Safety tips for heating your home.

In So Cal, most days are warm but you'd be surprised to know that we do have winter days.. Here are 
our tips to help you stay warm.

1. Have your fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected annually by a professional. Glass doors or a metal screen should be placed in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks or hot ash from exiting the hearth.
2. All fireplace ashes should be disposed of in a fire-resistant container and covered it with a lid. Keep the container outdoors and away from the home’s exterior or other possible combustibles.
3. Make sure any portable heaters you employ are equipped with a tip switch. These switches are designed to automatically shut off the heating unit in the event the heater tips over.
4. Follow the recommended safety instructions on all heaters. Heaters that run on fuel should be vented and space heaters usually need a minimum of three feet from any object or person. Never use space heaters to dry clothes or leave on overnight.
5. Ovens and stoves are not to be used to heat your home. They produce fumes and may become fire hazards if they are used as a heat source instead of their intended use of food preparation.
6. If you are using supplemental portable electric heaters, never use an extension cord. Plug them directly into the electrical outlet.
7. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and test the batteries monthly. Detectors should be installed generously throughout the home and secured outside every bedroom.

Benefits of Buying A Home In Winter

Typically, home sales are strongest in the spring and summer months; however, there are several
advantages to shopping for homes in the fall and winter. Sellers are often more motivated in the winter and
may be willing to negotiate terms such as price, repairs, and even a closing date. The rule of thumb is that
anyone braving the elements (or taking the time during the busy holiday season) to view a home is a
serious buyer, and the same can be said for those who leave their homes on the market during this time
and continue to have viewings.

Fewer buyers in the marketplace during these months mean less competition and a better chance of
getting a home at a lower price. Also, potential buyers in the winter months have the luxury of spending
more time researching homes without as much concern of losing a house to another party. When viewing
a home in the cooler months buyers get a realistic idea of a home’s energy efficiency. Pay attention to the
thermostat temperature and take note of any drafts in the home. Trees without leaves give potential buyers
an accurate picture of the privacy (or lack thereof) from neighbors or the street.

Because the majority of moves take place in the warmer months, moving companies may be readily
available when it comes to your desired move date and even flexible on their rates.

Five Winter Lawn and Landscape Tips

As winter comes into full swing, follow these five landscape tips to prepare your vegetation for the colder months.

1. Gradually lower the mowing height of your mower. Any young growth makes your lawn more vulnerable to winter diseases which can leave you with a dried out brown winter lawn. However, trim the lawn gradually in several steps to avoid suddenly removing all the green leaf tissue and damaging the turf.
2. Clear your lawn of any debris that can smother your grass. Toys, kid pools, and other items should not be left of the grass and turf, especially if you live in a climate that may cause snow.
3. In late fall, be sure to give your lawn a final fertilization. Inactive during winter, your lawn won't use the fertilizers immediately but will store these nutrients in its root system and process them at the first signs of spring.
4. Aerate your lawn before the season’s first frost. A thorough aeration coupled with fertilization, will set the stage for healthy spring vegetation and growth.
5. Research what plants thrive in your region. Apply this knowledge when planning your spring planting.

Our team of REALTORS can help guide you this season as you prepare your home for sale. Contact us any time at 626-358-1858 - Monrovia or 626-963-7621 - Glendora.