“When my wife and I decided to sell our condo and move out of the country, it was an easy choice of who to choose as our real estate agents. The Caton Team! It was Susan Caton that had helped me purchase the condo over 20 years ago and all I could remember was how easy she made it for me to go through all the paperwork and purchasing process. So, contacting Susan and Sabrina to assist us with selling the same condo was almost a perfect ending to our “story” in the Bay Area. Nothing had changed with the addition of Sabrina in the Caton power team – the easy, friendly and transparent way of planning and figuring out details of selling our condo was the very same I had experienced when purchasing it. The added difficulty of completing the sale while we had already moved overseas was not a hindrance at all. Online processes and meticulous advice kept us in the loop of what needed to be done and complete it on time. So, all I can say is a big “THANK YOU” to Susan and Sabrina, for being with our family during our Bay Area adventure and beyond!”
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |Susan 650.796.0654 | EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
Effective. Efficient. Responsive. The Caton Team 🏡 How can The Caton Team help You?
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!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 | EMAIL | WEB | BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
Clean, efficient gutters and downspouts are essential to keeping water channeled away from your roof, walls, foundation and landscape. Experts generally recommend cleaning your gutters twice a year in the spring and fall. If you have a lot of trees (especially pines) near your home you may need to clean gutters more often.
Letting leaves and debris pile up can damage your roof as well as your fascia and gutters. The excess weight of debris and standing water can cause them to sag and pull away.
It is also important to check that the gutters are sloped toward the downspout and the downspouts drain away from the foundation. You may need to add an extension or a splash block for added protection to divert the runoff. If you shop around for splash blocks, you will find many choices such as sculptured/decorative stone, aluminum, concrete, and plastic.
If you are able to clean the gutters safely yourself, a ladder on firm, secure ground is best. It can be dangerous attempting maintenance from on top of the roof. If your home is on a hillside or too tall to access with a ladder, consult a professional.
To get started, clean leaves and debris from the downspout end first, and work away to the other end. Check with your local home improvement store for hose attachments made specifically for gutter cleaning. If your downspout is clogged, check the downspout strainer(s) and be sure it is clear. Check your gutter for leaks by running a hose with water. If your gutter has leaks, first be sure the seam/connection is tight and seal the joints with gutter sealant. Use the proper product for your gutter material, whether aluminum, fiberglass or other. Once cleaned and repaired, you may want to use one of the many products available to help keep them free of debris. One option is to install gutter covers. There are many types, including screens, grates and foam. Look online to research products and installation instructions.
Noisy Downspouts
There’s nothing quite like the loud pinging sound of a noisy downspout in the middle of the night. Generally this sound comes from the elbow, or bend, in the downspout. When the dripping water hits a hard surface it can amplify it to an annoying level.
There are a few do-it-yourself fixes you can try (no guarantees!).
Attach a piece of 1/4” or 3/8” poly rope inside the downspout. The rope can channel the water and eliminate the excessive sound.
Attach a scrubbing sponge (or look for gutter sponges online) to the inside of the downspout where the water hits the elbow. This should soften or eliminate the sound.
Try a decorative downspout such as a “rain chain.” Shop around for a style that complements the design of your home.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
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!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
The scent of fall is in the air. Time to bake an apple pie, crunch some leaves on a long walk, and carve the family pumpkin. It’s also time for some fall home maintenance. Use our fall checklist as a reminder to do important seasonal tasks like cleaning the gutters, replacing air filters, and getting the fireplace ready for the coming winter.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
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!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
The Caton Team is proud to announce, that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices with Welcome Home Funding can loan a sellers up to $30,000 or 20% of their home’s equity – towards preparing a home for sale. With NO Interest & NO Fees!
Fund are available after a 48 hour approval process, flexible to select any vendor a seller wants, flexible on what a seller spends their funds on, no vendor platform markups, no lien on the property, no fees or interest paid by the seller and so much more. We’d love to sit down with you and discuss how Get Ready Capital can help you sell your home! CONTACT THE CATON TEAM FOR FURTHER DETAILS | Call | Text 650.799.4333 | Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com
Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out at your convenience for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team through our clients’ words.Testimonials.
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!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
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.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
For most of the country, September signals the end of summer’s dog days and a return to fuzzy sweaters, chilly evenings, and, of course, pumpkin spice everything (this is America, after all).
But before those first autumn leaves begin to fall, it’s crucial to take a few steps to stave off any cold weather home breakdowns. Luckily, we’re here to make it as easy as possible for you with our handy checklist of home maintenance chores to tackle this month. These quick, relatively painless tasks can potentially save you major repair costs down the road.
