should be cleaned with a gently cleaner.
Have your pets chewed on any power cords? Hmmmm,,,,,,let’s check on that. Frayed power cords are hazardous. Preventing a fire is so much easier than dealing with the aftermath of the fire, smoke and water damage.
Fall is my favorite time of year and approaching quickly. Let’s contact the proper professional to get the furnaces checked out for proper function and make sure there are no gas leaks, etc. A properly functioning furnace is very import not only to your comfort this winter, but safety as well. Carbon monoxide detectors improperly installed are useless. Please read the directions carefully that come in the package for proper installation.
Other tasks on our fall list include:
Raking the lawn and getting rid of those leaves.
If you have a fireplace, check it for any damage or hazards. Remember to clean the flues. I also recommend having it inspected by a professional periodically for safety. An accumulation of soot in the chimney can be dangerous.
Seal gaps and cracks in windows and doors with the proper caulk/ weather stripping. Replace windows, as necessary.
Check the water heater for leaks.
Check the exterior lighting to ensure that all bulbs are burning correctly.
I will have more tips for you next week.
Tuesday, last week, at 6:00 o’clock in the morning my doorbell rang. No one ever comes to my home at that hour. This person rang it slowly at first, then rang it quickly and repeatedly. I looked out of the peep hole and could only see a shadow. I turned on the porch light and this person disappeared. “Very odd”, I thought and I got a bit concerned to say the least. I later learned that this is a thing that thieves are doing. They will do this once to see how long it takes you to come to the door and may come back later to break into the home. Please be mindful of any odd occurrences like this one or odd sounds. Keep flashlights with fresh batteries in various parts of the home and your cell phone close at hand. Be prepared to call 911 at any given time. Most of all, be safe. Do not step outside and investigate this situation yourself.
While working outside in the yard please be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to everyone walking around. Make sure your car doors are locked. Our home should be our safe haven, but we still have to be alert.
Praying you have a great week.
Remember: Say Hello. Be Kind. Be Friendly. Embrace Life and all that it really offers. Keep Life Simple. Making good relationships is very important to our mental, emotional and physical health.
Pay it forward, you will be glad you did.
Should you have a topic you would like addressed, please feel free to contact me.
Here is your local realtor, Julè Dunham, signing off until next week.
Crye-Leike Realtors
Julè Dunham, Affiliate Broker, SRES. Contact her by phone at 901-828-8471 (cell) or 901-840-1181 (office) or by email to: [email protected] for an appointment to speak with you, your group or club. “Let’s Make This Happen Together”
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