Don't Call the Plumber!

by Su Morris

I love to find easy solutions to common problems! Next time you drop something down the drain, don't call the plumber or even bother with the messy task of removing pipe parts from under the sink! Watch this video for a quick tip!

Peter Piper Picked a Paint Sheen

by Katie Nelson, REALTOR

So you have agonized over which shade of beige to paint your dining room for the last month and now you are holding the chosen color swatch in your hand. As you approach the paint attendant at the counter, you are greeted with a smile and the following question…“what paint sheen would you like this color in?”

All of a sudden, with that one question, panic and fear sets in. What if I do not choose the right sheen? What are the repercussions of choosing flat over eggshell? So many questions arise in that split second that sometimes hinders our creativity and motivation!

Well no fear, take a look at this handy guide to paint sheen selection. It has everything from practical  applications to each sheens durability level. It will help ease the decision so your project will look and perform its best!

Happy Painting!

Got Spring Fever Yet?

by Lisa Ryan, REALTOR

Even if your home is not currently on the market, don’t forget to spruce up its exterior! I ran across these great tips for springtime tasks from Danny Lipford, the home improvement expert on the CBS Morning Show. Here are a few highlights:

Clean Exterior
A pressure washer can make quick work of cleaning the outside of your home, but be careful since the extremely high pressure can damage wood and other softer materials.

While scrubbing is not necessary with a pressure washer, adding detergent to the reservoir on the machine serves to loosen stubborn dirt and get the job done faster. Be sure to use a cleaner that is made for pressure washers and intended for the type of surface you’re cleaning. Cleaners are available for specific applications  such as siding, decks, and masonry surfaces.

If mold or mildew is present, spray it with a mixture of 1 part bleach to 4 parts which can be effective on mold on nonporous surfaces. Wear protective clothing and rubber gloves when working with bleach or other harmful chemicals, and cover or wet down any plants or grass with water before applying. Allow the bleach mixture to remain on for 10 – 15 minutes, then wash it off with a hose or pressure washer.

Repair Driveway
Driveways and sidewalks need periodic maintenance, too.

• Start by removing any grass or weeds that are encroaching on the driveway or growing in cracks.
• Follow this by a thorough cleaning with a pressure washer to remove dirt and grime.
• Next, patch any cracks or holes in concrete surfaces with a concrete resurfacer.
• Worn asphalt drives can be restored by applying a coat of latex asphalt sealer to make them look good as new.

Clean Deck
Wood decks take a lot of abuse from the elements, and they need a good cleaning from time to time to look their best.

• Start by applying a specially formulated deck cleaner in a pump up sprayer.
• Once it has had time to work, clean the deck with a pressure washer—being careful not to damage the wood—or a long handled scrub brush.
• Rinse the deck, and allow it to dry.
• If refinishing is needed, apply a sealer or stain with a pump up sprayer, going over it with a brush to smooth it out.
• Allow the sealer to dry thoroughly before using the deck.

Clean and Repair Screens
Window screens can be cleaned by soaking them in a child’s wading pool filled with soapy water, followed by a gentle scrubbing with a soft scrub brush on a flat surface. As a final step, rinse the screen with a garden hose using a fine spray setting to keep from damaging the screen.

Clean and Repair Gutters
Gutters are an often overlooked project that needs special attention in the spring. To clean and repair them:

• Make a homemade gutter scoop by cutting down a narrow plastic container such as an antifreeze jug, and use it to remove the bulk of the debris.
• Rinse out gutters without leaving the ground, by making a U-shaped gutter spray wand from ½” or ¾” PVC pipe and couplings. Glue a cap to one end of the pipe with several small holes drilled in it, then use two 90° elbow fittings to create the proper shape, with a threaded adaptor on the other end attached to a garden hose.
• Downspouts have a tendency to clog, so check them by running water through them, and use a plumber’s snake to unclog if needed.
• Check for leaks at gutter joints. When dry, repair gutter leaks from inside the gutter with gutter sealant.

Clean Windows
Spring pollen and dirt can work a number on your windows, so take the time to wash them down and clean them once the pollen has settled.

• Work in the shade to keep the cleaner from drying out too quickly.
• A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water makes a great natural window cleaner.
• Use crumpled up newspaper, rather than paper towels, to clean and dry your windows.

Save Money With an Edible Garden

by Carlene Noone, REALTOR

It's not as hard as you think and the rewards far outweigh the effort! Freshest vegetables possible on your table provide higher vitamin content, taste better and are less expensive. And don't forget the environmental implications! We hear a lot about "buying local" which cuts down on transportation costs (which are passed on to the consumer) and require increased fuel consumption and pollution. You can't get more "local" than your own back yard!

I've included a great article below filled with great information. Give it a try... and let me hear from you if you do!

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  Save Money with Your Edible Garden

  An edible garden featuring vegetables and herbs can save you a bundle if you keep it simple and raise plants that offer high yields. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Spring Forward!

DST: March 13

With spring just around the corner, now is a good time to make a game plan of how to have your home ready for the upcoming beautiful weather.

The past few months have been filled with holidays and winter weather which make it difficult to maintain the exterior and sometimes interior of our homes. With warmer weather nearing, now is the perfect time to address any maintenance concerns or simple spring cleaning tasks around your house. Addressing these issues now, is sure to get you ahead of the game, especially if you plan on putting your home on the market. Buyers are more likely to make an offer on a home that has been well maintained over the years and requires little to no repairs.

These helpful early-bird spring cleaning tips will have you ready to relax and enjoy the weather!

 And one more thought:
“I don't mind going back to daylight saving time. With inflation, the hour will be the only thing I've saved all year.” –Victor Borge

Katie Nelson is a REALTOR with Prudential Gateway Real Estate. She also hosts her own blog: Bungalow Jax: Real Estate, Design, and Southern Charm!

Home Inspection Q & A

Knowing both buyers and sellers benefit from home inspections, Su Morris introduces us to Home Inspector Charlie Sessums of Alpha Inspections.


"Should I attend the inspection?" What if the home inspector misses something?" "Must my brand, new construction be inspected?" This and more!



Excellent questions from Su and clear,straight-forward answers from Charlie will put your mind at ease BEFORE you begin the process!

Simple Fix - Big Savings

Prudential Gateway REALTOR, Elie Rogers points out that "Home is where the heart is" but sometimes it can feel like it's where our WALLET is! Doors and windows should fit snugly and often we're completely unaware when gaps or separations have formed. Sealing these leaks can reduce our expenses AND the negative impact on our environment. Take some time this weekend to implement this simple fix that can save big money and energy waste!