1. Check walkways for cracks
“Before the grass is covered with snow, or it’s too cold to venture outside, check walkways for cracks and loose paver material,” says Ryan Williams, general manager of 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric. “Fix walkway and entryway areas before slippery weather can cause a tripping or falling accident.”
Call in a pro: Serious cracking and concrete damage will require professional repair—expect to spend north of $1,000, although exact costs will depend on the severity of damage and cost of materials and labor in your area.
2. Clean and repair the siding
“After a long summer, siding can become dirty or mildewed,” says Chris Granger, vice president and general manager of Sears Home Services.
September is a great time to use a pressure washer to clean it up—and inspect for more serious problems before winter comes. Check first for rotten or warped areas, and inspect your caulking, which can shrink and crack over time.
DIY: You don’t necessarily have to shimmy up a ladder for a close-up of your siding; the pros we talked to recommend using a smartphone camera or drone to zoom in on problem areas. Inspect the butt joints where two pieces of siding meet and, if you spy cracks, consider tackling the job yourself.
How? A day ahead, thoroughly wash your work surface with soapy water. Once the area is completely dry, squeeze a bit of caulk into the gap in the siding, then smooth it with your finger. Wipe it once more with a damp sponge to even out your work.
(Pro tip: Be sure to never caulk the underside of your siding, which could prevent the boards from expanding and contracting during changing weather.) Once you’ve fixed any problem areas, let everything set for a few days. Then follow up with a good pressure wash (you can rent a machine for around $35).
Call in a pro: If your siding has seen better days (think missing, bent, or cracked pieces), consider replacing it. As a general rule, fiber cement siding is priciest, followed by wood, aluminum, and vinyl. Replacing vinyl siding on an average 2,200-square-foot home will set you back more than $6,500 (in addition to the cost of removing existing materials). If you choose wood or fiber cement siding, you’ll likely spend twice that. For an expert pressure washing, expect to spend $100 to $300.
3. Check and repair leaky faucets
“Before the temperatures start to dip, examine leaky faucets in the kitchen, bathrooms, and utility room locations,” Williams says. “Most likely, whatever time and money you spend now will be considerably less than a broken pipe in the dead of winter.”
DIY: Just turn on the faucet, turn it off, and watch for any telltale dripping. Your fix might be as easy as replacing the washers on the faucet’s knobs, or you might have a worn cam washer, valve seat, or spring. We have you covered with our step-by-step guide to fixing a leaky faucet.
Call in a pro: If you’d rather not deal with it yourself, you can always hire a plumber. Estimates for fixing leaks vary, but expect to spend at least $100.
4. Make sure windows are sealed tight
All double- or triple-pane windows should have a tight seal around their perimeter that separates the individual panes of glass and traps inert gas between them, providing a break between the temps inside and outside your home. If you notice that your windows are frequently foggy, that’s likely a sign of a failed seal.
DIY: Try cashing in on your windows’ warranty first; many companies will cover failed seals for a decade or longer.
Call in the pros: If your warranty won’t cover a total replacement, check out a professional window defogging company. These pros will reseal the window’s perimeter and replace the gas between the panes for an average of $300 (depending on location and the number of windows).
5. Sweep the chimney
When temperatures finally fall, you’ll want to be ready to light your fireplace. But before your first toasty blaze of the season, make sure your chimney has been cleaned.
“Built-up soot in your chimney can increase your risk of a chimney fire, and a clogged chimney can also increase the presence of carbon monoxide in your home by not allowing it to escape when you have a fire burning in the fireplace,” says Lindsey Pasieka of ConsumerSafety.org.
Call in the pros: No DIY here—leave this (dirty) job to a pro, who’ll charge an average of $225 for an inspection and sweep.
6. Change the air filters and tune up the furnace
This one really should be a maintenance task you do every month, Granger says. Dirty air filters can lead to higher energy bills and irreparably damage your HVAC system.
DIY: Changing your air filter is a fairly straightforward task—just be sure to check the size of your existing filter before you hit the hardware store. Pros also recommend removing all vent covers and vacuuming pet dander, hair, and other debris that can accumulate and gunk up your HVAC system.
Call in the pros: Take things a step further by hiring a professional to tune up your unit before winter arrives. A good contractor will ensure your thermostat is working properly, fix loose electrical connections and gas connections, and check your unit’s blower motor and heat exchanger. Expect to spend $80 to $150.
7. Service the yard equipment
Autumn—not spring—is actually the best time to show some love to your lawn equipment before you put it away for winter.
“It’s harmful for equipment to sit all winter long with old oil in the case and dirt on the other components,” says Lisa Turner, author of “House Keys: Tips and Tricks From a Female Home Inspector.”
