5 Home Improvement Ideas That Increase Value

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Does your home need a few tweaks before putting it on the market? Let’s take a look at the top ways to increase your property value, even if you’re staying in your home for the next several years.

1. Kitchen Remodel. Here’s an opportunity to improve one of the most important rooms in the home from a buyer’s perspective. New cabinets and countertops, energy-efficient appliances, and beautiful floor covering can instantly increase value. But be careful–don’t go too far with your changes. They should be in line aesthetically with the rest of the home and the neighborhood.

2. Bathroom Addition. Only one bathroom in the home is a big negative for buyers. According to HGTV, adding a new bathroom can net you up to 130% of your investment.

3. New Windows. Here’s one of the most underrated home improvement ideas. Energy Star-rated windows save on heating costs (as much as $500 annually) and yield a green energy tax credit of 10%.

4. Closet Space. Storage is often an issue for families and spacious walk-in closets are big selling point for potential buyers. Even small changes like additional shelving and hooks can make the most of limited closet space. Don’t underestimate the need for proper storage, especially for homebuyers with one or more children.

5. Curb Appeal. When we think of increasing property value, we often focus on the dwelling itself and overlook the all-important first impression people have when seeing your home from the outside. Even before walking through the door, you’ll need to present a well-lit, painted (or sided) home with a manicured lawn, trimmed hedges, and a clean, family-friendly backyard. A landscaper is a good start, but consider a landscape designer first if your home needs a new look from the outside.

Home improvements can be costly but necessary for a solid ROI. Need help figuring out how to finance them? I can help. Call me at 617-965-1236.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

It’s No Treat to Be Tricked Into a Mortgage

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You may have noticed that once you apply for a mortgage, you are almost instantly flooded with emails, calls and letters of pre-approval from competing mortgage companies, even though you’ve never contacted them.
Don’t be fooled into thinking your mortgage company is selling or sharing your information. What’s happening is a function of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This law permits consumer credit reporting companies like Experian, Equifax and Transunion to add your name to lists of companies that provide mortgages, credit or insurance. This process is triggered automatically upon the initial credit check for your mortgage.
The onslaught of calls and mail can be prevented, especially when you’re already working with a mortgage professional you trust. The companies soliciting you may very well be legitimate enterprises, but it’s always a risk when you are unsure about their business practices, service and attention.
To opt out by phone, call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit OptOutPrescreen.com.
When you opt out online or by phone, your name will be removed from lists for five years. If you would like to permanently opt out, you’ll need to fill out a form downloaded from the OptOut site and mail it in.
Note: Your credit score will not be affected by these companies and they do not have permission to run additional credit checks. All they can do is send you firm offers of pre-screening or pre-approval.
For more information, download this pdf from the Federal Reserve.

October’s Home Improver

Do I Need a Backup Generator?

No matter where you live in the United States, there is always the possibility of a weather-related incident that could leave you without power for days or even weeks.
Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and blizzards are all capable of leaving you without electricity. A backup generator can keep you safe and comfortable until power is restored. It also keeps your refrigerator cool so you don’t have to throw out all your food that would otherwise spoil.
There are two common types of generators: the standby and the portable. The standby generator is also called a “whole house” generator. It is installed permanently outside your home and it runs on either propane or natural gas. The minute you lose power, the generator kicks in and power is restored almost immediately. This type of generator is recommended for homes that are prone to hurricanes and flooding.
The portable generator is usually powered by gasoline or diesel fuel, though natural gas and propane portables may also be available. These are ideal for rare power outages lasting only a short time. Although they are significantly smaller and cheaper than standby generators, they should be used with caution. Because of the carbon monoxide discharge, there is a major risk of poisoning if the generator is run indoors or in crawlspaces, garages or any enclosed fixture. Be sure to run it outdoors only.

