Fire Safety Tips

With winter on the way, who doesn't like to sit by a warm, roasting fire??

Below are some necessary Safety Tips for your Wood Fireplace from HouseLogic.com (highly recommended website!)

1. Only burn dry, cured wood

2. Burn firewood and only firewood!

3. Close the damper when not using your wood fireplace

4. Keep bifolod glass doors open when burning a fire

5. Install a chimney cap

6. Replace a poorly sealing damper to prevent heat loss

7. Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors!

8. Get your chimney cleaned twice a year

9. Build the fire slowly, adding more wood as its heated

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/wood-fireplace-9-tips-safety-and-efficiency/#ixzz162EOwgrz

Cool Website!!!

Check out this website I was just told about! You type in an address (i.e your home or work) and it will tell you how close you are to walk to places like grocery store, coffee, bar, post office, etc. Then, it will rate how Walkable that location is. It's pretty cool! Especially if you are searching for a home in a neighborhood you are not too familiar with.

http://www.walkscore.com/

Winter proof your home

Here are some tips to prevent any problems this Winter


 Quick fixes:
* Inspect your roof for missing or cracked tiles. If repairs are needed, get them done as soon as you can.

* Vacuum the coils on the back of the fridge. This will help your fridge work more efficiently and will help you save money on your power bills.

* Turn your mattress regularly. We all spend more time in bed over winter - turning your mattress regularly will extend its life and ensure a more comfortable night's sleep.

* Get your boiler serviced. If you haven't had your boiler serviced this year, now is the ideal time to ensure it's in good working order.

More time needed:
* Oil your power tools and if you have a gas-powered lawn mower, drain the gas from it. They will survive the winter better and be in top shape for spring.

* Check all taps for leaks and locate the main pipe to the water mains. Pipes can burst if they freeze so if you leave home for more than a few days, ideally you should turn off the water and drain the pipes.

* Bleed your radiators by opening the valve until water appears - they will work more efficiently.

* The cold doesn't deter burglars so be sure to inspect your locks and any burglar alarms - and consider using lighting timers for that lived in appearance.

Worth the effort:
* It may take a day or two to sort out but cleaning your gutters properly will guarantee they won't get blocked or overflow.

* Trimming back trees is always recommended in the autumn.

* Clean out the garage before anything is stored that can get spoiled by the cold.




Click below for the full article

Lowes Tips to Winter proof your home

This Month in Real Estate (US) : October 2010

My first blogging experience

Hi everyone! Welcome to my first blog! My goal is to keep you up to date on all things pertaining to Real Estate. I am not a writer...but I hope my personality will shine through and you will enjoy visiting on a regular basis. I will keep the posts interesting, relevant and informative!

I look forward to hearing your feedback and questions. This is designed for YOU, so don't be shy!