DIY: Change your oil and filter, replace air and gas filters, and install new blades if necessary. Then perform the lubrication and adjustment maintenance required by your equipment’s manual. But you don’t want to drain the gas tank completely, Turner says. Instead use a premium gasoline without ethanol but with a gas preservative. Just before you store it, fill the tank with this mix.
Call in the pros: If your unit won’t start or turn over, the cost for a lawn mower repair pro will run about $35 to $115. If your lawn mower’s engine needs to be replaced, you could shell out $800 to $900 for a new engine.
The Caton Team is comprised of Susan and Sabrina Caton – a mother/daughter in law team. We are full time, local Realtors with over 25 years of combined Real Estate experience. How can The Caton Team help you?
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
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!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
Performing basic maintenance for the plumbing systems in your home can go a long way to preventing bigger issues from erupting. Here are eight DIY maintenance tips that can help minimize the number of trips to your house from your plumber, particularly if your home has experienced plumbing problems in the past.
Eight Essentials to Good Plumbing Maintenance
Fix leaks and clogs immediately. Plumbing issues like these can quickly turn simple repairs into expensive ones and/or lead to water damage and unhealthy mold or mildew buildup.
Keep drains object-free. Install properly fitting drain screens and sink stoppers to prevent food, hair, and other things that can stop up pipes from going down the drain.
Learn what your disposal can eat. Not everything can be chewed up by the kitchen disposal. Check your manufacturer’s manual for specifics, but as a general rule, never put cooking grease, coffee grinds, egg shells, pasta or rice in your disposal.
Know locations for all shut-off valves. Your home’s washing machine, sink, toilet, and water heater all have shut-off valves. Know where they are as well as your home’s main water shut-off valve and any outside clean-outs.
Prepare for the season. Before winter, inspect the insulation around the pipes under your house, in the basement, and in the garage. Proper insulation helps keep your pipes from freezing and bursting.
Schedule regular plumbing checkups. Consult with your plumber about a schedule for the routine maintenance needs for your home’s HVAC system and water heater. Also schedule a snake of your sewer lines via your home’s clean-out at least every two years to keep pipes free of clogs and buildup.
Remember: your home’s plumbing has a tell. When you spot one of its tics, like a leaky faucet, water on the floor around a dishwasher or refrigerator, or mildew around a sink, shower, or tub, don’t hesitate to act. It’s a sign that you have some maintenance to do.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
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!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
One of the best and biggest investments in your home – is the flooring. Take care of your hardwood today and it will last generations. If you have any updating questions – curious which updates bring more value to your home? Contact The Caton Team – we’re happy to help! -Sabrina
How To Care for Your Hardwood Floors
Hardwood is one of the oldest flooring materials and is still considered one of the best. Hardwood floors are natural, beautiful, and durable, especially if you maintain them. With good maintenance, they will last longer, look better, and add value to your home.
Make daily dusting and sweeping, with a scratch-free cloth or broom, part of your daily maintenance routine. When you need to vacuum hardwood, be sure to use the soft brush attachment, never the rotating brush roll, or as it’s known in older vacuums, the beater bar. Then, as needed, mop with the wood floor cleaning product recommended for your floor’s type and finish.
Wood floors need a protective finish. Unfinished wood floors require finishing with a protective sealer immediately after installation. Factory-finished floors are sanded, sealed, and ready to use right out of the box. If you have solid hardwood, you may need to add a finishing coat every few years, or eventually sand and refinish decades down the road. If you have engineered hardwood, which is a veneer, sanding and refinishing may be an option one-time only, depending on the thickness of the veneer.
Tips for Cleaning Your Hardwood Floors
Use only wood floor care products; never use vinyl or tile cleaning products.
If you prefer a natural cleaner, like vinegar and water, do your research. Your floors must be well sealed, and the vinegar-to-water pH balance can’t be too acidic, and you must wipe the floors dry immediately.
Most experts advise that you don’t use water to wet or steam mop wood floors.
Tips for Protecting Hardwood Floors
Use felt or rubber protectors on the bottom of furniture legs and never drag furniture on wood flooring.
Use area rugs in high-traffic areas, in front of exterior doorways, as well as in front of the kitchen sink.
Remove shoes at the door, especially high heels or cleats.
Slow down fading by keeping direct sunlight off your floors. Use window coverings to redirect, diffuse, or block UV light. UV-resistant finishes are also available.
Keep dogs’ nails trimmed, or restrict them from hardwood areas.
Wipe up spills immediately; standing liquid can damage wood floors.
Tips for Scratches and Squeaks
For deep or surface scratches, touch up using a stain stick for wood that matches your floor’s finish.
For squeaky floors, if possible, it’s best to repair from underneath which may need to be done by a professional. There are products that include a combination of lubricant and powder, which you can try using on the surface between the planks, but effectiveness may be limited.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
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!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
The Caton Team is proud to announce, that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices with Welcome Home Funding can loan a sellers up to $30,000 or 20% of their home’s equity – towards preparing a home for sale. With NO Interest & NO Fees!
