What Adds Value to Your Home

When looking at the value of your home it is important to hire someone and not base your number off Internet figures or your own personal judgement. As a homeowner you think very highly of your home which will result in a biased opinion in determining the actual value. When looking to upgrade your home you should know where to put the focus to see the most turn around. A kitchen remodel is #1 with a bathroom closely following. When a client is looking to buy, if these major projects are already completed they will find it much easier to accept the little projects. You also need to remember that if you are upgrading to sell, your choices need to be neutral. Buyers want to imagine their lives in your home and if it is custom to your style and wants they will have a hard time.

You also need to keep in mind that the way your home shows is everything. Buyers look online at pictures to determine if they want to come view it in person. If your front yard is dead or taken over by weeds the curb appeal drops. Upkeep the front yard, maybe add some pops of color to extenuate the color of the home, make them see the life even in the winter. On the inside, remove all of the family photos and religious items. Give it a blank slate so that buyers can imagine where their family photos can be placed. Be sure to keep the scents and decorations within the right season. For example, don't burn a pumpkin spice candle in the summer, buyers will be thrown off. 

October Home Maintenance Check List

With winter just right around the corner here is a list of things to do around the house before the snow hits.

Checklist

1.  Repair the Roof Shingles: Use cement to seal cracked and torn shingles. Tack down the damage with galvanized roofing nails and cover with roofing cement.
2. Repair the Siding: Do a fall inspection to look for damaged paint, split wood, or holes in stucco. Your repair kit will depend on what kind of siding you have but could include (wood putty, waterproof glue, nails and screws)
3. Reinforce the Windows: Replace your screens with storm windows. If they are dirty or damaged clean them before storing. Light scrubbing following a blast from the hose will do the trick.
4. Fire Fluency Detect Deadly Gas: Make sure your damper is in good condition by opening and shutting it prior to fire season.
5. Check Batteries in Smoke Detectors: Daylight savings time ends on Nov 7th. A good habit is to check the batteries when you "fall back" and "spring ahead".
6. Close Seasonal Air Conditioners: This is a good month to switch off the power, make sure the condensation drain is clear and clean the filters( a vacuum will do). Then store for the winter.
7. Bleed Air from Radiators: Radiators can get air pockets when not in use. If your unit does not have air valves you need to bleed it prior to heating season. Turn furnace and circulator and open the supply valve to the radiator. Air should be released followed by hot water(catch with a pan).
8. Cut Brush Back from House: Trim up your yard and anything that comes into contact with your house. This will eliminate a common access point for insects and rodents. 
9. Watch Those Leaves: If you don't want the leaves to stain your deck and concrete walkways, keep those surfaces leaf free. If you do have leaf stains try half water half bleach and warm water.
10. Store Outdoor Furniture: Scrub and store outdoor furniture even if it is designed to stay our year round it will last longer if up kept. 
11. Winterize External Plumbing Systems: This is the most important job for the winter. Water expands upon freezing and this has caused countless homeowners innumerable woes. Do not ignore this job as flooding and water damage bills will put you under.

Halloween Treats

Delicious Spooky Halloween Treats!

Halloween Cookie Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 roll Pillsbury Refrigerated Sugar
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup candy corn
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup vanilla

Directions

• Heat oven to 350. Line 12 inch pizza pan with foil and grease with shortening. 
• Cut cookie dough into 1/4 in thick slices and arrange in pan.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes and cool completely. (about 30 minutes)
• Use foil to lift crust from pan. Spread peanut butter over crust then sprinkle candy corn and raisins evenly over top.
• Microwave frosting for 10-15 seconds and drizzle over cookie pizza.

Chocolate Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 2/3 cup cocoa
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 egg yolk

Directions

• Line bottom of two 8 in pans, lightly buttered.
• Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. 
• Stir buttermilk, pumpkin, and vanilla together. Beat the butter and sugars together on medium speed. Beat in the eggs and yolk one at a time. Reduce speed and alternately beat in flour and buttermilk.
• Pour batter into pans and bake for about 35 minutes.
• Frosting: Beat 6 oz softened cream cheese using a mixer set on medium high. Add 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugars, 2 1/4 tsp cocoa, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 3/4 tsp vanilla. In a separate bowl beat 1 1/2 cup cup heavy cream with 3/4 cup confectioners sugar and 1/4 tsp orange. Spread frosting between the two layers. Place the remainder on the top and chill for 30 minutes. 
• Glaze: Place 4 oz of chopped chocolate, 1 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp corn syrup. Bring 1/2 cup heavy cream to a boil and pour it over chocolate and let sit for 3 minutes. Pour glaze onto the center of frosted bake and smooth edges to allow glaze to drop over sides.