SUMMER LANDSCAPE SPRUCE UP

Summer in Maine may be Short

but we sure enjoy the time we have

to spend outdoors in the sun. 

 

Summer is a great time to spruce up your landscape

to make your yard more enjoyable or

to add value if you are planning on selling your home. 

 

Photo from HGTVRemodels

 

Here are a few tips to help you spruce up your lawn this summer

1.  Make your small yard look more spacious by planting flower beds in each corner.  
2. Give your shrubs a boost by covering exposed roots and fertilizing.  Over time, topsoil tends to wash away from roots which may cause the shrubs to become thin. 
3. Mulch but not too much.  Just a few inches of mulch is all you need.  Mounds of mulch may attract pests.
4. Create privacy using shrubs or trellises covered with vines.  Climbing vines are also a great way to dress up a fence.
5. Coordinate colors.  Using 3 colors that complement your homes exterior color scheme will tie the space together and improve curb appeal.
6. Mix it up.  Choose plants that have a variety of shapes & textures.  If you want to enjoy color longer, choose plants that bloom at different times.

According to Realestate.com, a 5% investment

in the landscaping of your property can increase its value

by as much as 15% and may reduce the amount of time

a home stays on the market by up to 6 weeks! 

 

Summer is short....dig in the dirt...enjoy the sun...and add value to your home!

 

If you are interested in more ways to improve the value of your home, 

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

 

 

 

THE BENEFITS OF AN UNCLUTTERED HOME

If you are thinking of selling your home,

I am sure you have heard someone say

you should start by de-cluttering your home.

 

Did you know there are benefits of an uncluttered home

whether you are selling or not? 

1.  BETTER PHOTOS - If you are selling your home, you obviously want the photos used to market your property to be the best they can be.  After all, if you don't have photos or have bad photo, buyers might assume there is something wrong with your home and choose not to view it. 

Even if you are not selling...the holidays are coming up and wouldn't a de-cluttered home look nice in the photos you snap on Christmas morning? 



View here to view tips on uncluttering your kitchen


2.  EASY CLEANING - An uncluttered home has a place for everything so when you get a call from a friend who wants to stop by in a few minutes to wish you "Happy Holidays" or you get a call for a last minute showing...you can be ready in no time.  Once your home is de-cluttered, everything has a place and all the "extra" stuff is out of the way.

3.  REDUCED STRESS - Who couldn't use a little less stress?  Have you had those mornings when you can't find your keys or you other shoe to get out the door in the morning?  Do you look around your family room and dread moving all the knick-knacks to dust?  These little things cause stress.  Remove the clutter and removes at least some of your stress.  

So how do you get started? 

Conquer one area at a time.  
It is probably not reasonable to de-clutter the whole house in a weekend, but conquering one area is.  Maybe start with the bathroom...throw out outdated items from the medicine cabinet, organize the linen closet with boxes for alike items, toss or donate extra towels and toiletries. 
 
If you don't use it regularly - donate it, sell it or toss it.
If you have boxes of craft supplies, tools, or other items that "might come in handy one day" it is time to move them out.  Do you know someone who can use them now?  Donate them to a school or shelter.  Sell them on Craigslist.  Recycle them. 

If it's not in use - put it away.
We all have those appliances we leave on the counter just because.  If you don't use the waffle maker a couple times a week...it needs to be put away between uses.  Less clutter on surfaces has a calming affect and makes it easier to use your space on a daily basis.

Everything needs a home.
As soon as something is brought into the house, it need a permanent "home"...a place where it is put when not in use and I don't mean piled in the corner of the dining room!

Removed unneeded furniture.
Take a look at each room in your house and ask yourself "When was the last time I used that furniture...except for to pile stuff on?"  If it isn't being used, then get rid of it. Click here for tips on arranging furniture.

Clear the floors.
Do you have extra area rugs or piles of books on the floor?  Find a new home or get rid of anything on your floor that makes it easier to vacuum or sweep.

