Welcome to the place where we will share up to date information about "the happenings" in real estate and in the Triad region of North Carolina. I hope that you will come back to visit often as Pam's ponderings will be many! Talk to you soon ... Pam
Monday, February 27, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Attack of the Termites
This is a great story provided by Regina Walter.
"My father has been in real estate some 30 plus years and has just recently had some serious bouts with termites in one of his homes. Termites are no laughing matter and in speaking with a colleague of mine, he described the following story:
“I was working in my yard a few years ago and noticed that the previous homeowner laid black plastic down on the ground around the foundation. I knew this was a major no-no when trying to keep insects away from your house. You are providing insects with insulation and a weather barrier of protection from Mother Nature’s controlling reach.
I have always had these little brown ants come in all over the house over the years and never could figure out how to control them until I ripped up the black plastic and sprayed around the house every couple of months. When I did rip up that black plastic, I found ants but what I also found are what follows the ants into your house … termites!! My first reaction was “that’s just great” and my second reaction was driving to Home Depot to buy some termite stakes. I checked all the baseboards in the house, as this is the first place they generally show up. You can do this by knocking on the baseboards with your hand like you would a door. You’ll know if you have termites when your hand punches through the baseboard or cracks it. I was lucky.”
Fact: Termites cause over 22 billion dollars of property damage worldwide every year.
By following these simple rules, you can avoid spending unnecessary dollars on repairing termite damage:
•While placing plastic around the foundation of your home does help with weed prevention in the short run, the overall cost is not worth the time and effort.
•If you use mulch or wood chips only use cedar and make sure to lay it a foot or more away from the foundation. Cedar chips have a natural insect repelling property and repel ants, fleas, termites, chinchbugs, pillbugs, etc.
•Do not keep any wood piles or fallen timber or any non-cedar wood anywhere near your house. Believe me, it’s better to be safe than sorry in this instance. I keep firewood at the back of my lot.
•To combat bugs and the like, I recommend Ortho Home Defense Max 32 oz. Outdoor perimeter Insect Killer Ready-Spray. You can get this at Home Depot for around $10.00 and it should last a couple applications. Just hook it up to your garden hose and spray a 3-4 ft perimeter around and up to your foundation.
Think of ants as the beginning of the Macy’s Day parade of insects with the termites acting as every balloon creation that follows. If you keep the ants at bay, you are increasing your chances of not having termites.
If you see termites, call a professional for an estimate on removal. If you choose to do it yourself, head to Home Depot and check out the termite stakes. I can tell you, speaking from personal experience, that termite stakes are pretty effective and the termites never made it into my house after I set them up. When weighing the cost of prevention versus the cost of repair, you always come out cheaper on prevention.
"My father has been in real estate some 30 plus years and has just recently had some serious bouts with termites in one of his homes. Termites are no laughing matter and in speaking with a colleague of mine, he described the following story:
I have always had these little brown ants come in all over the house over the years and never could figure out how to control them until I ripped up the black plastic and sprayed around the house every couple of months. When I did rip up that black plastic, I found ants but what I also found are what follows the ants into your house … termites!! My first reaction was “that’s just great” and my second reaction was driving to Home Depot to buy some termite stakes. I checked all the baseboards in the house, as this is the first place they generally show up. You can do this by knocking on the baseboards with your hand like you would a door. You’ll know if you have termites when your hand punches through the baseboard or cracks it. I was lucky.”
Fact: Termites cause over 22 billion dollars of property damage worldwide every year.
By following these simple rules, you can avoid spending unnecessary dollars on repairing termite damage:
•While placing plastic around the foundation of your home does help with weed prevention in the short run, the overall cost is not worth the time and effort.
•If you use mulch or wood chips only use cedar and make sure to lay it a foot or more away from the foundation. Cedar chips have a natural insect repelling property and repel ants, fleas, termites, chinchbugs, pillbugs, etc.
•Do not keep any wood piles or fallen timber or any non-cedar wood anywhere near your house. Believe me, it’s better to be safe than sorry in this instance. I keep firewood at the back of my lot.
