Real Estate Information Archive

What can unstick a zipper, remove stains and kill bugs on contact? No, it’s not Superman—it’s Windex!

Skeptical? Check out nine of Windex’s most impressive hidden powers:

1. Cut Through Grease

You know that pesky grease on your stove and pans that requires so much scrubbing to remove that you’re sore the next morning? There’s an easy fix: apply 2-3 sprays of Windex to the greasy area and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, wipe it with a rag and the grease will slide off like butter. Note: Be sure to thoroughly wash your pans with dish soap before cooking again.

2. Unstick a Zipper

Spray 1-2 sprays of Windex on the area where the zipper is stuck. It acts as a lubricant. Slowly begin pulling the zipper back and forth until it starts it’s normal zipping duties again.

3. Add a Streak-Free Shine to Stainless Steel and Tile

Stainless steel and tile (especially tile floors) are prone to streaking, which is pretty irritating while you’re cleaning. Use Windex on countertop tiles and stainless steel appliances to find that elusive streak-free shine.

4. Actually, Add Shine to Almost Any Surface

Turns out you can use Windex on whatever surface you want! Looking to clean the kitchen in a pinch? Spray Windex on the countertops, fridge, stove top and sink. Then, quickly run a rag over everything. You can tell your houseguests it took all day – we won’t reveal your secret!

5. Clean Electronics

Windex can be used on the outer shell of electronics like DVRs, cable boxes, TVs, your laptop or desktop computer and lamps. It will pick up dust and leave your devices sparkling clean. However, we recommend avoiding the screen entirely!

6. Stain Remover

Yes, you read that correctly. Windex can be used on fabrics and carpet to remove most stains including coffee, food, drinks, blood (gross, but true), grease and oil. For small clothing stains, use two sprays and let the Windex sit on the fabric for 5-7 minutes. Then, throw it in the washer. If the stain is larger (about the size of your fist), try 5-6 sprays.

Use the same amount of Windex for carpet stains and lightly dab your carpet with a paper towel or clean rag. It may take a few rounds of spraying Windex and dabbing before the stain is gone, but if you persevere, it’ll work!

Tip: Test a small amount of Windex on an inconspicuous area of the fabric or carpet to be sure it won't damage the material before going gung-ho on the stain.

7. Calm Swelling

Did you know that Windex can be used to remove things like stuck wedding rings? It’s true! Windex reduces swelling. Apply 1-2 sprays to a swollen finger and after a minute you’ll be able to slip your ring off. Once your swelling goes down, make sure to wash the Windex off of you skin and jewelry.

8. Bug Deterrent

Windex works as bug spray for ants, flies, stinkbugs and most other creepy crawlers you will occasionally find around the house. However, we recommend that you only use Windex to kill bugs on contact, not as a preventative measure.

9. Clean a Clogged Printerhead

Your printerhead is the part of the printer that attaches to the ink cartridge and applies the ink to the page. They’re pretty temperamental, and get clogged easily especially if you have an older model.

If this happens, first turn off your printer. Then, wet a paper towel with 3-4 sprays of Windex, remove the ink cartridge, and place the paper towel on the printerhead. Leave the paper towel for 24 hours and make sure the printerhead is dry before you turn the printer back on and try to print with a new ink cartridge.

When it comes to 4^th of July gatherings, the old adage “the more, the merrier” almost always applies. With humans, that is. The thing is, insects also love a good party, but they’re much less fun to hang out with than your friends and family.

To avoid spending your holiday swatting at six-legged party crashers, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use Marigold Centerpieces

Not only are marigolds an attractive accessory, they’re also natural insect repellants. Placing a pot of them on the table will keep bees and other bugs from milling around your tasty 4^th of July treats.

2. Keep Food Covered

Speaking of treats, your guests won’t be the only ones attracted to your watermelon slices and potato salad. Keep bugs from sampling the spread by covering dishes with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

3. Place Cucumbers on the Ground 

To keep ants from scaling the table, place slices of cucumber (which ants hate) on the ground surrounding its legs. Tip: If you don’t want to confuse your guests with strangely-placed vegetables, grate the cucumber into fine shreds so that it is camouflaged in the grass.

4. Distance the Trash

Placing the garbage can near your eating area is a logical-but-buggy choice because trash is a major pest magnet. To spare your guests unnecessary swatting efforts, keep your waste covered and away from the action.

5. Grill with Herbs 

Sage and rosemary smell dreamy to us, but they’re a bug’s worst nightmare. Placing these herbs directly on the coals of the grill when barbecuing (AKA “The BBQ Bomb”) will have your human guests gathering around and insects fleeing for the neighbors’ yard.

6. Garden Smart 

If you have a garden, plan ahead and plant natural bug-repellants like lavender, citronella, spearmint and chrysanthemum so that they’ll be in full bloom by the time your party rolls around. Tip: If you’re late to the planting game, you can still buy these plants in pots and place them strategically around the yard.

You can save up to 10 percent on your energy bill by targeting your energy hogs and unplugging them when you aren't using them regularly! While refrigerators and air conditioners consume the most energy, there are many small appliances that consume large amounts of unnecessary energy, too. These ‘vampire’ products cannot be turned off without being unplugged, and draw power 24 hours a day.

1. If you want to know what current energy hogs you’re using, buy a low-cost wattmeter to measure the devices in your home.

2. Identify the vampire appliances in your house. If you don't use the following appliances regularly, unplug them!
    
3. Computers. Whether you have a desktop or a laptop (or both), your computer is a Dracula-level energy vampire. By turning your computer off instead of letting it idle or sleep, you can reduce its energy usage by as much as 250 percent.
    
4. Toaster. Once your crispy toast is on your plate, there’s no need to leave your toaster on. Unplug it until it’s time for your next snack.
    
