Homeownership

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – August 5, 2020

BE PREPARED FOR STORM AND HURRICANE SEASON

When should you start preparing for hurricane season? For the areas of the U.S. that are most prone to hurricanes, the peak season typically begins in late summer, so August is a good time to take some precautions. Storm prep is not just for coastal homes – plenty of inland areas can be affected by high winds, power outages, flooding, and other storm-related issues. An emergency checklist can be helpful ahead of any weather emergency – from hurricanes to snowstorms.

Checklist #1 – Emergency Items:  Flashlights and extra batteries; Battery-powered radio;  First Aid kit; 3 days’ supply of water per person in household; Canned or dried foods;     Battery-powered phone chargers; Copies of important documents; List of emergency phone numbers.

Checklist #2 – Pre-Storm Action Steps:  Secure outdoor furniture and accessories or move them to a safe place; Check windows and doors for leaks; Inspect siding for loose panels; Check trees for dead limbs and have them removed; Ensure you have sufficient supplies of prescription medication; Make sure your emergency kit is up to date.

Be sure to check your supply of emergency items periodically in case items need to be  replaced or replenished. Also, make sure the copies of your important documents are    current (for example, insurance policies).

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – July 22, 2020

FIVE SUMMER HOME MAINTENANCE TASKS

Do you ever feel like your list of home maintenance tasks is never-ending? One way to make sure you’re not too overwhelmed is to tackle your to-dos on a seasonal basis. Summer is the perfect time check a few outdoor tasks off your list – and get a head start on a few key indoor items before the fall approaches.

Here are five to get you started:

1. Power wash your deck and patio to brighten your outdoor spaces. You can also use the time to inspect these spaces for splintered boards or loose pavers.

2. Wash your windows – inside and out. Don’t forget the screens. A garden hose spray attachment makes this quick work.

3. Clean your grill and check all of the components to make sure nothing is worn or needs replacing. You can order replacement parts from many grill manufacturers to keep it in good working order.

4. Check for leaks. Inspect around windows, doors, patio doors. Also take a look around your attic for leaks or water stains.

5. Check your basement for signs of moisture. You’ll want to look at walls, the floor and around windows for dampness, tricking water or water stains. If you have a sump pump, you can also check to make sure it’s working properly.

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – July 8, 2020

WHY MASTER BEDROOM IS CHANGING TO PRIMARY BEDROOM — AND WHY IT MATTERS

Some realtor groups are moving away from the terms Master Bedroom and Master Bathroom.
They’re making the switch due to negative implications and perceptions involving the word,
“Master.” Both consumers and real estate professionals alike feel that the term “Master” can
have both racist and sexist implications.
Realtors are choosing new descriptive terms including Primary Bedroom and Primary Bath, or
Main Bedroom and Main Bath. Some home builders have started using the terms Owner’s Suite
or Owner’s Retreat.
Master Bedroom has been used in real estate listings and advertising since the 1920s. It’s
largely agreed that the phrase appeared for the first time in the 1926 Sears Catalogue of
Homes, in their description of a Dutch Colonial model called The Glen Falls. Many believe that
the word “master” was intended to mean the “master of the house,” which would undoubtedly
be a male. Some historians feel that the use of the word in this context was not intended to
have ties to slavery.
Either way, words have power. If changing one objectionable word can help to bring on positive
change, that will be a welcome step forward.