Great things to consider if you are thinking about a kitchen remodel!

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83680732

It worked as a karate move, but the Mr. Miyagi “wax on, wax off” method isn’t ideal when it comes to cleaning mirrors. That’s because the circular motion actually re-deposits dust and debris from your cloth back onto the surface, leaving streaks. For the cleanest results, wipe in a tight S-pattern from top to bottom and swap out your rag or paper towels (they’re linty) for a thin microfiber cloth. Spray glass cleaner or water on the cloth, not on the mirror directly—otherwise liquid can seep behind the silver coating and create black tarnish marks.

And while you’re at it, fix a few other mistakes you might be making while cleaning the rest of the bathroom. First, quit scrubbing soap scum from glass shower doors week after week. Instead, apply a coat of Rain-X Original Glass Treatment every 3 months to repel water spots and prevent buildup.

Next, be sure to hang damp towels with plenty of room to dry out. If hung one on top of each other on a hook, they are more likely to breed mildew and bacteria that will cause them to smell.

Lastly, stop putting the toilet bowl brush back in its holder immediately after using it. Moisture breeds bacteria, so rather than letting the wet brush sit in a puddle of germy water, allow it to drip dry for 10 minutes before replacing it. Simply sandwich the handle between the (clean) toilet seat and lid to keep it suspended above the bowl.

The First Step:
Knowing how much you can afford!
Know the mortgage rate!
Pre-qualify yourself to make the process go a lot smoother! Try to determine your financial commitment before going out to house hunt.

The Second Step:
Prioritizing your most wanted features!

Before you start shopping, you should sit down with the members of your household to discuss your preferences and the many options available to you.

An easy way to organize your thoughts is to write each separate feature that you want on a 3X5 card, and arrange the cards in order of their importance to you. For instance, if you like to cook, you may want a home with a large, well-equipped kitchen. Or you may settle for a small kitchen, so that you can have extra space for a library, office or playroom.

Some home buyers seek large, open interior spaces, while others prefer traditional rooms that afford more privacy.

While looking for a home, consider whether your needs are likely to change over time.

The Third Step:

Selecting the type of home you would want!

Options include single-family homes and condominiums. Some home buyers prefer homes with large yards. Others opt for condominiums where they can avoid yard maintenance entirely.

With a single-family home in a development, you'll be responsible for your own yard and home, but may be restricted to certain design elements or other regulations if there is a home owners association.

The Fourth Step:

Searching for your new home!

Now that you know what type of financing and features you would like in your home it is time to get out and start the hunt! Contact The Nelson Companies for all of your real estate related questions! If its a new build or an existing home, we are here to help with all of your needs!

Help keep your community and personal property safe for children and their families this Halloween by taking some time to address these safety concerns.

• Keep your driveway, porch entrance or sidewalk well-lit to show the pathway to your door.
• Avoid lighting candles because they can pose a fire hazard, the National Fire Protection Association Trick-or-treaters can easily knock over the lit candles or the brightly lit pumpkins lining a walkway. Choose to light pumpkins with battery operated lights or a string of lights around the front porch.
• Be sure to clear a path in your yard and walkway and remove any obstructions or hazards. In addition, remove leaves and branches, potted plants, and hoses out of the yard and a safe distance from any walkways.
• Repair loose porch railings or stones that may pose a safety threat to trick-or-treaters. Be sure your Halloween decorations do not obstruct any pathways.

The Nelson Companies hopes that everyone has a fun-filled Halloween! 

With the fall season upon us, it's time to start winterizing your home to protect it from the freezing temperatures brought on by old man winter. Your home is one of your most valuable assets, therefore protecting it against the cold should be a top priority. The following checklist offers tips and advice to help you guard your home from the ill effects of winter cold. Not only will this help keep you comfortable during these frigid months, but it will also save you money by reducing energy bills and avoiding unnecessary repairs due to a lack of preparation.

MLS #: 4091437
$338,900

• The Nelson Companies has just listed a four bedroom, 3 bathroom (3/4 master, 1 full upstairs, 1 full downstairs) rambler in Northwest Rochester! This beautiful home comes with:
  
•   2600 sqft     
  
• Attached two car garage
  
• Mud room with washer/dryer/custom made bench
•  Custom Cabinets
• Center Island with granite tops
• Black stainless kitchen appliances
• Fireplace 
  
• Engineered hardwood floors throughout
• Plush carpet in bedrooms (with a walk in closet in the master!)
• Lower level fully finished with two bedrooms
• Walk out lot
• Backyard is fully fenced and sodded
• AND MUCH MORE!
  

When you own your home, things are going to break and, unless you want to spend your money on visits from a neighborhood handyman, you’re going to need to fix them yourself. Luckily, you don’t need an arsenal of tools to handle most home maintenance fixes. These five tools will cover most of your basic projects.

1. Cordless drill. A cordless drill is a must-have for installing cabinets, drawer pulls, hinges, picture frames, shelves and hooks, and more. Whether it’s for do-it-yourself projects or repairs, you’ll use your cordless drill just about every month.
2. Drain cleaners. Shower and bathroom sink drains are susceptible to clogs because of the daily buildup of hair and whisker clippings. You can use chemical clog removers like Drano, but they’re expensive and the lingering chemical scent is unpleasant. Instead, buy some plastic drain cleaners that can reach into the drain to pull out the clog of hair and gunk. You can purchase them on Amazon or at a local hardware store for a low price.
3. Shop-vac. No matter how careful you are, spills and accidents will happen and there are some tasks that just can’t be handled with paper towels or a standard vacuum, like pet messes or broken glass.
4. Loppers. Even the minimum amount of care for your landscaping will require some loppers to remove damaged branches, vines, thick weeds, and any other unruly plants in your yard.
5. Flashlight. You’re going to want something a little more powerful than your iPhone flashlight when you’re in the crawlspace!