Pike/Wayne Association of Realtors Give Back to the Community

I am so pleased to be affiliated with this wonderful organization.
Pike/Wayne Association of Realtors Give Back to the Community
#poconorealestate

Dashing Through the Snow

Folks DO look at homes when it is FREEEEEEZZZZING  and SNOWWWING outside!

It's been a great week for Pocono real estate! I showed homes when it was 16 degrees outside, took a break the next day because of road conditions , then was out with the same couple the following day when we had a little warm spell - 25 degrees. Today I will be out with a different couple; it is 18 degrees outside.

A lesson to be learned here, my friends.  Serious buyers are out looking at homes NOW. We missed seeing some great homes because the driveways weren't plowed, or the driveway was plowed but the walkway wasn't shoveled and the buyers did not want to trudge through snow and ice. Other homes had very brief showings because the home was unheated and the buyers were freezing and wanted to get back to the warmth of the car.

If you are serious about selling your home, you must plow your drive, shovel your walkway, clean off the deck and any steps leading into your home and keep some heat on. The thermostat doesn't have to be set high; most of the vacant heated homes we visited had the heat set at 50 - and it felt warm inside. One home we visited this week was done halfway - it was plowed and shoveled, but the deck wasn't cleared off and I couldn't open the storm door because of the snow and ice build up (despite how much I kicked at it - the snow and ice, not the door!) The buyers didn't get to see that house either.

So let's plow through this winter and get your house sold!

#poconorealestate #sellingyourhomeinthewinter

Rose Knows the Poconos!

Hawley Winterfest

Hawley Winterfest

Clean Sweep (Get that chimney cleaned!)

Winter is quickly approaching here in The Poconos. Curling up by the fireplace is part of any picturesque winter scene, but only if your chimney and fireplace are in tiptop shape. To keep the cozy fires going safely all winter long, start thinking about your fireplace now with these maintenance tips.

First, make sure to schedule a yearly chimney sweep and inspection. It’s best to hire a professional. The pros will help remove creosote, a byproduct of burning wood that can cause chimney fires, as well as check for leaks or damages that might have occurred during the dormant summer months. After the sweep, repairs may be necessary. Common issues might include odors, water leaks and damages from animals that might have been calling your chimney home.

 A simple chimney cap ($50 or more, depending on materials and size) or screen can prevent unwanted critters and protect your chimney from damaging elements.

In between checkups, consider cleaning the firebox (where the wood burns) at least once a week to prevent ash buildup. Sweep everything out – but make sure there are no live embers!!! Put the ashes in a metal can or bucket, never in a cardboard box or anything of that nature.

As your local Pocono real estate pro, I am happy to offer you helpful advice on maintaining your Pocono or Hideout home. Check out my other blog tips on www.roseknows.net

#winterpoconos #poconorealestate #hideouthomes #hideoutrealestate