•To combat bugs and the like, I recommend Ortho Home Defense Max 32 oz. Outdoor perimeter Insect Killer Ready-Spray. You can get this at Home Depot for around $10.00 and it should last a couple applications. Just hook it up to your garden hose and spray a 3-4 ft perimeter around and up to your foundation.
Think of ants as the beginning of the Macy’s Day parade of insects with the termites acting as every balloon creation that follows. If you keep the ants at bay, you are increasing your chances of not having termites.
If you see termites, call a professional for an estimate on removal. If you choose to do it yourself, head to Home Depot and check out the termite stakes. I can tell you, speaking from personal experience, that termite stakes are pretty effective and the termites never made it into my house after I set them up. When weighing the cost of prevention versus the cost of repair, you always come out cheaper on prevention.
Friday, February 24, 2012
The 10 best places to retire according to CBS News!
Winston-Salem, N.C.
(Credit: Getty Images) As for the lifestyle, history is instructive. The city's lineup of universities is a testament to its diversity. There's Wake Forest, the nationally recognized private university; the historically all-black Winston-Salem State University; the oldest women's college in America, Salem University; and one of the most prestigious art schools, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Its symphony, founded in 1947, is the oldest in the state, and its arts council was the first in the nation. Which is not to say the city hasn't developed more contemporary outlets. It hosts an international film festival every spring -- RiverRun International Film Festival.
Best of all, Winston-Salem is affordable: The median home price is $137,000.
By: Nancy F. Smith
Monday, February 20, 2012
How the Seasons and Weather Affect the Real Estate Market
Buyers searching for a new home will do well to remember how seasons are likely to impact real estate. Learn how to obtain the best price while making seasonal variations and weather trends work for you with these quick tips:
Always view homes in person. Although a picture may be worth a thousand words, there are times when a photo can actually lead you astray; overgrown bushes could be hiding a diamond in the rough, while a snow-laden landscape may not show the true beauty and charm of a potential property. Assuming all things are equal, take time to visit a property in person before making a final decision.
Shop during the "off" times. Motivated sellers may need a fast sale due to job transfers or other family situations; unfortunately, they aren't always able to take advantage of perfect timing. Harsh weather, holidays and other "off" times often result in fewer people looking for properties. Offer fast closing times and other negotiation strategies for a win-win situation.
Purchase extra protection. Seasonal variations can give misleading inspection results if you aren't careful. Always take the time to obtain a professional inspection and pay close attention to "off season" items. For example, in the middle of winter it's easy to discover heating-related problems but don't forget to have the HVAC system checked too. Other common seasonal culprits include pools, irrigation systems, fireplaces and windows. A home inspections and appraisals are inexpensive ways to guard against seasonal real estate related problems.
Always view homes in person. Although a picture may be worth a thousand words, there are times when a photo can actually lead you astray; overgrown bushes could be hiding a diamond in the rough, while a snow-laden landscape may not show the true beauty and charm of a potential property. Assuming all things are equal, take time to visit a property in person before making a final decision.
Shop during the "off" times. Motivated sellers may need a fast sale due to job transfers or other family situations; unfortunately, they aren't always able to take advantage of perfect timing. Harsh weather, holidays and other "off" times often result in fewer people looking for properties. Offer fast closing times and other negotiation strategies for a win-win situation.
Purchase extra protection. Seasonal variations can give misleading inspection results if you aren't careful. Always take the time to obtain a professional inspection and pay close attention to "off season" items. For example, in the middle of winter it's easy to discover heating-related problems but don't forget to have the HVAC system checked too. Other common seasonal culprits include pools, irrigation systems, fireplaces and windows. A home inspections and appraisals are inexpensive ways to guard against seasonal real estate related problems.
Friday, February 17, 2012
NSURANCE UPDATE : Why choose an independent agent
Different Types of Agents
Some people believe that it doesn't really matter where they buy their insurance. But, this misconception could be costing them money, service and protection. Buying insurance is not like buying bread or milk. Insurance is an important safety net for your family, your home, your car or your business. Do not treat the purchase lightly.
