Many homeowners today are concerned about the quality of air in their homes, since we spend so much time indoors. Here are some ways that you can achieve superior air quality while improving your family’s respiratory health. This is what you can do, moving from room to room.

• Basement: Since the furnace is in this space, you must have it inspected and cleaned yearly to avoid leakage of dangerous gases. Also, many basements can be damp and therefore may grow mold. You must make sure your gutters are doing their job of keeping water runoff away from your home. Installing a dehumidifier or air conditioner can keep even the most moist basement dry.
• Garage: Install a weatherproof door between this room and the rest of your home. It will keep gasoline odors where they belong. Your lungs will thank you.
• Kitchen: If you have a gas range, you must have a hood fan that exhausts outdoor air. Turning on that fan, or simply opening a window while cooking will remove gas fumes. All fuel burning appliances must be professionally inspected yearly to prevent possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Family/Living Room: Dust accumulation can be simply eliminated with the reduction of clutter. Keeping toys, books and other items nicely stored away in closets is the way to go.
• Bedrooms: Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Dust mites and allergens are also greatly reduced by washing bedding in hot water. Choose area rugs that are easy to wash.
• Bathrooms: Ventilation is so important in this well-used room. Exhaust fans work to remove moisture and chemicals that you clean with. Change your cleaning products to ones that have no pesticides or toxic ingredients. See www.grist.org for a list of green bathroom cleaners.
• Attic: Have your duct work inspected if it runs through an uninsulated attic. Why? Because humid air condenses and can cause mold and rust. Consider having your attic insulated.

Throughout your home always leave doors between rooms open for better air circulation Opening windows from time to time is a no-brain er, but some forget to do it.     As we become more and more aware of the need to protect the world's environment, it's nice to know that there are simple things we can do right here in our own homes in Andover and North Andover to create a healthier and more comfortable environment for our families.  As is so often the case, sometimes it's the little things that make a big difference.  Remember, too, that if you're thinking about selling your home, these same small steps can help you sell your home for more money and in less time.

As everyone knows, spring is the most desirable time to put your house on the market as the weather seems to always cooperate and your landscaping’s appeal can be fully realized. But if you simply must list your home during the winter months, here are a few things that you can do to make the undertaking a little bit less challenging.  

1. Keep dead tree limbs picked up.
2. Keep driveway, steps and walkways plowed, shoveled and salted at all times.
3. Keep gutters clean - so no icicles can form.
4. Replace weather-stripping as needed to keep drafts away.
5. Keep all valves to outdoor spigots turned off to avoid burst pipes.
6. Holiday decorations should be put away as soon as possible.
7. Keeping a roaring fireplace during an open house this time of year is always a good thing.
8. Keep lists handy for all potential buyers of all of your home’s energy efficiencies, i.e. wrapped pipes, extra insulation, new windows, etc.
9. Keep all windows clean to let in as much light as possible. Remove all screens to storage and take down any heavy drapes. This will let in that extra light that so many potential buyers will be demanding this time of year.
10. Keep as many lights on as possible during showings. If you cannot be there, set lights on timers and add motion sensors to walkways. You may even consider installing motion detectors for walk-in closets.
11. Keep photos around your home showing the house in all seasons. A nice shot of your blooming flowers and lush green shrubs will help potential buyers understand what is under all of that snow!
12. Keep the indoor temperature at a comfortable setting.  You want potential buyers to linger and to see themselves relaxing at home.  A shivering buyer will be thinking more about getting back into a warm car than arranging their furniture in their new home.

Remember that home sales continue throughout the winter months...especially in Andover, North Andover and the rest of New England where winters are long and cold.  Buyers who are planning a move in the spring or summer months often begin their home search during the winter months so be prepared, follow these tips, and look for opportunities for selling your home during our New England winter.

I’m excited to introduce a new feature for my website and blog.  Called “Market Snapshot“ this feature allows you to instantly track market activity your own neighborhood. By signing up for your personalized market snapshot, you’ll have access to:

View a sample market snapshot. 

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Andover, North Andover, Boxford or anywhere in Massachusetts, you’ll want to know what’s happening in your local market.  Contact me for details or sign up for your FREE MARKET SNAPSHOT.

If you’ve asked yourself this question my guess is there is something about your current home that does not meet your lifestyle needs.   What is it about your home or neighborhood that isn’t meeting your needs?  If you like your neighborhood but your home is too small does remodeling make sense?  Has your job location changed?  Is you home too large now that your children have moved out? Have you always wanted to live closer to the city or the seacoast?  Are you retiring and looking for a warmer climate or lower cost of living? What would it cost to make a move?  Once we review these questions I can help you gather the information you need to make the decision that works for you.  So, the answer the the question “Does buying or selling a home in Andover or North Andover now make sense?” will be different for you than for your neighbor. Check out my “Wants vs Needs Checklist.”  I think you’ll find it a helpful exercise as you begin to consider whether or not buying or selling a home now makes sense for you.

As we head into the holiday and winter season, I’m often asked if this is a good time of year to buy or sell a home in Andover, Boxford or North Andover Massashusetts.  Statistically it is true that we have more home sales in the spring and summer months and without a doubt there are many families with school-aged children  who choose to move during the months when school is not in session.  However, it is incorrect to assume that homes do not sell during the fall and winter months or that the home values decline during the holiday or winter seasons. There are many factors to consider when deciding when to buy or sell a home.  Changes in family circumstances, job opportunities and mortgage interest rates are just a few examples of important considerations which are not generally influenced by the season of the year.  I can help you develop a customized real estate plan specifically taylored to your individual needs and goals.  Contact me at REMAX Partners in Andover for a free introductory consultation.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Andover, North Andover or Boxford Masssachusetts it’s more important than ever to have an experience real estate agent working on your behalf.

Buying or selling a home is a complex process of legal and financial procedures and obligations. Paulette will guide you through this process by developing a customized real estate plan specifically tailored to your needs.

As a REMAX agent, Paulette brings you the combined power of premier brand recognition, marketing and technology along with personal service and local expertise.

With so much news about the financial markets it’s no wonder home owners are concerned about the value of their homes and home buyers are wondering if prices have stabilized or if further adjustments can be expected.  Wise investors have always understood that real estate has always been a local, long term investment .  The time to buy or sell a home is always about what’s right for you–not about the emotional highs and lows of the daily news.  Still, many people wonder when the national real estate market will begin to recover.  For an interesting perspective on this topic take a look at this recent  article by James Cramer published in the New York Magazine.

This mornings financial news is indeed disconcerting. With the bankruptcy  of Lehman Brothers, the failure of Merril Lynch and Hurricane Ike in the Gulf of Mexico it makes sense to take time to consider any major purchases carefully.  Buying or selling a home is without a doubt the largest single  financial decision most of us ever make.  This is why I believe it is even more important to have the best professional advise you can have at your finger tips.  Current real estate market conditions are extremely fluid. If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Andover, North Andover, Boxford or any of the surrounding communities here in Massachusetts, contact Paulette Zuena at REMAX Partners in Andover, for up to date real estate information and advice.

I’d like to invite you to visit my new listing located at 72 Central Street here in Andover .  This very special antique home is one of Andover’s most treasured homes with an interesting history and story to tell. Whether you’re looking to buyt or sell a home here in Andover, North Andover or Boxford Massachusets I think you’ll enjoy this video tour of one of Andover’s most treasured homes! 

Contact Paulette Zuena, RE/MAX Partners to schedule a visit.