Minimize decor. 
Less is more when it comes to decorating.  If you have just a couple of nice piece of art or photos on your wall, you will be apple to appreciate them more that if the walls are full.  Same goes for thing on tabletops or shelves.  Same goes for the surfaces in your home.  A couple nice things will be more appreciated and provide space to use your furniture instead of filling it with knick-knacks.

The bottom line is, you have the power to de-clutter your life. 

Just start small and conquer a little at a time. 

I bet the result will be a more relaxed,

less stressful home in 2013!

 

If you would like more information on how to prepare your home to sell
for top dollar faster, call Brenda at (207)784-3800
or e-mail brenda@fontaineteam.com!

2012 HOME MAINTENANCE WINTER CHECKLIST

If you haven't prepared for winter yet...it is that time!

 

Photo by Perconscious Eye

 

Part of being a homeowner is being responsible for readying your home

for the changing seasons.   It may sound scary, but it doesn't need to be

if you know what needs to be done.  Here is our simple checklist of

basic things you should do to prepare for winter...

[  ]   CLEAN GUTTERS 
If you haven't cleaned the leaves out of your gutters...now is the time.  If the gutters and downspouts are clogged with leaves and debris, the melting snow and ice won't be able to drain.  It is also a good idea to make sure the gutters and downspouts are well secured to the building. 

[  ]  CHECK FOR AIR LEAKS
Check your home for air leaks.  Door sweeps, weather strips, caulk and outlet gaskets can help seal up any drafty areas. 

[  ]    SERVICE YOUR HEATING SYSTEMS
Having your heating system cleaned and serviced by a professional can make it safer and more efficient.  Have the chimney cleaned to insure there is no build-up from last heating season or anything else that may cause a chimney fire.  Don't forget to have your fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves, etc... 

[  ]   REVERSE YOUR CEILING FANS
Reversing the direction of your ceiling fans can help push warm air down the sides of the room and recirculate it. 

[  ]   CHECK INSULATION
Making sure there is adequate insulation in the attic can help prevent heat from escaping and causing ice dams.

[  ]   GET READY FOR SNOW AND ICE
Have your snow blower serviced and make sure your shovels are in good repair and that your shovels and ice melt are easily accessible.  If you are using a plowing service, make sure you have made arrangements. 

[  ]  PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES
Stock batteries, flashlights, candles, non-perishable foods and waters in case of power outage.  Have the phone number for the power company & your account number handy to report a power outage. 

Now sit back...have some hot cocoa and enjoy the winter! 

 

Photo by nightthree

 

If you are interested in buying or selling in Maine, we would love to help. 

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

 

View all our listings here!

TOP 5 TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY THIS WINTER

Cold and Flu season is here...

 

 

 

Did you know that adults catches an average 2-4 colds each year?

 

If you think that is surprising, consider this...

 

Children catch and average of 6-12 colds each year!  Yikes!

 

With that in mind here are our

Top 5 Tips for staying healthy this winter

 
1.  Wash Your Hands

Seems obvious, but most people don't wash often enough or well enough. 

Make sure you use soap and scrub your entire hands including around your fingernails. 

2.  Change Your Toothbrush

If you have been sick, toss your toothbrush and get a new one

to avoid any lingering germs on the bristles or handle.

 
3.  Drink Water

Make sure you drink plenty of water daily. 

Staying hydrated can reduce symptoms like a sore throat or stuffy nose.

 
4.  Keep Your Nose Clean

Consider using a saline nasal spray, Neti pot or taking a hot shower. 

The warm moisture can help clear your nasal passages.

 
5.  Get Moving

Getting a little exercise and sunlight for even 10-15 minutes a day

can boost your immune system and your mood.

 

 

By the way....if you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Maine,

call (207)784-3800 or visit us at www.brendafontaine.com.

 

 

SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS - WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

This morning I had to scrape the ice off my windshield ....

I guess that means it is about time to turn on the heat.

 

With the heating season comes a higher chance of fire or carbon monoxide leaks...

so before you fire up the heat, check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors! 

