November Newsletter

November, December and January are a blur for many of us. The holidays rush in, company comes and goes, the days are shorter and darker, and work and school amp up for mid terms and end-of-year business. It's important to continue to take care of your home and yourself during this busy time. In this month's newsletter you'll get a short check-list of easy home maintenance chores plus 7 suggestions for renewing your living space on a budget. Plus we look at why November is a great month to list and sell your home.

Home Maintenance for November

• Get the carpets cleaned - Here in the midwest we spend most of our time indoors in the winter. Getting the carpets cleaned for winter helps keep down the dust and dander for healthier indoor air quality.
• Clean dryer exhaust vent - remove the debris and lint from the exterior vent to keep it clear and efficient through the winter.
• Clear exhaust ducts of debris - Just like the dryer exhaust, clean these ducts for efficient operation through the winter.
• Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors - Our heaters are running, plus candles and fireplace fires are burning. Make sure the smoke detectors have fresh batteries.
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors - Make sure these devices are functioning properly, too!
• Check fire extinguisher - check the date, check the location (is it easily accessible?), inspect it for operation.
• Clean kitchen exhaust hood and filter - good operation of your exhaust hood is important in the winter. To clean the filter soak it in hot, soapy water. Use dish soap, it cuts through the accumulated grease.
• Clean garbage disposal - just add a handful of ice cubes, 2 tablespoons of baking soda and citrus rinds (lemon or lime) then run the disposal with cold running water, until it is clear and fresh.
• Oil the garage door tracks for smoother operation all winter long - this task may require a ladder, but keeping these tracks well oiled can prevent expensive repairs.

For around the outside of the house:

• If you haven't done so already, shut off outside water spigots, roll up and store hoses.
• Flush out the underground sprinkling.
• Clean out gardens and landscaping to make way for fresh growth in the spring.

7 Ways To Upgrade Your Living Space
If you've lived in your home for more than 10 years, it can start to feel stale. Aside from the regular cleaning and seasonal decorating you may feel like nothing much changes. Refreshing your home using one of more of these 7 suggestions will recharge your "pride in ownership" and rekindle your love for home sweet home.

1 - Fresh Paint
You knew paint would be number one! A fresh coat of paint in a new color can really brighten up your digs. If you don't have time for a full paint job, try brightening up the just the trim, which becomes scuffed and dingy over time.

2 - New Plumbing Fixtures
A new faucet can almost make you feel like you've completely remodeled the kitchen, depending on how old your existing one is. New technologies and designs in faucets provide immediate satisfaction when you're trying to update.

3 - New Lighting
Lamps are a wonderful way to decorate and update the look of your decor. Maybe you love your lamps - if so, then try a new lampshade. You can update many living spaces in your home by casting light in different directions, adding a floor lamp to a dark corner, or swapping out the old table top lamps for sleek new ones.

4 - Deep Clean
Keeping up with day-to-day, week-to-week cleaning is great. But getting into the dark corners of the closets, drawers, under sinks, and behind appliances to really clean out the dust bunnies gives you a feeling of newness and cleanliness. While the place may look the same, knowing what you know about what you found and wiped away will make you feel good about where you live! Go all out and have the carpets cleaned, too!

5 - New Handles and Knobs
You may not have the time or resources to replace or refinish your cupboards or drawers but replacing the knobs and drawer pulls is like getting new jewelry for your kitchen! Go with something colorful, or change from a country feel to a modern feel. Whatever you decide, every big box home improvement store has a whole aisle dedicated to drawer pulls and knobs. Resale and thrift stores also have lots of choices.

6 - Rugs
Even if you have wall-to-wall carpeting, a strategically placed rug or two can add color and interest to any room. Using a special pad made for rugs placed over carpeting will help protect the carpet underneath from color runs and uneven wear. Use rugs to define seating areas, add warmth, add depth, and update a tired room.

7 - New House "Clothes"
Curtains, bedspreads, towels, furniture covers, tablecloths, and pillow cases can easily be updated to add a fresh burst of color, pattern, or interest to nearly any room in your house.

Listing in November?
Of course selling you home at anytime is fine. But if you think you need to wait until spring and summer to sell your home, you're wrong. Fall is a great time to list your home and here's why (read more at HouseHunt.com)

1. Less competition to sell - less competition means you won't have to compromise as much on price.
2. Buyers are serious - Winter's coming! They need a place to stay!
3. Existing Market is More Flexible - If you're selling your house, you're probably buying a new one. Houses that have been on the market all summer are eager for your offer.
4. Curb appeal is at a peak - the changing leaves, and blustery weather make your home look all that much more cozy and comfortable.
5. More attention from your realtor - Because you are listing during a slow season your realtor will be able to give you more attention.
6. No one likes moving when it's hot! - Cooler weather is more comfortable for packing, and carrying boxes!

Get Ready to Celebrate These Special November Holidays:
November 1 - All Saints Day
November 12 - World Kindness Day
November 15 - Opening Day for deer season rifle hunting
November 17 - Take a Hike Day
November 26 - Thanksgiving
November is National Beard Month and National Tobacco Awareness Month and National Diabetes Awareness Month 

"November's sky is chill and drear,
November's leaf is red and sear."
~ Sir Walter Scott