Tax Advantages of Your Mortgage

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It’s tax time already. Although we get a few extra days with this year’s tax deadline falling on April 18th, we’re only a month away. Today we’re discussing the tax advantages and incentives that come with owning a mortgaged home.
If you have recently purchased or are planing to buy a new home, you may not be aware of the significant tax breaks that come from your mortgage and your home itself.
One of the largest tax breaks for homeowners is the
deduction of interest paid for the year. By now, you should have received documentation from your lender indicating the total interest you’ve paid.
Have you recently refinanced? There is a tax benefit. Because you pay more interest than principal in your first few years of a new mortgage, your deductions are higher.
Your property taxes are also a major deduction, especially if you are in a highly taxed city or town. This also applies to homeowners without a mortgage to pay.
Home improvement costs may lead to additional tax breaks. Look for the Energy Star logo on new appliances in your home. Energy-saving water heaters, windows, doors and more may give you a bigger tax break than you had imagined. Check out the Energy Star website to see which changes to your home are tax deductible.
I strongly recommend you meet with a tax professional to understand the opportunities for tax deductions and learn of other breaks you may qualify for as a homeowner. Need a recommendation? I have someone I trust who can help. Call me at 617-965-1236 for the referral or to answer any mortgage-related questions.
Ready to purchase a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

March’s Home Improver
When Should I Seed My Lawn?
A beautiful, green, well-kept lawn makes your home more attractive to potential buyers while becoming the envy of your neighbors who struggle with patchy grass that just can’t compete.
Here are some grass-growing secrets that can help you upgrade your home’s curb appeal.
1. When is the best time to seed my lawn? You would think it would be right now, with the first day of spring just a few days away. Typically, the best time to seed a lawn is in the fall. This is due to cooling temperatures and soil that isn’t too moist from melting snow and seasonal rains.
2. What problems may I run into by seeding now? Cool soil temperatures can slow or prevent seed germination. Springtime weeds can sometimes be a cause for concern.
3. Can I use a weed killer? Bad idea. Liquid and granular weed preventers can prevent germination and kill immature seedlings. In effect, you’re killing weeds and your grass at the same time. The rule of thumb is to work on weeds only after your young grass has been mowed at least four times.
4. What are my options for spring seeding? First, test your soil. Most turf grasses work best with neutral soil. Ask your landscaper to test it before planting. If it’s a DIY project, you can buy a soil test kitfor under $25. Also, be sure to choose a grass that works best for New England climate and sun exposure.
5. How do I improve my lawn quickly before putting it on the market? Calling a professional is always recommended. An experienced landscaper has the knowledge to get the seeding job done with a better chance of success than a homeowner who is not working in lawn care on a daily basis. It may be well worth the investment if your current lawn is an eyesore and you’re getting ready to list your home.
6. What about sod? If you need a lawn in a hurry, sod is the way to go. Although the initial cost is higher and lots of watering is critical, your instant lawn is installed free of weeds and can be walked on very soon after it’s planted.

3 Ways to Stay Ahead of the Competition

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Just because you’ve found the home of your dreams doesn’t mean you’re going to move into it. Many factors including price, location, inventory and time of year may bring in multiple offers from eager buyers. So how can you gain an advantage over the competition? Here are three helpful tips:

1. Pre-approval. Before you even start looking for homes, meeting with your mortgage professional is critical. A pre-approval means you have provided documentation of income and assets. This is different from pre-qualifying, which is typically done in conversation wherein you talk about your income and assets. It’s virtually meaningless until you back up what you say with the paperwork for pre-approval. Also, you should know how much you’re willing to put down. The stronger the downpayment, the more confidence the seller has in you and your offer.

2. Waive the Home Inspection. This saves time and money, but is it smart? There is a way around it. Bring a home inspector to the Open House. While you’re checking out the size of the bathroom and imagining your furniture in this house, your home inspector is walking around checking for things like termite or water damage, asbestos, knob-and-tube wiring, heating and AC issues and more.

3. Write a Personal Letter. You may not realize it, but selling a home can be just as stressful to the owner as it is to the buyer. By writing a personal letter, you are making an emotional appeal to a seller who is probably feeling sentimental about the home. Talk about how you would want to raise your family in this home just as they did; that you want your kids to benefit from attending the same school as their kids. Make a genuine appeal that ties your future to their past and that just might be what tips the scales in your favor.

