As you enjoy the last month of summer, its time to take care of a few outdoor maintenance tasks before the cooler weather sets in.
Inspect your siding and make necessary repairs. This is a great time of year to inspect and make repairs on your siding since you will have still have plenty of daylight during the cooler hours of the day.
Clean your deck and apply sealant. Prepare your deck for the harsher winter weather by cleaning it and applying a sealant. Sealants come in either clear or a variety of colors.
Inspect your roof for any loose shingles, damaged flashing or rust. Repairing your shingles will prevent damage later on due to exposure from missing shingles. Damaged flashings or rust will also cause water seepage.
Clean your gutters and make sure your drain pipes are properly carrying water away from your home. Did you know that water that seeps straight into the ground against your foundation can cause hydrostatic pressure and weaken your walls.
Check your basement for cracks and water seepage. Water seepage can lead to foundation problems down the road. Installing a french drain and sump pump will correct or even prevent the problem. If water seepage has been an ongoing problem, you may need to hire an engineer to determine if the integrity of your walls have been compromised. If so, the good news is that they can be reinforced.
Have a question about the current real estate market? Contact me
If you are looking for a starter home or downsizing, I have the perfect home for you. This adorable 2 bedroom home just needs a little TLC and a new owner. Located in Millville, this home is within minutes to Route 55, the Glasstown Arts District and Wheaton Village.
You want to go with a rug that is proportionate to your furniture. Go with a bigger size than a small one. A small rug that fits between your furniture will make the space look smaller. If you are going with a sofa, make sure the rug is wider than the sofa and that you can place a coffee table on it. If you are choosing to go with 2 chairs, then make sure both chairs can fit on the rug.
Bold Paint
While light colors tend to open a room up more, choosing a bold color is still an option especially if you have a sun drenched room. Grays, greens, and even a blue would be a good choice.
Choose Furniture with Legs
Your furniture choice is just as important to creating more space visually. Furniture with legs creates an open feel in the room.
Oversized Artwork
An oversized price of artwork will keep your walls from being cluttered with smaller pieces. Keeping your walls uncluttered will give an illusion of a bigger space.
Color Scheme
Stick to a a maximum of 3 colors and incorporate them throughout your design. This will keep the flow of the room. Too many colors will look cluttered in a small space.
Closing costs are the fees associated with purchasing a home. If you are a cash buyer, then your closing costs are limited to title and recording fees, survey, if you choose to have one done, and possibly a small administrative fee from the real estate brokerage representing you in the transaction. However, most purchases involve some type of financing. With financing comes a whole other level of fees on top of the fees I already mentioned. So the question is “How can I cut down my closing costs?” Let’s explore a few options.
Grants and other programs – You want to research any available grants and programs that offer assistance with closing costs. Typically only select lenders can offer these programs. There are usually restrictions that come along with it as well, such as income limits, a lower allowable debt to income ratio or minimum credit score in order to participate. There may also be restrictions on property condition. If you are looking for a fixer-upper, than a grant most likely is not the way to go. Its best to talk to a lender about your qualifications and restrictions for any programs available.
Seller Concession can be a maximum of 3% or 6% of your purchase price and be put toward anything but your prepaid items, such as appraisal or escrow start up. Keep in mind when making your offer that the amount of concessions you are asking for lowers the sellers net. If you want an attractive offer, do the math and see what you feel is fair for the property you wish to purchase. If you are in an area of high demand, you are more then likely competing with other offers. If asking for seller concession is not conducive to finding a home there area a few other ways you can save on closing costs.
Not purchasing discount points is another way to lower your closing costs. The disadvantage is that you will have a higher interest rate. 1 point equals 1% of your loan. For example, on a $300,000 loan, 1point equals $3,000. Make sure you have a conversation with your lender about how that 1 point affects your proposed mortgage payment, before you go under contract. You may have the option to pay half of that point instead to keep your interest rate lower.
Shopping for homeowner’s insurance will not save you a ton of money, but every little bit helps. You are required to carry homeowner’s insurance therefore it has to be paid either before closing or at closing. The catch is that it needs to be paid for the year in full which I have found, a lot of 1st time buyers don’t know that until they are already under contract and get an estimate of the closing costs needed. Not only must this be paid in full for the year, there is also an amount taken at closing to start your escrow account. Typically 2 – 3 months of payments are taken. This is to ensure that by your renewal date, you will have enough funds allocated to pay for another year.
Choosing not to escrow your taxes and insurance is another way to cut down your closing costs since you will not have to set aside 3 – 4 months worth of taxes plus 2-3 months worth of insurance. This not an option for FHA loans, only conventional. It usually carries a higher interest rate since it is considered to be a higher risk loan since the mortgage holder is not collecting the funds and paying them out.
There are some other ways to cut down the costs, such as closing closer to the end of the month to cut down per diem interest or opting to not have a survey.
If you would like more information on the buying process contact me for a consultation.
Every year there is a new trend in design, but for those of you that prefer a timeless, classic look for your home here are some design tips that I have come across to help you achieve just that.