There is a difference in where you purchase your insurance protection. Many people do not realize there are three sources for insurance:
Captive Agents, who can sell you the insurance of only one company.
Telephone Representativesor Direct Writers, who can offer you the insurance of one company, and can only do so over the telephone.
Independent Insurance Agents, who represent an average of eight insurance companies, and research with these firms to find you the best combination of price, coverage and service.
Your Independent Insurance Agent:
Is a licensed professional with strong customer and community ties.
Gives you excellent service and competitive prices because your agent can access the insurance coverage from more than one company.
Unlike other agents, is not beholden to any one company. Thus, you do not need to change agencies as your insurance and service needs change.
Assists you when you have a claim.
Is your consultant, working with you as you determine your needs.
Offers you a choice of insurance plans and programs.
Is a value hunter who looks after your pocketbook in finding the best combination of price, coverage and service.
Offers one-stop shopping for a full range of insurance products - home, renters, auto, business, life and health.
Can periodically review your coverage to keep up with your changing insurance needs.
Treats you like a person, not just another number.
Customer satisfaction is the key to an independent agent's livelihood. Therefore, serving you is your independent agent's most-important concern.
If you are looking for an insurance review, just mention my name and contact
Blake Honeycutt
Agent, Allen Tate Insurance
(704) 784-5295 Concord
(336) 714-9460 Winston-Salem
(980) 233-3934 E-Fax
blake.honeycutt@allentate.com
Some people believe that it doesn't really matter where they buy their insurance. But, this misconception could be costing them money, service and protection. Buying insurance is not like buying bread or milk. Insurance is an important safety net for your family, your home, your car or your business. Do not treat the purchase lightly.
There is a difference in where you purchase your insurance protection. Many people do not realize there are three sources for insurance:
Captive Agents, who can sell you the insurance of only one company.
Telephone Representativesor Direct Writers, who can offer you the insurance of one company, and can only do so over the telephone.
Independent Insurance Agents, who represent an average of eight insurance companies, and research with these firms to find you the best combination of price, coverage and service.
Your Independent Insurance Agent:
Is a licensed professional with strong customer and community ties.
Gives you excellent service and competitive prices because your agent can access the insurance coverage from more than one company.
Unlike other agents, is not beholden to any one company. Thus, you do not need to change agencies as your insurance and service needs change.
Assists you when you have a claim.
Is your consultant, working with you as you determine your needs.
Offers you a choice of insurance plans and programs.
Is a value hunter who looks after your pocketbook in finding the best combination of price, coverage and service.
Offers one-stop shopping for a full range of insurance products - home, renters, auto, business, life and health.
Can periodically review your coverage to keep up with your changing insurance needs.
Treats you like a person, not just another number.
Customer satisfaction is the key to an independent agent's livelihood. Therefore, serving you is your independent agent's most-important concern.
If you are looking for an insurance review, just mention my name and contact
Blake Honeycutt
Agent, Allen Tate Insurance
(704) 784-5295 Concord
(336) 714-9460 Winston-Salem
(980) 233-3934 E-Fax
blake.honeycutt@allentate.com
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
About Chocolate ...
"Chocolate doesn't make the world go round, but it certainly makes the trip worthwhile."
~Unknown
~Unknown
Monday, February 13, 2012
10 Tips to Protect Your Home while Away on Vacation
With school vacations approaching, many lucky families are planning trips to cure their winter blues. Here are some important things to remember if you leave your home for several days.
1. Turn down your thermostat, but don’t shut it off. You shouldn’t set your thermostat any lower than 55 degrees in order to protect your pipes from freezing.
2. Arrange for snow removal in your absence in case there’s a storm while you are away. Massachusetts law requires residents to clear their own sidewalks and walkways six hours after a storm takes place and you’re not off the hook if you are out of town.
3. Make sure to hold the mail and newspaper. If you can’t have someone pick it up every day, it’s a sure giveaway that nobody’s home and can be a green light for burglars.
4. If possible, leave a key with someone you trust, preferably a neighbor and have them keep an eye on your home while you’re gone. Make sure to offer returning the favor and thank them with a gift when you return.