Of course, there are no guarantees. But these suggestions have proven successful for many happy new homeowners. For more ideas, please give me a call at 617-965-1236.

February’s Home Improver
Re-painting Kitchen Cabinets

Replacing your kitchen cabinets can be cost-prohibitive. But what can you do when your formerly new cabinets have lost their looks over the years? If you’re up to the task, painting your cabinets can make them look like new for much less than the cost of replacing them.

Here are step-by-step directions:

1. Remove the cabinet doors and hardware. (Tip: Put a note on each one indicating location so they’ll go back in the right places.)

2. Clean all cabinet surfaces and allow them to dry completely.

3. Sand down the surfaces enough so that the paint adheres and lays flat.

4. Apply primer-sealer first. Let to dry, before painting.

5. Apply paint with a spray, brush or roller (for flat surfaces only). Let it dry. Put hardware back on doors and hang them on the cabinets.

Remember to use a drop cloth and tape off the areas around the cabinets. If you think a project like this is beyond your skill set or patience, hiring a professional painter will still cost significantly less than bringing in all new custom cabinetry. Good luck!

What is TRID and How Does It Affect the Closing Process?

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On October 1, 2015, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau created two new forms designed to protect the home buyer by streamlining two federal acts regulating the mortgage process. The TILA RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID, for short) is now required as part of the closing process to:
  • simplify mortgage documentation
  • use language that is easy to understand
  • limit fees charged to home buyers
  • prevent unexpected issues at closings

The first form (Loan Estimate) replaces the Good Faith Estimate and the Truth in Lending disclosure. It details the mortgage terms, including key features, costs and risks of the mortgage, in clear language that makes it understandable for the buyer.

The second form (Closing Disclosure) replaces the HUD-1 Settlement Statement. It is provided three business days prior to the closing and may not be modified once it is submitted. The new form is designed to provide any and all disclosures that will help clarify all of the costs involved in the purchase of the home. If there are changes after the the Closing Disclosure form is sent, a new three-business-day waiting period applies.
Orchestrating a closing involves a number of variables, including coordinating the closing with the real estate agent and the closing attorney. While TRID protects the buyer, it can cause scheduling delays if the mortgage lender is not managing both the financial obligations and the timeline.
TRID can be a beneficial addition to the mortgage and closing process, but it takes a dedicated mortgage professional to manage it so there are no unexpected delays that affect timing — this also includes the scheduling of your moving company, delivery of appliances, transfer of utilities, time off from work, and more.
If you have questions about TRID or you are preparing to purchase a new home, please get in touch and I’ll be happy to help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

December’s Home Improver

Cleaning Drapes, Curtains, Shades and Blinds

If you’re planning a New Year’s Eve bash and you want everything in your home to look beautiful for your guests, you may want to have a look at your drapes and curtains. When was the last time you had them cleaned? Drapes, curtains, shades and blinds are sometimes overlooked in terms of general housecleaning.
The cleanliness of your window coverings depends on several factors. More frequent cleaning is required for homes that include pets and cigarette smokers. Other factors include dust and dirt entering from drafty windows along with heating and air-conditioning vents, soil kicked up from vacuuming and dust particles falling from ceiling fans.
For the most part, drapes should be cleaned every two years. The best way to tell is to simply have a close look or shake them out in sunlight to see how much dust and pet dander has built up.
If your drapes must be dry-cleaned but you don’t want to go through the drudgery of taking them down and driving them over to your local dry cleaner, there are companies that do in-home cleaning of fine fabrics.
Your curtains, especially if they are machine washable, should be cleaned every six months to a year. Have a look at dusty shades and blinds. Shades are easily cleaned, but discoloration from the sun may be the reason you have them replaced. Blinds, on the other hand, should be vacuumed with the brush attachment or wiped clean with a feather duster. Fabric blinds should be dry-cleaned.
Keeping your window coverings clean adds a freshness to your home that you may not notice until after you clean them. After years of hanging, they collect more dust and dirt than you may have realized.