Natural Elements such as wood, stone and marble, are great for not only floors and counters, but accent pieces as well. That brick fireplace you are thinking about updating to marble would also be beautiful in white.
Wall Shades – Neutral or Bold Most classic looks stay within neutrals. off-white, gray and beige shades look beautiful against white trim and crown moulding. If you prefer a more vibrant color, accent in neutral. For example, a dark blue shade accented with a white chair.
Crown Moulding gives your home an element of design that newer built homes are lacking. Its a beautiful transition between your walls and ceiling, creating a softer, polished look.
Artwork choose pieces that reflect the colors in your home. If you have neutral walls, choose a pieces that incorporate that shade. Same with bold colors. This will keep the color scheme and flow of the room.
Trendy Colors – Patterns as Accents. Just like you would change your flowers on your table to reflect the season, a throw pillow or vase in a trendy color or pattern will enhance your classic look without breaking the bank.
Create symmetry with clean lines and balance. Keep the space free of clutter as well. Remember less is more.
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Thinking about selling? Did you you know I also offer homes staging services and professional photography? Contact me for details.
The signs of Spring are popping up everywhere, literally. With that in mind, March is the perfect time to start preparing your garden. From soil to pruning, I have you covered with these easy steps, compliments of http://www.balconygardenweb.com.
Prepare your soil by removing weeds, adding organic fertilizer and covering it with black plastic to keep it warm and dry for planting.
Sow your seeds using a cloche. It will give you better results with germination. Make sure to plant seeds that can withstand early spring temperatures such as carrots, lettuce and spinach.
Prune your trees and shrubs. With pines, you want to wait until young needles are half of their full size before pruning.
Now that your pruning is done you are ready to plant fruit trees and shrubs.
Planting bulbs is next on the list. Mid March is great for caladiums, dahlias, crocus, and hyacinths.
Install a rain barrel. Its not only great for watering ericaceous plants like Camellias, blueberries, and rhododendrons, it is also great for the environment.
Eliminate garden pests such as slugs, snails, bugs and aphids will save you a lot of trouble later on. You also need to clean up the pots of summer bedding if you haven’t done so already.
With spring around the corner, I am especially excited to plan a visit to Historic Smithville. With over 40 shoppes, restaurants, events and more its a great place to enjoy some family fun or a weekend getaway for two.
The events are my favorite, especially the Renaissance Faire. I had the opportunity to take my children a few years ago. We absolutely loved it and are looking forward to go again this year. There are various performances by the players of the New Jersey Renaissance Faire, music, and vendors. The entire Village Green was transformed to Medieval Times.
Events run from April through December. Click here for the complete list.
While at Historic Smithville visit the unique shoppes. There is something for everyone. You can find Italian or Irish Treasures, candles, unique cookware and gadgets and even something for your four legged friend. While you are out, grab a bite to eat. There is plenty of places to choose from, pizza, ice cream or visit Fred and Ethels Lantern Light Tavern.
Take in some family fun. Hop a ride on the Smithville Train and get a tour of the Village Green or give the paddle boats a try. There is even a carousel. The carousel is open 7 days a week from April through December. It is also open on weekends in March. Please visit the link above times.
Make a weekend out your visit and stay at a Bed and Breakfast. There are 3 delightful one to choose from ;
Article and photos compliments of homevalueplus.com
Thus far in our Defining a Style series, we’ve talked about trendy styles such as Nordic and industrial design. This time, however, we want to talk about an aesthetic that has fallen out of favor in the last few years, but is more than ready to come back. It’s time to talk about French country.While many people are under the impression this type of design is too ornate to fit with today’s tastes, we think that could not be further from the truth. French country design showcases elegant simplicity at its finest — and, if given a chance, could become the next twist on rustic.If you’re ready to give French country a chance, this post is for you. Keep reading to find out how to bring this look into the rooms of your home. Think of this post as your ultimate guide on how to infuse your interiors with the sophistication of the French countryside.
The French country aesthetic is almost in direct opposition to some of the ultra-modern style we’ve discussed in the past. Rather than relying on monochromatic shades and bold pops of color to create visually exciting contrasts, this look is all about creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.The easiest way to achieve that goal is through your color palette. While the dominant shade in each room should still be fairly neutral, French country’s reliance on subdued hues means you can stretch that definition a little bit further than usual. Focus on colors that are inherently warm and subtle — such as tans, creams and soft yellows — to fill this role.Where your accent colors are concerned, you’ll want to choose shades that harken to French country’s traditional roots.
One of the biggest misconceptions about French country style is that it’s ostentatious. In reality, the opposite is true. This look comes from the rural valleys of southern France. It’s more or less the French version of rustic.With that in mind, you want to follow many of the same rules as you would when putting together a traditionally rustic look. Concentrate on incorporating plenty of natural materials. The shape of these pieces, however, is where this aesthetic sets itself apart. French country furniture boasts a variety of sophisticated, flowing lines to add plenty of visual interest in addition to function.Upholstery is another area in which French country looks differ from other rustic styles. Since comfort is the main goal of this type of design, cozy cushions are key. Be sure to include plenty of plush seating in your design.