5. Unplug all electronics that don’t need to used like the television, coffee maker, and home computers.
6. Lower the temperature on your water heater.
7. If you can, leave a car in the driveway and use timers to turn on outdoor and indoor lights to give the impression that someone is home. Leaving the porch light on the entire time you’re gone is a bad idea. If you don’t have a timed light, you can leave an interior light on for the duration of your trip as long as you can’t easily notice it during the day.
8. As excited as you may be to go on vacation, avoid advertising it over Facebook and Twitter. Also, keep this in mind while posting updates from your cell phone on vacation.
9. If you have access to one, place all your valuables in a safe or safe deposit box.
10. Remember, if your house is on the market, you can ask your REALTOR® to stop by and check in. While you’re on vacation, it’s a great time for showings because you won’t have schedule conflicts.
If you follow these tips the next time you are out of town, you will most likely protect your house and your peace of mind.
Info by Kelly O’Ryan, office manager at Coldwell Banker Lexington.
1. Turn down your thermostat, but don’t shut it off. You shouldn’t set your thermostat any lower than 55 degrees in order to protect your pipes from freezing.
2. Arrange for snow removal in your absence in case there’s a storm while you are away. Massachusetts law requires residents to clear their own sidewalks and walkways six hours after a storm takes place and you’re not off the hook if you are out of town.
3. Make sure to hold the mail and newspaper. If you can’t have someone pick it up every day, it’s a sure giveaway that nobody’s home and can be a green light for burglars.
4. If possible, leave a key with someone you trust, preferably a neighbor and have them keep an eye on your home while you’re gone. Make sure to offer returning the favor and thank them with a gift when you return.
5. Unplug all electronics that don’t need to used like the television, coffee maker, and home computers.
6. Lower the temperature on your water heater.
7. If you can, leave a car in the driveway and use timers to turn on outdoor and indoor lights to give the impression that someone is home. Leaving the porch light on the entire time you’re gone is a bad idea. If you don’t have a timed light, you can leave an interior light on for the duration of your trip as long as you can’t easily notice it during the day.
8. As excited as you may be to go on vacation, avoid advertising it over Facebook and Twitter. Also, keep this in mind while posting updates from your cell phone on vacation.
9. If you have access to one, place all your valuables in a safe or safe deposit box.
10. Remember, if your house is on the market, you can ask your REALTOR® to stop by and check in. While you’re on vacation, it’s a great time for showings because you won’t have schedule conflicts.
If you follow these tips the next time you are out of town, you will most likely protect your house and your peace of mind.
Info by Kelly O’Ryan, office manager at Coldwell Banker Lexington.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
February Landscaping tips : It's Still Winter Time
This is great information provided by Lawnmasters Lawn & Landscape.
Even though it's still winter time, it is getting closer to the time to get ready to get busy! In our area of the US, (North West Tennessee) on Ky. Lake, we usually start getting cabin fever around this time. The first week or two of February will usually bring a few days where the temperatures get up into the 60's.
This brings everyone outside to start taking measure of what will need to be done to start bringing the Lawn and Landscape back to life. One of the most important things is to get all the leaves up. Either rake them, mow and vacuum them or blow them off. It doesn't matter how you get rid of them, just get them off the lawn. If leaves stay on the grass for a few weeks and get thick enough to totally block out the light, they will kill the grass. I have had several customers over the years that hired us to seed the lawn in the fall, we get them a great stand of grass, in Oct. the last time I see the property the grass looks great, then in spring they get the leaves up and there is no grass under them. I leave explicit instructions with everyone on how to take care of a new lawn after we seed, sod or sprig it, some people just don't follow directions and wind up with a bare lawn. So, this is what can happen if you don't get the leaves up off the lawn. It is better to mow and mulch them a little bit at a time through the fall and winter than to come in all at once and try to mulch them when they are thick. This leaves too much leaf material on the ground and this material itself can smother the grass. If you see your going to have so much leaf material that it will cover the grass, then you will need to remove the leaves. So let yourself be warned, if you have a deep over of leaves that you left out over the winter, you may want to consider reseeding
If you do have a lot of leaves on the lawn your Ph will be going to the acid side which means you will need lime. Fall and Spring are the best times to apply lime but you can put it down anytime of the year. I like to use the Dolomitic lime, or Pelletized lime some call it. It is in a brown colored granule and flows out of a fertilizer spreader easier than the old fashioned white powdery ag lime. This stuff will stop up a spreader, its hard to get it out, and it coats every thing with a white powder, including you when spreading it, so use the granules. If you have a pretty thick cover of trees that are putting down a lot of leafs each year, and you are mulching them, you will need a minimum of one 40# bag of lime per thousand square feet of lawn area. If you have moss growing on the surface you will need two bags per K. Usually the lawn is in such an acidic state if it hasn't had regular lime applications that it will need lime, but if you want you can have a soil test done. But let me just say, If you have a bunch of trees.....You need lime! Also if you happen to be in an area like we are in Northwest Tennessee, that has an abundance of rocks and clay soil, you will need lime.