This Home’s Just Not That Into You

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Shopping for a new home is like starting a new relationship. At first, you’re attracted to the neighborhood, then you become infatuated by the beautiful bathroom and the extra closet space. You love that it’s near the local market and the dry cleaner. At first glance it’s so perfect, you forget to factor in any of the cons while going all-in on the pros.

Oops, it’s a pretty long commute to work. That’s OK, you tell yourself. It’s still worth it. Oh, and there’s only a tiny backyard. Well, you can always buy your produce at the market rather than starting that garden you’d always dreamed of — and forget about parking your new car in the garage that doesn’t exist. No worries, you think, at least I have that whirlpool bath. While soaking in the tub you realize that you’re not in the best school district and the mortgage payment doesn’t leave much room to make improvements.

Regret starts to creep in. Why did I dive head-first into this relationship? Why did I choose a home that didn’t meet all of my needs? Why didn’t I make a list of non-negotiables? Noisy traffic on busy streets, parking on an icy hill during winter — or trying to find a place to park anywhere in Boston, for that matter. If it was a nuisance in small doses, it could drive you crazy on a daily basis.

This is, sadly, a common situation for first-time homebuyers. It’s the one of the primary reasons why people rarely, if ever, stay in the first home they buy. A good home relationship starts when you temper the emotion of owning a new home with the practicality and long-term usefulness of it. So what should you look for in a rock-solid relationship with your home? Here are a few tips.

1. Shop Around. There’s no need to choose a home under pressure. It’s a rash decision that you may regret for years. Better to take your time with your decision, even if it means renting or living at home a little longer.

2. Never Settle. This is a tricky one. Depending on your financial situation, you may not be able to afford the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood with the perfect school system. That does not mean you should be happy with the first couple of homes you check out. Making a compromise should only happen after you feel you’ve seen the best of what is offered and you are comfortable accepting the terms of your mortgage. It is not uncommon for buyers to spend a year or more searching for the home that they can love for the next 30 years.

3. Work At It. People change. Lives change. Your home shouldn’t be a museum showing how you lived 20 years ago. Expect to improve your kitchen and bath, expand a room, or add an addition. These are financial considerations to make before the baby comes or your mother-in-law moves in or the kids go off to college.

4. Leave When It’s Time. Empty nest. Divorce. Aging. These are just three reasons to consider leaving your home and finding one that works for the person you are today. It can be a difficult situation, but too many people stay in home relationships that have soured — and that only leaves them bitter. Better to accept that it’s time to move on and remember what it was like when you fell in love with your first home.

The best place to start the process is with a mortgage professional who can answer all your questions. Call me today at 617-965-1236.

February’s Home Improver
Ice Dam Damage

Ice dams form on snow-covered roofs. The snow that melts first is the layer closest to the roof, due to the rising heat in your home. As the snow melts it runs down the side of your roof and freezes again, forming those scary-looking icicles and creating a frozen dam that prevents water from running into your gutters. The water prevented from the dams can find its way in through small holes in your roof, which can lead to damage of your walls, ceilings and basements.

Preventing ice dams starts with removing snow from the roof. Use of a roof rake is the best method. Shovels can damage tiles and create water seepage sites. Keeping gutters clear is also important, and removing dangerous icicles is necessary. If you feel the slightest bit uncomfortable on a ladder or on a roof, contact a professional. Too many falls and injuries have occurred this winter by non-professionals who thought they could handle the job.

In the spring — in advance of next year’s winter weather — consider a new roof or fixing the existing roof. Heating coils may also be installed on the roof to prevent ice dams from forming.

Stay safe and warm. Spring is just around the corner!

Age and Term-Related Mortgage Myths

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When it comes to selecting the length of your mortgage, certain factors apply. There are some misconceptions about length due to age and income that don’t necessarily apply. Let’s bust some myths about mortgage term lengths.

