Home Maintenance – The Real Estate Beat

How to Create a Home Maintenance Log

With a homeowner’s maintenance log you can keep track of maintenance and repair details about your home as well as improvements, updates, and upgrades you make over the years. You can store appliance and system manuals and instructions, warranties, and other resources, like where to shut off utilities.

To create your own home maintenance log, first collect and organize important materials in a binder or expandable folder. Add pockets or sleeves to organize receipts, manuals, floorplans, warranties, and so on. If you prefer a paperless version, you’ll need to take time to scan all these documents. Microsoft Excel has a great Home Maintenance Schedule template that is easy to customize and update.

What to include:

Manuals and warranties – File home system and appliance instructions, maintenance records, and home warranty information. If you have a home warranty, keep a copy of the contract in the binder.
Maintenance receipts and contact information
- Keep receipts and contact information from service providers such as: carpet cleaners, HVAC, garage door opener repair, chimney sweep, gutter repair, roof inspection/repair, solar panel cleaning, and more.
- If you have a home warranty plan for your systems and appliances, include service call information, repairs, and all contact information.
- List previously used service providers that you would recommend, such as painters, yard service, and pest control.

Homeowner maintenance records – It can be easy to lose track of when you last performed maintenance so be sure to keep records of gutter cleaning/repair, painting, repairing decks and walkways, HVAC filter replacements, sprinkler systems, and window cleaning, including slides and screens.

Home improvements

Keep track of interior improvements including overhead lighting, fans, smart thermostats, storage systems, and dimmer switches, as well as low flow toilets and showerheads. Be sure to include information about refinishing/replacing of floors or cabinets.
Record exterior improvements such as landscaping and sprinkler systems, exterior lighting, solar panels, window upgrades, pool resurfacing, fencing, decks, tree removal, and so on.
Include specifics – When you paint, record the brand and color formula in your maintenance log. If your replace the roof, keep track of the type of material, color, manufacturer, and warranty info.

Maps and resources – Record the location of shutoffs for the main water, gas, and electrical, as well as the electrical panel. If your home is on a well and/or septic system, map the well, septic tanks, and leach field/lines. Include location of solar panel control/displays and sprinkler junction box.
Neighborhood information – Include information on HOA guidelines and fees and how to contact your Homeowners’ Association, if applicable.

A Great Selling Tool

When it comes time to sell your home, your home maintenance log is also a valuable reference that demonstrates how well you’ve cared for your home. Providing this kind of comprehensive record can really inspire confidence for the buyer who wants to purchase your home.

I read this article HERE

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11 MUST-DO MONTHLY MAINTENANCE TASKS

The smart way to maintain a home in tip-top shape is with a monthly check-up: a brief list of simple tasks you can deal with in less than an hour. By doing this regularly, you’ll catch problems at their earliest stages before they can become expensive emergencies. Keeping the mechanics of your home in good working order also extends their lives, giving you the benefit of additional years of service before you need to make repairs or replacements.

Check the furnace filter. The filter is a vital component of furnaces and heat pumps. The only heating systems without filters are those with boilers, which use water to heat the home. Pull out the filter and clear any dust or other debris clogging the screen, or replace it if necessary. You’ll enjoy better air quality and lower energy costs.

Check range hood filter. The exhaust vent in your range hood has a filter to catch grease. To keep it working properly, clean it regularly. Remove it and scrub in the sink with hot water and grease-cutting dishwashing liquid. Let it dry and put it back in place.

Clear drains. Check that water is draining freely in all sink, shower, and tub drains. If it backs up, unclog it with boiling water, or baking soda and vinegar, or a drain snake. Be sure not to mix drain cleaner and home remedies, as some chemicals may have adverse reactions.

Clean garbage disposal. To prevent odors and other problems, pour a half cup of baking soda into the disposal, then slowly add a half cup of vinegar. Or drop in ice cubes, grind them, and follow with a half cup of baking soda and boiling water.

Check for leaks around sinks and toilets. Look further into any sign of water, even a few drops. A leak only gets worse over time, so the sooner you catch it, the smaller the plumbing bill will be.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Smoke alarms and CO detectors should have a test button. If you don’t see one, check online with the manufacturer to learn how to test your detector. You may even be able to test smart detectors from your phone.