 

Here's a few things you should know

about Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms...

 

If you are buying a home in Maine, at closing you are required to sign a document

that states you will properly install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

in the home if they are not already there.  

Click here to view
Certification of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms



There are 2 types of smoke alarms - Photoelectric and Ionization. 

For the best protection you should use a combination of both types.

 

Smoke alarms within 20 feet of a kitchen or a bathroom

containing a shower or tub should be the Photoelectric type. 

 

A smoke alarm should be located on each floor including the basement 

and outside of or in each bedroom.

 

Smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or high on the wall because smoke rises.

 

Smoke alarms should never be painted.

 

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested monthly. 

They don't do any good if they aren't working properly.  

 

Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in or just outside of each bedroom

 and one on each level of the home. 

 

Carbon monoxide detectors must be powered by the electric supply

(either plug in or hardwired) and have a battery backup. 

 

The few minutes and small investment it takes to install and maintain

smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is well worth it

to keep you and your family safe!

 

If you have questions about buying or selling real estate,

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

 

 

WHAT ABOUT SEPTIC SYSTEMS

What's going on with septic systems lately?

In the past couple of weeks, we have found out at inspection time

 that several septic systems are failing. 

This can become a huge problem if you are selling your house. 

Most buyers want a functioning septic system, after all.

Even if you are not selling...dishing out an extra $10,000 to replace a leach field

 can put a serious damper on your day. 

So we thought it might be helpful to share a few hints

 for keeping yours septic system working properly.  

     1.   Make sure run off from rain water is directed away from the leach field

     2.   Install low-flow toilets and shower heads

     3.   Do not use a garbage disposal

     4.   Don't flush non-biodegradables such as wipes

     5.   Limit the use of bleach

     6.   Don't dispose of paint, solvents, pesticides or other 
           chemicals down the drain

     7.   Don't flush unused antibiotics

     8.   Don't drive or park over the septic tank, pipes or leach field

     9.   Don't plant anything but grass over the leach field

     10.  Pump your tank every 3-5 years

For more tips on helpful hints when selling,

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

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE WHILE ON VACATION

Are you planning a spring or summer vacation?

You have probably been dreaming about the location, searching for hotels

 and flights and making plans for all the things you want to see and do...

.but have you given any thought to keeping your home safe while you are gone?

Your home is one of the biggest purchases of your life, so you definitely want to

put some thought into how you are going to keep it safe while you are away. 

Here are a few suggestions to get you started!

1.  Lights - leave a couple of lights on inside your home, or better yet, put a few lights on a timer so they turn on and off giving the illusion that someone home.  On the exterior, make sure the entry to your house is well lit, or consider installing motion lights.  

2.  Mail & Newspapers - a pile of newspapers on the front lawn or in the box is a sure sign that homeowners are away.  Make plans with a neighbor to pick up your mail and newspapers while you are gone, or call the post office and newspaper to make arrangements to have delivery halted while you are away

3.  Car in the Driveway - leaving a car in the driveway or asking a neighbor to park in your driveway while you are gone, give the illusion that someone is home.

4.  Lock it Up - Make sure all the doors and windows to your home are locked.  Make sure you check that basement door or 2nd floor window that rarely get used. 

5.  Spare Key - make sure you remove any hidden key you may have outside of your home.  You may think it is well hidden, but why take the chance that someone will find it.

6.  Lawn - One of the great things about vacation is that you don't have to mow the lawn or shovel the snow...but tall grass or unmarred snow are sure signs that nobody is home.  Make arrangements to have someone take care of the lawn or snow while you are away.

7.  Social Media - You may want to avoid making comments about your vacation or uploading vacation photos to your Facebook account or other social media until you are home.  Advertising that you are away for a week is an open invitation to burglars. 

8.  Police Drive by - some local police departments will drive by and check on homes while the owner is away.  You may want to consider contacting your local police department to see if they provide this service in your community.  If not, consider having a trusted neighbor check on the house.