Myth No. 1: A 15-year mortgage is always better than a 30-year mortgage. False. When you’re younger, you should expect your income to increase over time. If you have kids and enough money to afford paying down your principle quickly, then take on that 15-year mortgage — especially if you plan to tackle another major financial obligation: your children’s college tuition. On the other hand, as you move closer to retirement age, your income will probably level off or decline. In this case, playing it safe makes the most sense. Go with a 30-year mortgage with payments that you can make comfortably over time.

Myth No. 2: People over age 60 will not be approved for 30-year mortgages based on the fact that they could die before the mortgage is paid off. Yikes! Not true. A borrower’s age is never a consideration, thanks to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. This is a protected category and is not to be considered during the application process. Your loan is determined by your income, savings, assets and credit history.

Myth No. 3: A 15-year mortgage will lower your monthly payment. Complete myth. While you will pay less interest over time, your monthly payment will be higher due to the fact that more of it goes to the principle reduction. If you are newly divorced or single, you’re working with only one income. A 30-year mortgage may work better for you in the long run.

Making these decisions can be difficult. There are so many factors to consider. The best thing you can do before making such a significant financial commitment is to call me at 617-965-1236. We’ll discuss all of your options so that you can make an informed decision that makes sense for you. I look forward to your call.

DIY Winterizing Tips

Stay warm and safe with these do-it-yourself fixes.

Although winter doesn’t officially arrive until next week, freezing cold temperatures have been invading New England for weeks. If you’re feeling a chilly draft or just want to prepare for when it gets reallycold in the next month or so, follow these easy, inexpensive ideas to keep the cold outside and the warmth inside.

1. Buy or make a door snake. Remember when you were a kid and your parents had a stuffed snake that you couldn’t play with because it was keeping the cold out? You can still find them. If you know how to crochet or know someone who does, a door snake will block out drafts for the price of a skein of yarn.

2. Switch the direction of your ceiling fans. Ever wonder why your ceiling fan moves in either direction? It’s not a lefty-righty thing. Because hot air rises, the ceiling fan should run in reverse (clockwise) at a low speed during the winter. This will cycle the warm air back down from the ceiling to where you are.

3. Seal gaps in windows. If you have old drafty windows, you should expect a big heating bill if you do nothing about it. Finding and caulking the gaps will accomplish two things: It prevents cold air from seeping in, but it also avoids wood rot by keeping moisture out. Here’s a tutorial.

4. Buy, test or replace your detectors. Your home needs both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to keep you safe this winter. Replacing batteries may not be enough, as typical detectors have a reliably functioning lifespan of only 6-8 years. If you’re buying a new detector, write the date on the inside of it so you’ll know when to purchase a new one. If you suspect your detectors are older than what is recommended, you owe it to yourself and your family’s well-being to replace them immediately.

What Is a PLA and How Can It Be Used for a Downpayment?

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I’m always looking for creative solutions to help my clients purchase their homes. One of the most common obstacles, particularly for divorced women, is coming up with the downpayment. I asked my good friend, Jay Gordon, of the Popper-Gordon Group at Morgan Stanley, if he had any ideas to share.
He suggested creating a Portfolio Loan Account (PLA). This can be set up to borrow against most account types at Morgan Stanley, with a few exceptions.
Provided that you maintain a certain level of collateral, a PLA can give you the line of credit you need to cover your downpayment. In most cases, there are minimal or no fees to set up your PLA and it can be established in a week or two, without a lot of paperwork.
If you’re concerned about the plan to repay the loan, there is good news: the repayment structure is flexible, offering variable and fixed rate options. Variable rate PLAs can be paid off in full at any time with no penalty.
Upon approval of your PLA, you will have immediate access to your line of credit by writing a check or wiring funds when needed. You won’t need to reapply each time you borrow against the PLA. There is no obligation or penalty if for any reason you decide not to use your line of credit.
If this option for liquidity makes sense for you, or if you have any questions regarding a portfolio loan account, please contact me at 617-965-1236.