Check fire extinguishers. Make sure they’re easily accessible and aren’t damaged. If they’re old, dented, or show low pressure, it’s time to replace them.

Examine all electrical cords. Check for damage to the wire’s insulation, especially near the plug, a common area for wear. Repair any problem areas with electrical tape and make a plan to replace the cord as soon as possible.

Check the house exterior. Walk around your home, checking the roof, siding, windows, doors, and foundation for any damage. Take note of any standing water close by, as that can be an indication of leaks or other problems.

Check your air conditioner. Look for leaks around the copper lines that connect to the indoor evaporator coil. If you find any, it’s time to call an HVAC professional.

Clear the outdoor dryer vent. Make sure the opening is free of lint and debris build-up. In addition to these monthly checks, it’s worth it to keep up with seasonal and annual maintenance tasks. Click here for a list.

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Home Repair No-Nos: Repair Tips for Every Homeowner

Are you a first-time homeowner? Have you purchased a new-to-you home? Either way, you have a lot to do. When you’re starting out as a new homeowner, it can be hard to know the right things to do and NOT to do when it comes to home maintenance, cleaning, and general upkeep. Here is some guidance to help you know what not to do.

New Homeowner No-Nos – Inside

Sealants

Needlessly applying sealant to surfaces can permanently discolor stone, concrete, and glass, to name a few. Never use sealant on natural materials like quartz, plastic materials like laminates, or commercial acrylic products such as Formica and Corian. Generally, most materials will not need reapplication of sealants very often. Instead, test surfaces using water to check if it’s time to reseal. For example, if water on a kitchen countertop no longer beads, it may be time to reapply.

Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners contain active ingredients that can damage plumbing. Drain cleaners may seem like easy, short-term fixes for clogs, but they can lead to long-term, costly problems. And the chemicals in drain cleaners are just plain bad for the earth. Instead, invest your money in a good plunger, a drain snake for tougher clogs, and if those plumbing tools don’t work, call a plumber.

Glass Cleaners

Here’s a little-known consequence to spraying commercial glass cleaner on mirrors: The liquid can seep into the backing on many types of mirrors, leading to discoloring around the edges of the mirror over time and irreparably damaging the backing. Instead, simply dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and immediately apply a dry cloth to remove excess water.

Bleach

Bleach is actually damaging to most elements and materials found in use in homes. Do not use bleach to clean sealants on granite and other stone surfaces, vinyl, linoleum, and laminate materials, colored grout, enamel, or acrylic surfaces in a bathtub. Never mix bleach with cleaners that contain ammonia! Doing so produces highly dangerous and toxic vapors. Instead, use a vinegar solution. Nothing is better or healthier for cleaning most surfaces in your home.

New Homeowner No-Nos – In and Out

Caulk

Using the wrong caulk can be damaging. That’s because there is a right caulk for the kitchen, bath, gutters, brick or concrete, mortar, and so on. The wrong caulk won’t adhere, or will breakdown, allowing moisture to seep in, or compromise the surface you’re caulking. Instead, ask your local hardware specialist for advice on buying the right caulk for your project.

Tools

Invest in well-made tools for your new home – a hammer, screwdriver set, ladder, and maybe a mower. Avoid buying inexpensive, knock-off brands even if you’re on a budget – they are not made to last. Instead, for budget-conscious homeowners, visit yard sales and look for used tools from quality brands, or start slow with a basic toolbox and build up your set over time.

New Homeowner No-Nos – Outside

Mulch

For your first landscaping project, do not over-mulch. Too much mulch can suffocate plants and prevent water from reaching roots. Instead, add mulch to no deeper than three inches.

Ivy

It may look charming, but ivy will keep growing. Eventually ivy will spread under a home’s siding or shingles, damage their integrity, and ultimately cost you, either in replacing siding, providing entry points for invading pests, or both! Instead, research how and where to thoughtfully plant ivy. A quick web search can also provide better alternatives for plants to safely grow along the base of your home. Note: Plants need to be placed two feet minimum away from the foundation.

Trees

Planting trees close to a home may look nice when the trees are young, but they grow, too! You need to consider the room that baby tree will need at maturity. Trees planted without thought to full height can grow roots that push up through your driveway, sidewalk, and foundation. Instead, plant each tree according to its height and root spread at full maturity. The Arbor Day Foundation has a handy tree spacing guide to help you ensure adequate clearance from your home, fencing, and so on.