The more you can make your home look like someone is still coming and going, the safer it should be!  Plan ahead to protect your home and then relax and enjoy your vacation!

KNOCK YEARS OFF YOUR MORTGAGE

Who wouldn't want to knock a few years off the term of your mortgage and save thousands in interest? 

You can reduced the principal of your loan

which will knock payments off the end of your mortgage

by making one extra payment each year. 

You don't even have to pay it all at once. 

You can divide your monthly mortgage payment by 12

and apply that amount to your regular payment each month. 

photo by Images_of_Money

If your monthly mortgage payment is $700...

          700 ÷ 12 = 58.33

Add an extra $58.33 to your regular $700 payment.  Pay $758.33 each month to add up to one extra payment for the year! 

You can also opt to make one extra payment as a lump sum...

maybe when you get your tax refund.  Any extra money you can send will make a difference,

 so if you can't make a whole extra payment, figure out what you can afford...anything helps!

Make sure you specify the extra money you send is applied toward your principal

and be sure to check with your mortgage holder

to make sure you don't have any pre-payment penalty. 

If you have questions, or would like more information about saving money on your mortgage,

 speak with your lender or contact us by clicking below!

SHOULD YOU SELL DURING THE HOLIDAYS?

SHOULD YOU SELL YOUR HOME DURING THE HOLIDAYS?

Every year, many sellers decide to wait until after the holidays to list their homes

 because they assume property doesn't sell during the holiday season. 

The holiday season can be a great opportunity to sell your home

with less competition than other times of the year! 

Check out our video for another bonus of selling this time of the year!

If you are ready to sell with less competition...call us! 

 (207)784-3800

REVERSE MORTGAGES - DID YOU KNOW?

In the past few years, there has been a lot of talk about Reverse Mortgages...so what is a Reverse Mortgage?

HECM - Home Equity Conversion Mortgage is what is commonly called a

Reverse Mortgage. 

A HECM is a non-recourse loan that enables homeowners 62 years of age or older

 to convert a portion of their homes equity into tax-free funds.

Did you know....

     Reverse Mortgages have been around since 1961.

     A Reverse Mortgage does not impact Social Security of Medicare benefits.

     You do not need to make monthly payments on your Reverse Mortgage.

     You do not give up title to your home on a Reverse Mortgage.

     You can only take a Reverse Mortgage on your primary residence.

     You can take the money from a Reverse Mortgage as a lump sum or a little at a time.

     You can use a Reverse Mortgage to purchase a home.

     You can use a Reverse Mortgage to pay off your current mortgage.

      Reverse Mortgages have both fixed-rate options and adjustable-rate options.

     The loan amount of a Reverse Mortgage depends partially on the age of the borrower.

     Reverse Mortgages can be refinanced.

        


Click here for a list of HUD approved Maine HECM lenders.
Click here for more frequently asked question & answers.

        

SPRING FORWARD...FALL BACK

It is that time of year...

Daylight Saving Time is coming to an end for 2011.

photo by wwarby

I guess there is no more denying that winter & the holidays are approaching rapidly.  If you haven't checked all those items off your Fall Home Maintenance checklist...now is the time.  It is also a great time to test your smoke detectors and change the batteries so you and your family will be safe throughout the winter.

Here are a few facts about Daylight Saving Time that you might find interesting...

•  It is officially called "Daylight Saving Time" NOT "Daylight Savings Time" even though that is what the majority of people call it.

•  In 2005, George W. Bush signed a law extending Daylight Saving Time by 4 weeks.

•  Daylight Saving Time begins at 2am on the 2nd Sunday of March and ends at 2am the 1st Sunday of November.

•  70 countries around the world observe Daylight Saving Time, but not all start & end at the same time.

•  Hawaii & Arizona do not participate in Daylight Saving Time

Don't forget to set your clocks back

on Saturday before you go to bed!

HomeOwner's Insurance Rates & Your Credit Score

Did you know that your credit score can affect your Homeowner's Insurance rates? 

 Dan Roux from Roux Insurance offers some great tips in this video!

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?