News/Blog

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – October 18, 2020

HOMEOWNERS AFFECTED BY NATIONWIDE APPLIANCE SHORTAGE

If you’re looking to buy a new refrigerator, dishwasher or other home appliance, you may be in for a wait. One of the many rippling effects of the coronavirus pandemic that seems to be persisting is a shortage of household appliances. A slowdown in manufacturing plus an upswing in demand from homeowners has resulted in a supply shortage, affecting both large and small retailers. Demand is climbing for two main reasons. First, many homeowners are deciding to tackle various home renovation projects. But this year, people are simply using their appliances more, so overuse may be taking its toll as well.

Across the U.S., there are reports of appliances in low stock or on back order, with few discounts available. The shortage seems to be affecting refrigerators, dishwashers, and stoves more than other appliances. If you absolutely need to buy or replace an appliance now, here are a few tips you can try to find that new fridge or dishwasher.

· Consider starting your shopping online. Large retailers’ websites can often tell you what models are available at a specific store location.

· Check the stock at small local appliance retailers.

· Don’t dismiss the “scratch and dent” section the appliance department for your next purchase. You may also find a good discount there.

· If possible, arrange to pick up your own appliance rather than rely on delivery.

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – November 11, 2020

FIVE STEPS TO WINTERIZE YOUR HOME

Before the first snow and ice forecasts begin, there’s still time to prepare your home for  winter weather. Whether you hire a professional or put your do-it-yourself skills to work, you can spend a weekend checking off some of the items on the list below.

· Clean your gutters and downspouts. Gutters that are filled with leaves or small branches will limit the flow of water from rain and melted snow. If water doesn’t flow through the gutters, water can leak down to the foundation or cause water to seep behind gutters.

· Check windows and doors for drafts. You can install weatherstripping around your doors and windows to seal any leaks. Both garage doors and exterior doors can be sealed. You can also consider installing a storm door for extra protection from wind and cold air.

· Cover your air conditioner. Placing a cover over the outdoor AC unit will protect your   system from winter cold weather conditions.

· Check snow removal tools. Make sure your winter snow shovels are accessible. If you have a snow blower, make sure it’s in good working order.

· Inspect the fireplace. If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, have it inspected and make sure the damper opens and closes. Make sure there are no unexpected items such as bird’s nests in the chimney.

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – November 4, 2020

HOW SMART PLUGS CAN ENHANCE YOUR HOME

Smart plugs are an easy and inexpensive way to add smart home technology to your home. A smart plug works like a standard outlet but is equipped with a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection. It then connects to an app that is accessed from a smart phone. Many smart plugs also connect to a smart home hub such as Amazon Echo or Google Nest.

Plug the smart plug into a regular outlet, and then simply plug in whatever you want to control – a lamp, a device, a small appliance. You can also upgrade a basic smart plug for models that have a built-in charger or surge protector to make it safer for laptops or other electronics.

Here are some ways a smart plug can come in handy:

* Worried that your teen left the curling iron turned on?  Plug it into a smart plug and you can switch off the outlet remotely.

* At night, turn on the lights from your smart phone so you’re not walking into a dark house.

* If you’re away, you can switch lights on or off at varying times to make it look like someone is at home.

* Turn on your coffee pot before you get out of bed.

* Turn on your holiday lights using a voice command. 

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – October 29. 2020

ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR HEATING YOUR HOME

Winter is fast approaching and many of us will be spending a lot more time at home during the next few colder months. Here’s a checklist of items that can help you save energy and lower your heating bill.

¨ Change the air filter in your furnace. A new filter will help your furnace work more efficiently and may reduce allergens in the air.

¨ Service the furnace. Have a heating professional inspect the furnace before you turn on your heat to check for maintenance items or potential issues.

¨ Lower your thermostat at night.  Reducing the heat at night will help lower your heating costs. A programmable or smart thermostat will make adjusting the temperature an easy task.

¨ Hang winter curtains.  Change to heavier window coverings in winter,   especially in rooms that don’t get southern exposure. Keep them open during the day and close them at night to provide some insulation.

¨ Seal Leaks. Check doors and windows for leaks and seal any gaps with caulking or weather stripping. Other culprits of cold air leaks include        electrical outlets and unfinished spaces behind cabinets.

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – October 21, 2020

CREATIVE FALL FRONT PORCH DÉCOR IDEAS

Ready to go beyond traditional orange and yellow pumpkins for your autumn outdoor decorating? Create an eye-catching front porch or entryway by combining traditional fall items with an unexpected theme or color palette. These creative displays can last through the entire fall season.

¨ Victorian Elegance – Blend purple, gray, and black to create a dramatic Victorian theme. Start with some decorative urn planters in either black or gray. Fill planters with purple mums, ornamental kale, and accent them with gourds of different shapes and sizes painted in black or shades of gray.

¨ Rustic Farmhouse – Pair white mums with creamy white and yellow pumpkins. Display them on and around haybales or in galvanized tubs. Complete the look with cornstalks, a decorated vintage shovel or rake, and a fall twig wreath on the door.

¨ Coastal Autumn – Give traditional pumpkins a beachy twist. Paint pumpkins or gourds of different sizes in sea-inspired blues and greens. Display larger pumpkins inside wooden crates, and place tiny pumpkins in wire baskets. Add some coastal  elements such as seashells, starfish, pieces of driftwood, or wooden buoys to complete the look.