Firewood

Do not store firewood right outside your home against exterior walls, otherwise you will invite termites and other pests into your home. Instead, keep firewood at least twenty feet from your home, or further if your property provides room to do so. Better to take a small hike out to the wood pile than let pests make an easy hike into your new home.

I read this article HERE

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How to Maintain Your Washer and Dryer

The washer and dryer are convenient home appliances that make your life easier. All you have to do is put your clothes in and they come out clean, right? Not quite. Similar to other places in your home that are meant for cleaning, such as your kitchen sink or shower, your washer, and dryer are breeding grounds for bacteria that, without regular maintenance, can leave your clothes dirtier than they were before you put them in. If you’re not cleaning your machines, they may not be cleaning as efficiently or as thoroughly as you might think. Take these simple steps to get the most out of your washer and dryer.

Don’t get hosed

Washing machine hoses are prone to damage, as the rubber can dry and crack over time, leading to a burst. Check your water hoses regularly for leaks or bubbles, and keep in mind that most manufacturers recommend replacing rubber hoses every two years. Routinely check your dryer vent hose to be sure that it is not kinked or bent in a way that can restrict airflow. Not only can a bent hose limit the flow of air out of the dryer, it can increase the risk of lint building up in the hose. If your dryer vent hose is made of vinyl or plastic, replace with a rigid or flexible metal vent hose, as vinyl or plastic hoses can be a fire hazard.

Disinfect

Your standard laundry detergent is not enough to keep your washer clean and germ-free. Routinely disinfect it by running a clothes-free wash cycle with hot water and a cup of bleach. Not only will this disinfect your washer, it will help to remove soap buildup and keep your clothes smelling fresh.

This load is just right

Plan your loads carefully and aim to wash full loads without overfilling. A load that is too small will cause you to use more water to wash all of your dirty clothes and cut down on the life of your washer. However, a load that is too large means your washer will not clean as effectively and will cause your dryer to use more energy to dry everything. Aim to find that perfect balance for your machines.

Filter it out

Dryers need their lint trap cleaned after each load. When a lint trap is full, your dryer will require additional time to dry clothes and won’t be able to catch the lint from the new load. If left unattended too long, the lint buildup can be sucked into the ventilation system and may block airflow.

I read this article HERE

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Kidde Recall – Check Your Smoke Detectors

Hello Caton Team Friends

I wanted to alert everyone to double-check your smoke detector – a Kidde Recall was just issued – read more HERE.

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Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!

A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – would’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.

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The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

How to Get Cleaner Air at Home

As more people spend time inside, indoor air quality is becoming a pressing issue. Here are a few tips from experts recently highlighted at Curbed.com.

Use the vent when cooking. “One of the big things we’re starting to understand a little more is the problems with cooking,” Adriano L. Martinez, an environmental lawyer who tweets about air quality issues as @LASmogGuy, told Curbed.com. “A hood and fan that siphons toxic fumes out of your kitchen can make a big difference, even if you’re just boiling water. Try to run the fan every time you’re cooking.”

Clean surfaces. Cleaning has never been more important than in the age of a pandemic, but it can also help improve the indoor air quality of your home. Wipe down surfaces and vacuum frequently to remove build ups of dust, pollen, and mold, which all impact air quality, Curbed.com reports.

Avoid the VOCs. Pay attention to the labels when cleaning to avoid products containing volatile organic chemicals. The fumes have been linked to irritating lungs.

Use a high-quality filter on the HVAC. A good filter can help trap airborne pollutants inside a home. Martinez suggests looking for a minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV rating, of 8 or higher on the HVAC filter. Also, change it frequently. Plug-in air purifiers can also help, experts say.

I read this article HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

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The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Spring Lawn Care After Snow, Rain, or Drought

Well – since we’re all home…. let’s work on the house!!! (If you don’t have a house to work on – great time to plan and budget)… back to the house – let’s talk about that yard….

Winter can bring extremes to many areas of the country. Shelter in Place even more so. If’ you’re stuck at home – what better time to work on the house…

No matter what this winter was like where you live, your lawn is probably in need of a little TLC. Here is how to bring your yard back from the dead after rain, snow, or drought.