Embrace weathered finishes
French country style is steeped in tradition. The elements of this type of design have been handed down from generation to generation. When done correctly, a few subtle nods to that past can be seen throughout these designs.One way to do that is through your finishes. Rather than having design elements look as though they’ve come straight from the store, you want the impression that your rooms have seen a bit of a history. When it comes to selecting flooring, furniture or even architectural elements like decorative wooden beams, choose finishes that are a bit distressed, or imperfect around the edges.Of course, the best way to achieve an antique look is to bring in real antiques. You may want to consider shopping at secondhand stores or investing in vintage items to really cement that sense of history.
Add pops of Old World charm
As always, accessories are the fun part. They are really where you can let this style shine.Toile — a traditional floral pattern — is a hallmark of French country design. Think about including it in your upholstery, but if you’re not ready to make that big of a commitment, textiles such as blankets or throw pillows are also a good choice. Pair it with solids or mix and match with other prints like florals, stripes or gingham.Other French country accents include decorative chandeliers, shapely mirrors, iron décor items and large wall clocks. Whichever items you choose, make sure they carry through the same distressed feel as your other design elements.
Though French country design has been around for several centuries, it seems to have fallen out of favor in recent years. We think this is a huge mistake. Many seem to think this style is synonymous with overly decorated, traditional styles, when in fact it’s a beacon for simplistic elegance. If you’re ready to help bring back this aesthetic, this post is for you. What do you think of French country design? Will you be including it in your interiors?
I found this recipe while exploring a post shared on my Facebook page by homevalueplus. The thought of a healthy pound cake intrigued me so much that I had to share.
This one bowl recipe would be a great addition to a brunch or companion to your coffee or tea.
Although the carb content is a little high for my personal liking, it still beats a bagel any day and does have therefore, I just might give it a try.
If you do, post a comment and pic. I would love to know how it turned it out for you.
Blueberry-Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake
Photo compliments of EatingWell Magazine
Video of this delicious cake being made can be found here.
Ingredients
¾ cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 large eggs, at room temperature (see Tip)
¾ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice plus 1 teaspoon, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups white whole-wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh blueberries
2 tablespoons packed confectioners’ sugar
Directions
Step 1 Gather all the ingredients.
Step 2 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 3 Beat 3/4 cup sugar and 5 tablespoons butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until creamy.
Step 4 Beat in 3 eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
Step 5 Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low and beat in 3/4 cup ricotta, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 teaspoon vanilla until just combined.
Step 6 Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups flour on top, then evenly sprinkle 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt over the flour. With the mixer on low speed, beat until almost combined.
Step 7 Add 2 cups blueberries and gently fold into the batter. Transfer to the prepared pan.
Step 8 Bake the cake until starting to brown around the edges and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour.
Step 9 Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Run a knife around the edge to loosen the cake, then invert it onto the rack. Carefully turn it right-side up. Let cool completely.
Step 10 Clean the bowl, add 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar and whisk in the remaining 1 teaspoon lemon juice until smooth.
Step 11Brush the glaze on the cake.
Tips
Make Ahead Tip: Wrap cooled cake airtight and store at room temperature for up to 1 day; glaze shortly before serving.
Room-temperature eggs make cakes fluffier. Here’s a quick trick–place them (in the shell) in a bowl of lukewarm water for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size:
one 1-inch-thick slice
Per Serving:
303 calories; protein 8.4g; carbohydrates 44.9g; dietary fiber 3.3g; sugars 24.8g; fat 11g; saturated fat 6.3g; cholesterol 96mg; vitamin a iu 433.3IU; vitamin c 7.3mg; folate 15.4mcg; calcium 148.3mg; iron 3.7mg; magnesium 9mg; potassium 124mg; sodium 318.6mg; added sugar 21g.
Well if you haven’t, there are a host of public shows, observatory open houses and events for both children and adults. These include school events, public shows and special events. You can even attend an observatory open house. Located at Rowan University in Glassboro, its a short drive from just about anywhere.
Winter Schedule
The winter schedule runs from January 6th to April 2nd and run for 1 hour. Explore, super volcanoes, winter stargazing, the birth of the sun and laser light shows featuring music from The Doors and Daft Punk.
There is also a family show offered on Sundays that is 30 minutes long and great for families with small children . Show titles change monthly.
Observatory Open House
Who wouldn’t love to see Venus or Mars? Star clusters anyone? Explore the planets and stars at an upcoming open house night. Don’t worry, Astronomy faculty and club members will be operating the telescopes and guiding you throughout the evening. Registration is optional, but encouraged.
The conjunction is happening on January 22, 5:30 – 7pm and is on the Observatory Open House schedule. A This will also include a night sky tour in the planetarium. Tours are at 5:30 and 6:00
Want to do something different for Valentine’s Day? Bring your sweetheart to the planetarium’s Romance Under the Stars show and view the beauty of the universe together. Shows are February 13th and 14th at 8 pm. Registration is required.
Cara Castrataro, Selling South Jersey 