Eric Tramontana at Keller Williams Greater Rochester

Create a calendar for worry-free home maintenance. Regular maintenance is an important contributor to the value of your home. The following steps will help you create an actionable maintenance calendar, so you feel confident your home is being cared for and kept in the best condition possible. 1. Make a list of what needs regular maintenance.Walk through the house and yard and jot it all down on a list. Write down small things like weeding the garden beds and big things like ...cleaning the chimney. 2. Take your list and decide how often each chore needs to be done. Air filters may need to be changed monthly, but windows may only need to be cleaned twice a year. 3. Meet with your family and determine who will perform each task. Are the kids going to mow the lawn? Is your spouse on board? Have you divided up the chores equally? Will you pay your kids for these tasks and, if so, how much? Consider which maintenance items require a pro. 4. Schedule your maintenance and set reminders on your phone. If you can auto-schedule maintenance such as AC and furnace checkups, call to set that up now. Simple tips like these can create a happier, healthier and more valuable home. Thank you for thinking of us for all of your real estate needs, and be sure to share our contact information with anyone you know of looking to buy, sell or invest in a home.

How to care for your garden and yard in every season. A garden can help you save money on groceries, while beautiful flower beds can add value to your home. Here are a few tips for maintaining your yard year-round... Spring. Now is the time to sow seeds and take care to prevent a late-spring frost from killing your plants. Plant vegetables that turn over quickly, so you can get more than one crop over the summer. Aerate and fertilize your grass to ward off weeds or insects.... Summer. Many plants as well as your lawn require more frequent or deeper watering. Add mulch to help beds retain moisture, and make sure you pull weeds throughout the season. Finally, harvest your crops and replant where you can. Fall. Enjoy the last of your crops and flowers, and then clear your gardens out for the season. Compost dead plants for use on your beds next year. Plant your bulbs for next spring. Winter. Plan your garden for next year by perusing gardening books or exploring Pinterest for ideas. Maintain and repair gardening tools. . Simple tips like these can create a happier, healthier and more valuable home. Thank you for thinking of me for all of your real estate needs, and be sure to share my contact information with anyone you know who's looking to buy, sell or invest in a home.

FIRST TIME HOME BUYER think buying your own home is an unrealistic goal? Think again. If you can afford a rent payment, you can afford a house payment. A simple formula determines how much house you can afford. For most people, 28 percent of your total income can be used for a mortgage payment (principal and interest only). Taxes, insurance, homeowners' dues and other variables increase your monthly payment and reduce the total loan amount for which you can qualify.

Did you know? Ceiling fans cut energy bills by up to 30 percent. Using a ceiling fan with an air conditioner will allow you to set the thermostat higher without sacrificing comfort. A fan’s breeze will make a 79-degree room feel like 72 degrees. In the winter, a ceiling fan on reverse will recirculate warm air that naturally rises, bringing warm air into the living space. Small tips can add value to your home and lower your energy bills.... Thinking about buying or selling a home? Let me be your resource for local real estate information.

Did you know? Your chimney is a huge source of airflow in and out of your home. During times that your chimney is not in active use, consider plugging it with a chimney balloon. This will keep cold drafts out in the winter and block cool air from leaking in the summer. Small tips can add value to your home and cut your energy bills.... Thinking about buying or selling a home? Let me be your resource for local real estate information. *Source: Energy.gov

Did you know? Steel entry doors are safer and offer amazing ROI. Considering updating your entry door? Steel doors are a modestly priced upgrade that improves both energy efficiency and curb appeal. They come in beautiful designs and offer the strongest barrier against intruders. Most importantly, they pack an impressive 101.8 percent ROI.* Small tips can add value to your home. Small upgrades to meet market needs can bring impressive ROI.... Thinking about buying or selling a home? Let me be your resource for local real estate information. *Source: Remodeling Magazine

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