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...

Winter Fire Safety Tips

By Michelle Wrege Friday, December 12, 2014

More fires occur during the winter months than at any other time. Over $2 billion in property loss occurs from winter home fires each year. 67% of these fires occur in one- and two-family homes. Fortunately, taking a few simple precautions can prevent most fires. Please see the ...

Holiday Safety Tips for Home

By Michelle Wrege Friday, November 28, 2014

Holiday Safety Tips for Home The holiday seas...

Low Maintenance Options for Your Rental Homes

By Michelle Wrege Thursday, November 13, 2014

While there is no perfect formula for making your investment home easy to maintain while still appealing to tenants, we have a few suggestions that may help: Paint – use satin or semi-gloss for easier clean up and stick with neutral tones Flooring – use tile...