Realtor of the Year Out Cold Heating Basics Replace old thermostats with programmable ones that allow you to lower the temperature when you’re away from home. Turn on your furnace to ensure it works (run it the full cycle from warm-up to blowing heat to shutting back off again). Peek into your ducts and clean away the mold, pests and debris. Winter Windows Inspect your windows and doorframes for gaps that would allow water or snow to seep in. Use low-expansion spray foam to fill any you find. Storm windows and well hung plastic sheeting can provide an extra layer of insulation. On the Inside Seal and insulate the wall around electrical outlets and pipes that connect to the exterior of your home. Check that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors are working in case a heater or fireplace malfunctions. On the Outside Clear out debris around windows. Fill cracks in your pipes with expanding foam insulation or caulk. Disconnect and drain your garden hose to prevent it from bursting. You’ll also want to clip tree branches that are close to your house or car in case of a snow or rainstorm. Fast Fact Ceiling fans can also circulate heat. Blades rotating clockwise push warm air down. Area Home Sales Statistics for Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati If you would like more information about sales in your specific community, send me an email at mikebeckerhomes@fuse.net and let me know how I can help you. Northern Kentucky In October, Northern Kentucky sales of existing homes were still going strong. The inventory of active listings is still at the lowest average for a few years. With these low inventories, homes are still selling. It’s a great time for homeowners who are considering selling to get off the fence and get into the market. Right now is a great time to list your home as buyers are actively looking for new listings to come on the market. Call me at 859-380-5771 if you might be interested in buying or selling a house! October 2012 October 2013 % change Residences sold 422 494 17.06% Average price $149,264 $146,823 -1.64% Median Price $126,500 $131,900 4.27% Average days on market 95 88 Year to Date 2012 Year to Date 2013 % change Residences sold 4203 4990 18.72% Average price $145,912 $154,974 6.21% Median Price $128,000 $135,000 5.47% Average days on market 94 85 Cincinnati October 2012 October 2013 % change Residences sold 1634 1876 14.8% Average price $152,110 $154,573 1.6% Median Price $124,000 $124,700 0.6% Average days on market 79 64 Year to Date 2012 Year To Date 2013 % change Residences sold 15,945 19,461 22.1% Average price $156,650 $166,764 6.5% Median Price $124,000 $132,000 6.5% Average days on market 79 67 Guiding Light Need a little more light in your life? See for yourself the difference that light bulbs and lamp shades can make with a room’s mood. Check out these bright ideas from RealSimple.com. Type Cast In the bathroom, use overhead lights to get rid of shadows; sidelights flanking the mirrors are perfect for makeup application. In the kitchen, overhead lights brighten surfaces. In the bedroom, try cozy tinted, low-wattage bulbs to give a candlelit, romantic effect. To create a grand atmosphere in the dining room, use a chandelier. Place one directly over the table, but make sure to measure the ceiling height and table height before making a purchase. Indirect lighting — in all parts of the home — softens spaces. Small table lamps or wall sconces can also add a subtle glow. Safe and Secure Use ambient lighting to brighten the exterior of your home. Motion-activated or timer-equipped lights can ensure your home’s exterior is well-lit in the evenings. Don’t go too dim or too bright — no need to attract intruders, nor bother your neighbor. Did You Know? |
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