Fund are available after a 48 hour approval process, flexible to select any vendor a seller wants, flexible on what a seller spends their funds on, no vendor platform markups, no lien on the property, no fees or interest paid by the seller and so much more. We’d love to sit down with you and discuss how Get Ready Capital can help you sell your home! CONTACT THE CATON TEAM FOR FURTHER DETAILS | Call | Text 650.799.4333 | Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com
Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out at your convenience for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team through our clients’ words.Testimonials.
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!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
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.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
When you bought your house, there were a million and ten things you needed to do. (Hi, inspection, mortgage application and downstairs bathroom conversion.) But over the years, auto-pilot has set in, and those driveway pavers you always meant to replace are still staring you in the face. Stay on top of your home maintenance to-dos by making sure you tackle each of the following once a year.
Clean your gutters
Old frisbees. Dead leaves. Dead rodents. (Ew.) Nasty stuff can accumulate in your gutters, and keeping them clear is super important for getting snow and rain off that fancy new roof you just replaced. Here’s the best part: If you get them cleaned right now, you won’t have to think about them again until 2017.
Steam clean your carpets
Yes, you’re a hygienic person who generally doesn’t track gross stuff into her house. But over time, buildup has a way of accumulating–especially in snowy or dusty regions, or if you’ve got children or pets. Rent a steamer (or hire a professional), and relish in a pile that’s as plush and vibrant as the day you bought it.
Wash your windows… like, for real
Again, you’re probably already Windex-ing the inside of those suckers on a weekly or monthly basis. But the outsides need love, too. Most modern windows pivot inward, so you can wash the whole thing from inside your house. But if you live in an older building and can’t get to windows on the second or third floor, hire a gent with a squeegee and a ladder.
Empty all your drawers
OK, this one isn’t just for home owners, but anyone who lives in a house should really be in the habit of emptying and assessing every drawer one time per calendar year. Tackle it room-by-room, taking everything out, deciding if you really need it, then purging accordingly before neatly repacking.
Trim your trees
Next-door neighbor Frank hates when your sycamore cascades over his tool shed. Trim that puppy once a year for the health of your tree (a heavy bow is never a good thing) and, of course, your neighborly relations.
Schedule the exterminator
If you think you only need to talk to Larry the Roach Guy when you’ve actually got creepy crawlers, think again. Getting your house checked and treated preemptively for bugs gives you a much better chance of not finding something disgusting (or paying thousands of dollars for termite damage) down the road.
Check out an open house in the neighborhood
Even if you plan to live in your home until they take you out on a stretcher, it’s always a good idea to get a sense of the market. Plus, aren’t you dying to know what Kenny and Margaret did with that hideous wood-paneled rec room? You know you want to.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
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!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
Artificial grass has come a long way since AstroTurf first hit the playing fields (and maybe your grandmother’s patio). With the ongoing drought in the West, the new, improved artificial grass is becoming more and more popular for sunny, low-rainfall areas, as well as with pet owners, and people who are just tired of lawn maintenance. Today’s synthetic grass is colored and textured to look like various grass types, so you can likely get a look very similar to what you could grow naturally. It is not without its drawbacks, however. Artificial grass is not cheap. Installed costs can run from $10 to $20 per square foot. Compared to natural grass, it can take up to seven to eight years to recoup the initial cost of artificial turf. It isn’t easy to install either, so it might not be the best DIY project.
Best Uses for Artificial Grass
Artificial turf is a good solution if you have an area where grass simply won’t grow because conditions are shady or wet. Artificial grass is a popular option with dog owners for pet runs, or if you have multiple dogs that are wearing out your natural lawn. Artificial greenery is also a great option for places like a small patio or outside space. It also works great for defined shapes within a yard where real grass edges can be tough to mow and keep weed-free.
Pros:
No need to water your lawn
No weeding or mowing
No need for fertilizers or pesticides
Looks very similar to natural grass: soft, even, and green
Does not get muddy or rutted (and keeps your house cleaner)
Cons:
Expensive
Needs to be cleaned off with water and sanitizing agents (more frequently if you have dogs)
Not easily recycled
Heats up in direct sun
Banned by some homeowners associations and municipalities
The Bottom Line
If you love the look of green grass and plan to be in your house for a while then it’s worth considering an artificial lawn. For pet owners, it can be a great solution, but remember it can’t absorb and break down pet urine, so it will require washing (which does take water). Although it’s not maintenance-free, it certainly requires less maintenance than real grass. Remember to check with your city or HOA about their rules for artificial grass.
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