Helpful Tips to Protect Your Annual or Vacation Rental from Water Damage

By Michelle Wrege Sunday, May 3, 2015

With Spring thaw and continued rains, it is important to take steps to protect your home from water damage. Fix any leaks immediately – Roof leaks and cracks in the foundation can allow water in the home and weaken the structure and allow mold to grow. Extra protec...

Water Conservation At Home

By Michelle Wrege Thursday, April 16, 2015

There are many ways for tenants and owners to conserve water everyday at home. Here are a few tips to help us all do our part: Check all your faucets and pipes for leaks Install faucet aerators Don’t use the toilet as a trash can, each flush wastes 5 gallons of...

Springtime Pest Control Tips

By Michelle Wrege Thursday, April 2, 2015

Spring is here and that means you may start seeing some pests such as ants invading your home. The best way to deter ants is to remove attractants. Keep your counters free of crumbs and sticky spots. Do not leave standing water in the sinks and fix any leaky faucets. If you do fi...

April 15 is Almost Here! Tax Tips for Tenants

By Michelle Wrege Sunday, March 22, 2015

Most taxpayers assume that homeowners, business owners and non-profits receive the most money back on their tax refunds. But renters also have some options to get the most from their refunds. 1) Did you know some states offer deductions for those who rent? Chec...

Indoor Plants That Clean the Air

By Michelle Wrege Thursday, March 5, 2015

Many indoor plants can help improve air quality in your home by removing harmful indoor air pollutants. Some on the list are even NASA approved. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) – Very hardy and easy to grow Golden pothos (Epipremnu...

No Paint? No Problem!

By Michelle Wrege Thursday, February 19, 2015

When renting a home it is not always possible to paint your walls to add color to your living spaces, but you can still use color to add some fun and playfulness to your home. You can use color in your home as a way to enrich your life. And don’t be afraid to express yourse...

Some Cheap Fixes to Spruce Up Your Property

By Michelle Wrege Thursday, February 5, 2015

Whether you are selling your home, getting it ready to rent, or just want to update for yourself, here are some cheap fixes to spruce up the look of your property. Update the kitchen – As this is the heart of any home, you want to be sure the kitchen looks clean and re...

How Long Should Major Appliances Last?

By Michelle Wrege Thursday, January 22, 2015

The life expectancy of household appliances can vary depending on use but the following can be used as a guide to how long they should last before needing replacement: Gas range/oven - 15 years Refrigerator - 13 years Dishwasher - 9 years Microwave...

Keeping Your Clothes Dryer Running Efficiently and Safely

By Michelle Wrege Thursday, January 8, 2015

The easiest way to keep your dryer running efficiently is to clean the lint trap and keep the vent clear. If your dryer vent has not been cleaned in the past year it, probably needs it. This is a fairly easy process that anybody can do in about 30 minutes or so. Unplug the d...

Easy Fixes to Help Lower Your Heating Expenses

By Michelle Wrege Thursday, December 25, 2014

Furnace Filters You can save energy without spending much money this winter by changing your furnace filter once a month during the heating season. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and increase energy demand. You can save even more money by using permanent electrostatic filters...