Also, mulching the leaves leads to another problem, loss of nitrogen from the soil. The leaves are a high carbon material which requires a lot of nitrogen to break them down and decompose, so along with the lime applications a dose of 15-15-15 will go a long way towards keeping the lawn looking good. 6 # of this per K sq. ft. is the usual rate if you are putting down 1# of N -P - K per thousand sq. ft. of lawn area.
Even though it's still winter time, it is getting closer to the time to get ready to get busy! In our area of the US, (North West Tennessee) on Ky. Lake, we usually start getting cabin fever around this time. The first week or two of February will usually bring a few days where the temperatures get up into the 60's.
This brings everyone outside to start taking measure of what will need to be done to start bringing the Lawn and Landscape back to life. One of the most important things is to get all the leaves up. Either rake them, mow and vacuum them or blow them off. It doesn't matter how you get rid of them, just get them off the lawn. If leaves stay on the grass for a few weeks and get thick enough to totally block out the light, they will kill the grass. I have had several customers over the years that hired us to seed the lawn in the fall, we get them a great stand of grass, in Oct. the last time I see the property the grass looks great, then in spring they get the leaves up and there is no grass under them. I leave explicit instructions with everyone on how to take care of a new lawn after we seed, sod or sprig it, some people just don't follow directions and wind up with a bare lawn. So, this is what can happen if you don't get the leaves up off the lawn. It is better to mow and mulch them a little bit at a time through the fall and winter than to come in all at once and try to mulch them when they are thick. This leaves too much leaf material on the ground and this material itself can smother the grass. If you see your going to have so much leaf material that it will cover the grass, then you will need to remove the leaves. So let yourself be warned, if you have a deep over of leaves that you left out over the winter, you may want to consider reseeding
If you do have a lot of leaves on the lawn your Ph will be going to the acid side which means you will need lime. Fall and Spring are the best times to apply lime but you can put it down anytime of the year. I like to use the Dolomitic lime, or Pelletized lime some call it. It is in a brown colored granule and flows out of a fertilizer spreader easier than the old fashioned white powdery ag lime. This stuff will stop up a spreader, its hard to get it out, and it coats every thing with a white powder, including you when spreading it, so use the granules. If you have a pretty thick cover of trees that are putting down a lot of leafs each year, and you are mulching them, you will need a minimum of one 40# bag of lime per thousand square feet of lawn area. If you have moss growing on the surface you will need two bags per K. Usually the lawn is in such an acidic state if it hasn't had regular lime applications that it will need lime, but if you want you can have a soil test done. But let me just say, If you have a bunch of trees.....You need lime! Also if you happen to be in an area like we are in Northwest Tennessee, that has an abundance of rocks and clay soil, you will need lime.
Also, mulching the leaves leads to another problem, loss of nitrogen from the soil. The leaves are a high carbon material which requires a lot of nitrogen to break them down and decompose, so along with the lime applications a dose of 15-15-15 will go a long way towards keeping the lawn looking good. 6 # of this per K sq. ft. is the usual rate if you are putting down 1# of N -P - K per thousand sq. ft. of lawn area.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
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