October’s Home Value Improver

Outdoor Lighting for Safety and Curb Appeal

At this time of year, you may find yourself driving to work in the dark and driving home in the dark. This is a good time to view your home when the sun is not shining on it. How is the lighting? Are the walkways safe? Does your home have good curb appeal? Is it lit well enough to keep intruders away? These are important questions to ask, especially for divorced women who are single moms. Good lighting is used for more than beautifying your home. It’s also an important safety measure that all homeowners need to consider.

Here are some creative tips for outdoor lighting:

1. Pathway Lights. If there is a pathway to your front door, be sure to properly light it to avoid tripping on uneven pavement or avoiding ice that can cause slip-and-fall accidents. You don’t need very bright fixtures, but enough light to safely guide people to your door.

2. Patio Lights. Use indirect light for outdoor gatherings. Cool bulbs rather than harsh light make for a more comfortable outdoor event.

3. Doorway Lights. Install two small lanterns on either side of your door frame. For larger entryways, consider this option, but add a hanging lantern, centered above the door.

4. Landscape Lighting. If your home is set back from the street, it is recommended to have landscape lighting. A well-lit home without any landscape lights can look isolated and appear standoffish to your new neighbors. A few simple lanterns emitting soft white light will make a noticeable difference.

If you are looking for an outdoor lighting expert, I am happy to recommend one of my most trusted contacts. Call me at 617-965-1236.

Assembling Your Home Buying Dream Team

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It’s no secret that buying a home is usually the biggest investment you’ll ever make. It requires proper planning and exceptional execution from the time you decide to explore the possibility of buying, straight through to the closing.


With a need for financial solvency and advice from professionals who understand the importance of guiding you through this lengthy journey, you’ll want to assemble a dream team of advisors to make your new home purchase a successful one. From start to finish, here are the people you’ll need on your team:
1. Mortgage Broker. (Did you think I’d put myself last on this important list?) Let’s be honest: Before you can even think of how many bedrooms you’d prefer or which school districts are best, you need to focus on your money. Can you afford your dream home? Can you live with the terms of a mortgage that will last for decades? Is your credit good enough to move forward? Do you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about securing your mortgage? I can help answer all these questions and more.
2. Real Estate Agent. Choosing the right agent is critical to your success. You want someone who is experienced and who will always keep your needs in mind. Proven real estate agents move quickly and orchestrate many aspects of the sale. Choose a Realtor® because this designation holds them to a strict code of ethics and standard of practice.
3. Real Estate Attorney. Your mortgage broker or real estate agent should have no trouble finding an excellent attorney for your closing. Efficiency here is important. You also want an experienced attorney who will look over the many documents involved in the transaction and make sure everything is in order before you take the final steps to home ownership.
4. Home Inspector. The best home inspectors take a long hard look at your home to make sure it is structurally sound and free of household pests like termites and other destructive forces. They’ll check everything from potential roof leaks to basement mold. While your home inspector’s recommendations may slow down your purchase, you’ll want the proper repairs completed–or a significant reduction of the final cost of your home–before you sign off on the contracts.
5. Insurance Agent. Your new home must be insured against fire, theft, or other damage. Certain events are not covered, depending on where you live (flood and earthquake). If you live in an area that is determined to be a flood zone, then flood insurance becomes mandatory. Your insurance agent can put together a policy that covers everything you must have, and will suggest other options for you to choose.
There’s your team. Of course, there are others to consider, like an architect, appraiser, contractor, remodeler, painter, etc. If you are in need of any of these services, I am happy to share my own dream team with you. After many years of working with home buyers, I have assembled some of the most accomplished professionals in the business. Get in touch at 617-965-1236. I look forward to your call.

September’s Home Value Improver

The Fungus Among Us

In case you hadn’t noticed, humans are amazing beings. We have immune systems to help us fight off sickness and recover quickly if we do come down with a cold, flu or other illness. Today we’re focusing on fungus, something that is not always detectable in your home, but can lead to a variety of illnesses.

