TIPS FOR SPRING CLEANING

 

Time to air out the house and start spring cleaning. 

Something about the weather getting warmer makes you want to

 have things clean and fresh...you may just not want to actually do the cleaning. 

Here are a links to some of my favorite spring cleaning tips

that I found on Pinterest to help make your spring cleaning a little easier. 

 Just click on any photo to see the instructions...

 

In the Kitchen

 

Clean the greasy gunk off of your small appliances

using Cream of Tartar and water 

  

Clean your dishwasher with white vinegar 

 

 

In the Living Room

 

Clean a microfiber couch with rubbing alcohol 

  

Clean your TV screen with a coffee filter 

 

 

In the Bedroom

 

Freshen your mattress & remove stains with baking soda,

 dish soap & hydrogen peroxide 

 

Dust your lampshades with a vacuum & dryer sheets 

 

 

In the Bathroom

 

Clean a clogged drain with baking soda & vinegar 

 

Clean a shower head with baking soda & vinegar 

 

 

In the Laundry

 

Clean your washer and dryer with vinegar 

 

Everyone knows that having a clean, clutter free house

can help it sell faster so spring cleaning could be just want is needed

to convince a buyer to make an offer on your home. 

If you are not selling...living in a fresh, clean house is always nice. 

 Check out more cleaning tips on my Pinterest Board by clicking here!

 

If you are interested in finding out more about

how to get your home sold for top dollar faster,

call (207)784-3800 or e-mail brenda@fontaineteam.com. 

WHAT DOES YOUR CREDIT SCORE NEED TO BE TO GET A MORTGAGE?

 

What does your credit score need to be

to get a mortgage?

 

Do you need to purchase title insurance

if you have a title search?

 

Is it a good idea for the buyers to move in

before closing?

 

How can snow damage the roof of your home?

 

 

Find out the answers to these questions and more

in our latest episode of...

Your Real Estate Solutions with Brenda Fontaine!  

 

Just click on the photo above to start the video or go to http://youtu.be/1Tzw7KxBM54.

 

Do you have a topic you would like for us to discuss

on a future episode?  We would love to hear from you. 

Just send your suggestions to brenda@fontaineteam.com!

 

FALL HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS

There is no denying it now....fall is here!

The leaves are turning beautiful colors,

the air is cooler and the days are shorter.

It is also time for fall maintenance.

Here is our top 10 list of fall maintenance items!

1. Clean the gutters and downspouts to avoid ice backups that can cause roof leaks and expensive sheetrock damage.

2. Caulk any gaps around windows, doors or vents. Did you know rodents can squeeze through an opening only 1/4 inch tall? Caulking those gaps should help to keep unwanted guests out!

3. Check weather stripping around doors and windows and install storm windows & doors.

4. Insulate your outlets and switches with foam outlet insulators.

5. Clean the dryer vent and clean behind the dryer.

6. Have your heating system cleaned and serviced including your chimney and filters. Not only will your home be safer, but the air will be cleaner and your system will run more efficiently.

7. Change the battery in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them. Most of these devices suggest that you change the battery yearly and replace the unit every 3 years. When was the last time you tested yours or changed the battery?

8. Shut off and/or insulate any outside spigots. This will help prevent frozen and broken pipes.

9. Fertilize the lawn...yes in the fall. Fertilizing in the fall will make the grass roots stronger without feeding the weeds like fertilizing in the spring.

10. Reverse your ceiling fans. Did you know that most ceiling fans have a switch to reverse the way the blades rotate? If you have the blades rotate clockwise, it will help move down the warm air trapped at the ceiling!

What is your best fall maintenance tip? 

WHAT ARE HOME BUYERS PURCHASING IN ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY?

Regardless of what we hear on the news reports, homes in Androscoggin County are still selling!  

So just what are home buyers looking for?  According to information taken from the Maine Real Estate Information System,  in the past 6 months (from 3/30/2011 - 9/28/2011) 367 single family properties have sold in Androscoggin County. 

Price still seems to be the motivating factor for buyers.  Over 1/2 of the single family residential homes that have sold in Androscoggin County over the past 6 months were priced below $150,000.  Buyers for homes priced over $175,000 drop off considerably. 



Information taken from Maine Real Estate Information Systems

For buyers, it is a great time to buy!  Prices have come down and there is a lot of inventory.  For sellers, your best bet is to price your property aggressively and make sure you are working with a real estate agent who will market your home aggressively.  Homes that are priced well are selling quickly!

Click here to view Androscoggin County listings under $150,000