After Rain

If your area had a rainy winter, your lawn may be in very good shape. However, there is a point where there may have been too much rain and lawns can become waterlogged, especially if you have clay or heavily compacted soil. Waterlogging is caused when water sits on the soil surface and drains slowly, or fails to drain at all.

The Problems

Algae, lichens and liverworts
Moss
Clumps of rush may seed themselves, forming tussocks
Dry patches

The Solution

Sweep off any excess water.
Aerate your lawn with 1-inch deep holes for mild waterlogged lawns and 4-6 inches for more severe cases. This can be done by hand, or with power tools like a hollow tiner.
Fill the holes with a free-draining material, such as lawn top dressings or horticultural sand which will allow the water to flow from the surface to deeper, less compacted layers.
Remove moss and algae and spray with moss killer.
Fertilize.

Prevention

Spiking it every few years in autumn
Feeding in autumn with a lawn feed, rich in phosphorus
Install a drainage system
Replace your lawn using turf laid on a bed of sharp sand

After Snow

After the snow melts, you may find that your lawn is not in the best shape. To help your lawn return to the lush green it once was, here’s what you need to know:

The Problems

Dead foliage
Snow mold
Dry patches
Compacted soil
Frozen sections

The Solution

Wait for your lawn to completely thaw. Raking or mowing your grass before it thaws is likely to tear out grass and leave open patches in your lawn where weeds will find a home.
Rake using a thatching rake to clear debris and thatch.
Check for grey or pink snow mold; a cottony fungus which grows 6-12 inches in diameter. Though there isn’t a product you can spray to rid your lawn of snow mold, a deep raking will cure most mild cases.
For lawns with compacted soil, aerate and fill holes with free-draining materials.
Don’t water right away. Grass roots need to chase the water from the melting snow and spring rains. This will encourage deeper root growth to make your lawn healthier.
Fertilize.

Prevention

Preventing your lawn from dying after the winter starts with your watering method. To help your lawn stay healthy year round, you should water:

Deep
Less frequently – don’t water every day
In the early morning, never in the afternoon due to evaporation or evening due to fungus.

After/During Drought

Many areas in California, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Oklahoma are experiencing severe drought conditions. Keeping a lawn healthy in these areas can be a challenge.

The Problems

Lack of water
Unbalanced soil
Unseasonably hot temperatures

The Solution

Before you start treating your lawn during a drought, make sure you know if any drought water laws or regulations exist in your area and comply with them.

Aerate and fill holes with nutrient rich fertilizer.
Water deep, evenly, and infrequently with a garden hose or professionally-installed irrigation system instead of hose sprinklers.
Overseed or “seed and feed” to increase moisture retention and restore soil balance.
Reduce mowing frequency and opt for a push mower instead of a ride-on one as heavy equipment can damage the fragile blades. Don’t mow your lawn until it gets to 3 inches to allow for maximum nutrient absorption into grass blades, and don’t cut off more than 1/3 of the leaf blade.

Prevention

The best prevention for a drought-ridden lawn is a wet winter and sufficient water supplies. Until Mother Nature cooperates, you can:

Install a deep irrigation system if you don’t already have one
Keep a watering schedule

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

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The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Take Advantage of Free Disinfectants: How To Fill Your Home With Sunlight and Fresh Air

Take Advantage of Free Disinfectants: How To Fill Your Home With Sunlight and Fresh Air

Take a deep breath. Is the air inside your home stuffy? Don’t delay: Open a window and let fresh air and sunlight into your quarantined space. It won’t just help make your place smell better and feel fresher, it can also make your home healthier. And it may just help elevate your mood in these stressful times.

With a pandemic raging, the Centers for Disease Control recommends all households “increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning.” This call for fresh air is in addition to regular disinfecting and best hygiene practices to blunt the spike of COVID-19 cases.

Sunlight plus a cool breeze to assist in the fight against infection isn’t a new idea. There’s a history of fresh air and sunlight being used to control the spread of disease.

During the 1918 flu pandemic, “open air” treatments were used to treat sick soldiers and sailors, according to public health expert Richard Hobday. It remained a popular therapeutic method to treat infection through the 1950s.

