Homeowner Resources

Does just the thought of hosting Thanksgiving curdle your gravy? Most of us have been there and the day is no fun if you’re stressed. No worries. Here is Your Guide to a Stress-Free Thanksgiving. We can help you prepare and simplify, so your Turkey Day is more about giving thanks than giving yourself grief for your shortcomings. A Few Weeks Ahead… Make lists! Who is coming? No need to narrow down to an exact amount. Set an extra place setting the day of if needed.Make a list of all your perishables and non-perishables. Shop for your non-perishables now. Set aside a “Thanksgiving” spot in your cabinet to keep track and find later.Do you have enough chairs? Borrow or reserve at a party rental store.Tidy up and decorate your front porch or entryway. Throw an autumn wreath … [Read more...] about Your Guide to a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

Remember the fun of knocking on your neighbor's door and watching candy drop into that pillowcase you were hoping to fill by the end of the night?  Then you also recall the disappointment of receiving the dreaded coins, pencils, sticks of grownup gum, and those homemade, unidentifiable treats in a Ziploc baggie. What we really wanted were "tried-and-true" staples that ruled the world of candy. Those easily recognizable "old friends" cloaked in their familiar, shiny, bold wrappers. As you will see, not much has changed over time. Here is the Candy Your Trick-or-Treaters Really Want. The Favorites 1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were 2017’s most popular Halloween candy. And who can argue with that? These all-time favorite confections were created by a former Hershey's employee … [Read more...] about The Candy Your Trick-or-Treaters Really Want

Your dishwasher. That magic appliance that willingly accepts our soiled dishes and offers them back to us in a couple of hours, sparkling clean. It works hard all week, but is your dishwasher holiday ready? Do you notice an unpleasant odor when unloading your dishwasher, or maybe you have to re-wash a dish after it's run through a cycle? If so, we've got some tips for you. 1. Clean the Dishwasher Trap If your dishwasher is not self-cleaning, remove the manual filter located under the bottom rack of your dishwasher. Hand wash in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. You may need to gently scrub (using an old toothbrush) to remove the tougher particles. Clean the area where the filter goes in the dishwasher before putting the filter back in place. 2. Clean the Dishwasher … [Read more...] about Is Your Dishwasher Holiday Ready?

October is all about Halloween, but did you know it's also a great time to do a little shopping? Don't get carried away, though. Only certain items are a steal during this spooky month. Other deals are best left to the rowdy masses of next month's Black Friday. We've gathered a list of The 5 Best Things to Buy in October. 1. All Things Outdoors Consumer's minds have headed indoors for the upcoming winter, which makes it a perfect time to head outdoors for a deal. October is the perfect month to buy yard tools, outdoor grills, patio furniture, outdoor sporting equipment, hiking, and camping gear. Even if you're not going to use your "outdoor deals" this season, store them away for next year. When you break out your new tent next spring and the in-store prices are now at their … [Read more...] about The 5 Best Things to Buy in October

October begins with beautiful, crisp mornings and ends with a fright. For some of us, the fright isn't Halloween, it's knowing the busy holiday season is on us. Work your way through our checklist of tricks and treats for your October home. By the end of the month, you'll be fearless.  1. Make Sure Your Porch is Safe Before trick-or-treaters are ringing your doorbell this month, make sure your exterior porch lights are in working order, and you have sufficient lighting. Decorative pumpkins and Jack-o-lanterns should be kept clear of your steps and doorway. 2. Clean Your Gutters Make sure your gutters and downspouts are ready for Mother Nature. After most of the leaves have fallen, take time to clear out debris from your gutters. Water should flow through your gutters and … [Read more...] about Tricks and Treats for Your October Home