Mold and your Home

MAKE YOUR HOME UNFRIENDLY TO MOLD
Mold spores are present everywhere. Mold growth is most prolific in warm, damp weather, but high indoor moisture levels and poor ventilation can contribute to mold growth any time of year. To help reduce the potential for mold, provide adequate air circulation and reduce moisture levels in mold-prone areas, such as basements and storage areas.
Avoid storing items directly against walls in potentially damp areas, which restrict air circulation and trap moisture against surfaces. Also consider placing boxes and storage containers on blocks or pallets to allow for air flow.
If you’re going away for an extended period of time, remember that a closed-up house usually creates an environment where air changes occur very slowly. Any water vapor present can condense on the cooler surfaces and allow mold to grow as the temperature warms up.
Frequent air change will help control moisture levels and keep moisture and mold spores from building up. When outdoor weather is appropriate, promote air flow and air changes by using air circulating fans and/or opening the windows slightly. Dehumidifiers can help remove moisture from the air, but realize mold spores will remain. Problems may re-occur when moist conditions return.
Since prevention is always the best way to keep a home fit, the following tips can avoid the potential health and financial burdens associated with mold. For additional guidance on mold issues, visit the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Quick Tips:
Avoid resting long-term storage directly against walls.
Place storage boxes on pallets.
Keep basement windows slightly open during mild, dry weather.
Maintain air circulation in all areas, particularly basements and storage areas.
Filter fresh air changes to help keep spores from building up.

Your Fall Checklist for Home Maintenance

Many areas have already had a taste of fall weather, and it’s not far behind for most others. Now is the time to make sure your house and heating system are ready for winter. Here is a brief checklist to guide you through some basic tasks before it is too late:
GROUNDS
Check window wells, dry wells and storm drains for debris or blockage.
Repair any driveway cracks and/or heaved or settled walkways.
Trim all trees and shrubs that are too close to the house.
Check (ideally during a rainstorm) for rainwater drainage away foundation.
Clean and put summer furnishings away.
Drain and store garden hoses.
EXTERIOR SURFACES
Check weathertightness of all exterior surfaces and components.
Check for deterioration of painted or finished areas. If too late for a full paint job, prime and touch-up bare wood surfaces.
Caulk and seal all joints in siding, around windows and doors.
Check and seal any foundation cracks.
Improve weatherstripping at exterior doors and windows as needed.
Reset storms and screens where required.
Look for any signs of insect or pest activity around the foundation and at wood components close to the ground.
ROOF (Use binoculars or hire a professional.)
Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing.
Check eave areas for signs of moisture build-up or damage.
Check the condition of chimneys.
Check flashings for signs of lifting or damage and repair as needed.
Check and clean all gutters (eavestroughs) and downspouts.
ATTIC
Check ventilation openings for nests or other blockage.
Check the position and condition of insulation for uniform coverage.
Look for any signs of excessive moisture or heat buildup.
INTERIOR ROOMS
Check all areas for signs of roof or plumbing leakage.
Have any fireplaces or wood stoves and flues checked and professionally cleaned.
Reset automatic timers for the change in daylight hours.
Check all smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if over a year old.
Test Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI’s) using built-in test buttons.
HEATING/COOLING SYSTEMS
Clean all elements of the cooling system.
Remove (or winterize) room air conditioners.
Follow manufacturer instructions for the maintenance of your heating system.
Change or clean heating system filters on warm air systems (now and regularly).
Check heating and cooling systems for any evidence of water leaks.
If present, clean and test the humidifier.
Have your heating system serviced annually by a qualified heating serviceperson before the heating season to keep it functioning efficiently and properly.
PLUMBING
Drain exterior water lines and open taps (in cold areas).
Insulate water lines that are subject to freezing.
Check the condition and temperature setting of the water heater. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the temperature setting.
Check the plumbing system and fixtures for any evidence of water leaks or blocked drains.
Confirm proper operation of any sump pumps and free flow of the drain line.
Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue.

Septic

DO YOU KNOW WHEN TO PUMP YOUR SEPTIC?

While general recommendations for pumping out septic systems usually fall in the 1 to 3 year range, the actual required pumping schedule can vary widely based on factors such as tank size, number of occupants in a household, and whether or not there is a connected garbage disposal in use.

Slight sludge buildup on bottom of a septic tank

For example, based on information supplied by Penn State University’s Cooperative Extension Service, the normal time between septic tank pump out sessions is listed below (in years).

Don’t be mislead, though – each system is different! Until a pattern is established, with no significant changes in usage, most homeowners should plan on having to pump their system every few years. If you find that your system needs pumping much more frequently than the chart indicates, it may mean your tank is undersized for the house, or material such as garbage disposal waste, or sump pump water, is being discharged into the system, increasing the solid waste or water flowing into the tank. It may also mean your system has failed or is about to fail. Consult with the pumping company or a qualified private sewage system specialist for a more detailed assessment of your system’s condition and ways to help extend the service life between pumpouts.

A question for all

I am getting ready to launch, within the next month, a website for people wanting to sell their house on their own. Having been in Real Estate previously, and study the laws and rules, I can offer advice, tell you what forms are needed, and advertise your property for you for a small fee. It costs the average home seller 5-7% of their asking price if they use a Realtor. So, if a house was listed for $225000, the commission going out to Realtors would be $11250-$15750. So in considering to sell your house on your own, a cost of $300-$600 doesn't sound like much. I would advertise your property on my website, generate and flow alot of traffic through, and give you the tools necessary to price your home properly and guide you on how to properly show your home for the most showings and responses.

I would love for people visiting this site to tell me what they think of this idea.

No Longer in Real Estate but Still Happy to Pass on Tips-What type of Realtor will work the Hardest for me?

I really am no longer in the Real Estate world, although, I have leraned quite a lot! A freind of mine asked the me the other day, what type of realtor would work hard for her. You see, her budget is small and the type of house she can afford isn't extravagant and the Realtor she currently has, hasn't called in the last 5 days. She told her they were actively looking for a house and wanted to see 4 of them as soon as possible and hasn't heard back. She believes, as do I that, the Realtor she now has, is not trying too hard for her because her commission stand to be a lot less than if this were the average sale price for a home.
Entering inot the Real Estate Market, I have found that if you want the really aggressive Realtor, you need to go for the one who is still fairly new to the game, they are out to make a name for themselves and need all the referrals they can get. They also just paid a lot of money to the different associations for dues and fees and need to make some money. Any money. Go out and get yourself a new Realtor if you need one to work hard for you!!!!!