In a recent article, Hobday explains the lessons learned from the 1918 flu outbreak: Over a century ago, medical officers discovered a “combination of fresh air and sunlight sees to have prevented deaths among patients; and infections among medical staff.” Hobday cites a report that indicates open-air treatment during the 1918 pandemic reduced deaths in hospitals from about 40% to about 13%.

In 2018, researchers led by Dr. Ashkan Fahimipour published findings in the Microbiome Journal that show sunlight does help kill bacteria in household dust. However, the doctor cautions there isn’t direct evidence sunlight is an effective deterrent for the spread of COVID-19.

“We do have scientific evidence that sunlight inactivates some microorganisms, including viruses,” says Fahimipour. “However, to my knowledge, data on the effects of sunlight on COVID-19 do not exist. That said, sunlight is a ‘free’ potential infection control measure that is easy to implement and unlikely to contribute deleterious effects—with emphasis on potential.”

So if the sun’s rays and fresh air are an easy way to boost the overall health of your living space, we wanted to focus on that crucial potential for beneficial effects We spoke with a few pros for tips on how to maximize airflow and sunlight in your home.

Open your windows, even if you have to adjust the thermostat

Whether you’re in a part of the country in the full throes of spring or still dealing with a deep freeze, think about opening your windows for fresh air and adjusting the thermostat to compensate. And yes, we know it’s expensive to run the heater with windows open, but letting the air circulate for a few hours a day can help improve the atmosphere inside your home.

Jeff Scroggins runs Creative Design Group, a design firm focused on high-end homes in Colorado’s ski resort towns. Even in the often-frigid Rockies, where air conditioning isn’t a standard feature, Scroggins says he has plenty of clients who crack open their windows year-round just for airflow. Even when temperatures dip below freezing, fresh air can offer benefits.

If you have outdoor space, use it

If you’re lucky enough to be quarantined at home and have a backyard, use that space for dining alfresco, grilling, or even an impromptu picnic.

And your backyard doesn’t need to be designed to the nines to enjoy it. Make the most of what you have right now.

“Pretend you are in a luxurious resort, and start your day by experiencing that first cup of coffee outside, listening to the birds,” suggests Susan Solliday, president of the Arizona North Chapter of American Society of Interior Designers. “Pull out chairs and tables suitable for outside, and place them in great morning spots.”

No yard? No problem. Designer and real estate agent James Judge says even the smallest outdoor spaces can be transformed into an inviting hangout spot.

“It can be as simple as a yoga mat on the patio or a cute bistro set that you order online,” Judge says. “An indoor and outdoor throw pillow can brighten up a space, too.”

Ditch heavy drapery for sheer curtains

Judge also recommends sheer curtains to lighten up your space. Now is not the time to live out your vampire fantasies—so consider replacing heavy drapes or thick fabric curtains to allow sunlight to stream in.

“With sheers you can still achieve privacy, but they are a great way to get natural light in, too,” says Judge.

There are several options for blinds and shades, like solar shades, which are designed to maximize natural light while cutting down on glare and blocking harmful UV, which could damage furniture or other valuables.

Blinds with larger slats let in the most light, but offer less privacy than those with smaller slats, which is important to consider for windows facing the street.

How you approach letting sunlight and fresh air in to your shelter-in-place lifestyle will be personal. It depends on your home, your climate, and your health. Whatever your situation, try to make every effort to keep your surroundings as healthy as possible. Opening a window is free, easy, and proven to boost your health. And that’s something we can all use right now.

By Becky Bracken | Mar 27, 2020

I read this article HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

7 Easy DIY Living Room Projects You Can Tackle While You’re Social Distancing By Jennifer Kelly Geddes

7 Easy DIY Living Room Projects You Can Tackle While You’re Social Distancing

Cooped up inside because of the coronavirus? In this unsettling time, doing your part to maintain social distance means you’ve been spending a lot of time indoors. And while movie marathons and board games can occupy part of your day, they might start to get old after a while. One can enjoy only so many games of Scrabble, right?

If you’re feeling a little stir-crazy (and other forms of entertainment just aren’t cutting it), try taking on a home project that’ll make you feel productive.

“In general, now is a great time to spring-clean, declutter, and organize—so try something simple,” says Julie Coraccio, an organizing professional and author of “Got Clutter? 365 Journal Prompts.”