Our first fungus is called aspergillus. This is a common indoor mold that you may notice on the dying leaves of plants and herbs in your home. Left unchecked, this fungus can lead to respiratory ailments, edema, and eye-and-ear infections.


Next up: Cladosporium. This is a nasty fungus that can be found in your heating and air conditioning ducts. Exposure can cause ringworm, thrush, emphysema and bronchiospams.


Your final fungus: Stachybotrys. This one is bad news–not that the others weren’t. This fungus forms in high humidity and when conditions are ideal (or un-ideal, in this case), certain strains of Stachybotrys can be poisonous when inhaled. When humidity is high but the temperature fluctuates, a toxin can be produced that causes sore throats, headache, fatigue and more.


The best advice to combat fungus is to keep your home clean. Wipe down surfaces, check your plants carefully, clean carpets and air ducts and replace filters regularly. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, have them checked out by your doctor if they persist. Your body’s amazing immune system will fight off as much as possible, but a clean home and a visit to your doctor is the best defense from fungus-related sicknesses.

Why National Mortgage Trends Are Irrelevant

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You may have read an article in The Wall Street Journal or watched Diane Sawyer on ABC talking about housing market trends and alerting you of the best times to buy or sell your home. While the trends may be accurate on a national level, they may be entirely different when you consider them from a local — or even regional — perspective.

There are a few factors that cause these incongruities between national and regional trends. This past winter was so oppressively cold that only a few brave souls were diligently working on buying or selling their homes. This left the northeast region behind some other regions in home sales. Now that the weather has improved, we’re seeing a market correction, of sorts. More people are aggressively vying to buy in a market with limited inventory.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, the Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) for a given area is defined as “the share of homes sold in that area that would have been affordable to a family earning the local median income, based on standard mortgage underwriting criteria.”

HOI is a good indicator of determining trends because it takes both median income and affordability into consideration. Statistics show that Boston’s HOI has been in decline since 2012, largely due to a decrease in median household income combined with an increase in the median price for home sales. Nationally, the average percentage of affordable homes is 66%. Locally, the percentage is just 51%, a full 15% lower than the national numbers.

We can conclude from this that national numbers can’t be assumed to coincide with the local Massachusetts housing market. So when Diane Sawyer tells you to buy, sell or hold tight, it’s best to contact me for advice that comes from a locally informed source. I will gladly discuss all the concerns you have about timing your new home purchase and give you the best advice for your individual needs.

 

July’s Home Value Improver

Garden Pest Terminator: The Ladybug

Are you fighting a losing battle in your garden? Are the bugs eating your vegetables before you get a chance to enjoy them?

It’s no wonder farmers turn to pesticides to eradicate those flying and crawling garden pests. But half the fun of raising your fruits and vegetables yourself is to enjoy your own completely organic, toxin-free foods. So what’s an enterprising gardener to do? The solution: Ditch the pesticides and order up a big batch of ladybugs.

The ladybug is a natural, cost-effective eliminator of common garden pests. They especially love aphids, but will consume other bugs, worms and mites. They may come in a cute package, but they are a generalist predator and will keep your unwanted bug population under control.

You can pick up your ladybugs at some garden centers or you can simply order them online from Amazon (yes, they really have everything at Amazon, including boxes of 1500 live ladybugs, costing under $20).

Once your ladybugs arrive, wait until evening. Watering your plants before releasing them is a good idea, as the ladybugs may feel dehydrated from being in captivity. Doing this at night gives your ladybugs the best chance to remain in your garden as they acclimate themselves quietly overnight.

Will your ladybugs fly away? Yes, many will. However, the ones that stay will almost immediately start laying eggs, keeping your ladybug population flourishing. If you happen to notice a small black and red insect that looks like a spiny little alligator, that’s a ladybug larva. They may start off homely, but they hatch ready to eat your unwanted bugs.

Put those ladybugs to work and enjoy the harvest of your own organic garden.