In between school lessons and work-from-home office duty, consider ticking off a few of these easy-to-handle living room chores from the list below. You’ll gain a sense of accomplishment and emerge with a room that’s clean and organized. After all, a tidy home equals a tidy mind.

1. Upgrade your lighting

You’ll need good light since you’ll be inside for a while, so consider replacing old bulbs in your living room lamps with energy-efficient LED bulbs, suggests Ana Cummings of the eponymous design firm.

LED bulbs have a longer life and don’t heat up as much as incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, making them safer if accidentally touched.

And since you’re in the lamp department, take a hard look at the shades on each of your lights. If you have a similar size lamp in another room, swap the shades to give your living room a new look.

2. Hang (or rehang) a gallery wall

Redoing your wall design is a fast way to upgrade your living room’s look—and it costs just about nothing except your time and a few picture hooks and nails.

If you’ve always wanted to try a gallery wall, go for it! If you already have one, it might be time to change it up.

Either way, lay your frames on the floor to plan the arrangement. If you already have a gallery, play with the order of the grouping or add new pictures, then rehang.

3. Wash living room curtains

Washing curtains is one of those household chores we’re supposed to do every six to eight months, but it can easily fall to the wayside. It’s kind of a hassle, right? But now that you have some extra time at home, take a couple of hours to clean any curtains that are washing machine-safe.

If your curtains aren’t supposed to touch water, take them off the rod, go outside, and give them a good shake to get the dust off.

4. Wipe down baseboards

Your baseboards, crown molding, railings, and other wall details often get overlooked during regular weekly cleaning sessions. Remedy this situation by dipping a sponge in a mild wood surface cleaner diluted in warm water and gently swabbing these surfaces to get rid of grime and dust.

5. Restyle your book shelves

Another quick and easy task? Sort through all your books, magazines, and CDs, and release what you no longer watch or want to read.

“Then take the time to organize your books in a way that makes sense to you, whether by genre or author, color, or another method,” says Coraccio.

6. Rearrange your furniture

You might be in need of a furniture refresh, but home quarantine—plus the fact that most home goods stores aren’t open right now—can make that difficult. So to give your room a new perspective, and not spend a ton of money, try rearranging the furniture.

Now is a good time, after all, to evaluate what is and isn’t working for you. You might consider removing a chair or two to open the room up, or moving the couch in front of the radiator—you won’t be needing heat again until later this fall. Switch out the rug in your living room with a lighter one that has been sitting in another room.

7. Fix wall marks with paint

It takes just a few minutes with a Magic Eraser to remove those unsightly black scuff marks from living room walls.

“Or if you’re handy, repaint a wall,” suggests Cummings. “You’ll be looking at the same four walls for a long time, so make them as beautiful as possible.”

I read this article HERE, By Jennifer Kelly Geddes | Mar 23, 2020

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

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The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Daylight Saving Time Checklist

Don’t Forget to Spring Forward on Sunday March 8 2020

Home Maintenance Tasks for Spring

Unless you are in Arizona or Hawaii, it’s time to move the clocks forward one hour and gain a bit more daylight in the evening. The start of Daylight Saving time is also a great time to perform simple yet important home maintenance tasks and safety inspections.

Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide (CO) detector and replace batteries if needed. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years and CO detectors every 5 years.
Clean out your dryer venting to reduce the risk of dryer fires and help keep your dryer working at maximum efficiency.
Inspect your fire extinguisher to ensure it is fully charged and recharge or replace as needed.
Vacuum dust from your refrigerator coils to help keep it running efficiently. Condenser coils are either located at the back of your refrigerator or across the bottom, behind a grille.
Replace filters as needed – It’s important to inspect and replace the filters in your central heat and air unit often, but are you overlooking other filters? Other items that need regular maintenance include water filters (including refrigerator water and ice dispensers), front-loading washing machine drain pump filters, air humidifier/dehumidifiers, air purifies, vacuum, and HEPA filters. Check manufacturer instructions for suggested maintenance.
Flip your mattress to help it wear more evenly. If you have a pillow top mattress you can rotate it instead of flipping it.

Daylight Saving Tip

The downside of the transition to Daylight Saving time is that we lose an hour of sleep. To make the transition a little easier, make an extra effort to be well-rested the week before. Try going to bed and putting your children to bed 15 minutes earlier each night, starting several days before the change.

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

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