5. Cell phones. Even when your phone is plugged-in and fully charged, it’s sapping energy from your outlet. Make a point to unplug your cell phone once the battery is full. Same goes for the charger.
    
6. DVR and cable box. Even when your cable setup isn’t recording and is turned off by remote control it uses a whopping 43.46 watts an hour. When you’re going to sleep or leaving the house for a while, unplug your setup completely.
    
7. Coffee machine. You may take your cup of java to go in the morning, but your coffee machine hangs out all day draining power. Unplug it once you have your brew, or go classy and switch to a French press!
    
8. To make unplugging appliances easier, consider using a switchable power strip to easily unplug a cluster of cords all at once. If there are energy hogs you aren't use regularly, plug them into the power strip and get in the habit of switching it off.

Whether you have a John Deere that’s been with your family for generations or a brand-new Craftsman, you’ve probably been annoyed by the sight of freshly cut grass stuck to the bottom of your lawn mower. But did you know that annoyance can potentially damage your mower, too?

It’s true! When grass gets built up and clumps together, it can prevent your mower from working at its full potential.

Prevent grass from sticking to your lawn mower with a few simple steps:

1. Remove Old Grass from Your Mower

Use a wire brush or a garden hose to remove any built up grass that is already on your lawn mower wheels or underneath the lawn mower deck. Bonus: You’ll be cleaning your lawn mower at the same time!

2. Spray Vegetable Oil

Give the mower time to dry. Then, spray household cooking spray on the wheels and underside of your lawn mower (near the blades). Coat all surfaces evenly. Note: If you don’t have any cooking spray handy, pour vegetable oil onto an old rag and use the rag to apply oil to the mower, instead. Just be sure to use thick gardening gloves to protect your hands from any sharp pieces.

3. Repeat After Each Use

Mow your lawn as you normally would, and then add another coat of oil when you’re done. Continue to give your lawn mower a light oil coating every time you’ve finished mowing lawn. That’s it! 

If you were handed keys to a motorcycle right now, would you assume you could drive it? For most of us, the answer is no – not without some guidance. Your home is no different!

If you’re the proud owner of a new home, avoid making these five costly assumptions:

1. Do-It-Yourself is Always the Way to Go

When it comes to decorating, doing it yourself is usually the most cost-effective option. Beyond that, it’s important to know your DIY limits. Unless you’re trained, don’t take on an electrical or plumbing project on your own!

Not only is it dangerous, it could wind up costing you more than you expected to purchase the necessary tools and materials or fix potential problems. It pays to hire a professional service provider for any job that requires plumbing or electrical work. 

2. Fire Isn’t a Real Threat

According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 400,000 United States homes caught fire last year, resulting in more than $8.5 billion of damage. If you’re a new homeowner, make fire safety a priority.

Buy a fire extinguisher for every level of your home and one for your garage. Make sure you have working smoke alarms, and test them regularly to keep your family (and your property) safe.

3. Small Problems Can Be Ignored

If your toilet is running, it’s easy to ignore, especially when there are larger problems looming. But, ignoring the small issues can lead to expensive fixes down the road. For example, a constantly running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a month, meaning you’re spending on average over $300 on wasted water. Save money by fixing small problems as soon you discover there’s an issue. 

4. Windows and Doors are Energy Efficient

When you’re moving into a new home, you should always do a summer energy audit, with special focus on your doors and windows. If you assume that the previous homeowner took the time to make sure air wasn’t leaking in or out, you could end up wasting as much as $600 a year! Do an energy audit as soon as you move in to make sure you aren’t wasting precious dollars.  

5. The More Expensive the Air Filter, the Better

Instead of going for the most expensive air filter, go for the right air filter for your furnace unit. Check your owner’s manual to make sure you have the right type. Then, unless your furnace specifically needs a fancy filter, choose a pleated filter. Typically, this $1 one-inch pleated filter will do the job and won’t cost nearly as much as the higher-maintenance fiberglass option.

Your house looks great, but how does it feel? If you think your home is falling victim to clutter and chaos, the Chinese practice of feng shui may be able to help! Feng shui incorporates age-old principles for maximizing positive vibes in the home. While some laws of feng shui call for more elaborate considerations, there are plenty of simple tweaks that you can try in just a few minutes!

1. Clear the clutter. Those stacks of papers and piles of odds and ends aren’t just eyesores – they’re also energy barriers. Feng shui dictates that positive energy or chi can only flow when clutter is eliminated. By clearing your space, you’ll allow for greater mental clarity and a better sense of well being. If decluttering your entire house feels a little too ambitious, start with a single room like your kitchen.

2. Make your entryway inviting. The front door is considered a vital element of feng shui because it serves as the energy gateway to the home. So, a balanced entryway is the key to a balanced space. To achieve this, keep the path leading up to your home free of unsightly obstructions such as trash cans, cracked flower pots or dead plants. Also, make sure the door itself opens smoothly – no squeaking – and looks well-maintained with fresh paint and hardware.
    
3. Check your knives. A common feng shui view is that the sharp edges of knives contain a negative, cutting energy. Because of this, some practitioners suggest that kitchen knives should be kept out of sight (either in a closed drawer or a knife block). Others take a less conservative approach and simply recommend that kitchen knives should be kept in a place that is safe and accessible. If you have children in the home, then keeping them out of sight makes sense. If not, the most important thing to do is avoid dangerous locations such as above your head.
    
4. Hide the TV. No matter how uplifting your favorite romantic comedy may be, the television itself is not conducive to good vibes. If you want to adhere to feng shui, it’s best to hide your TV altogether in an entertainment cabinet or behind a concealing screen. At the very least, make sure it isn’t the focal point of the room by arranging it off to the side or camouflaging it on the wall among framed artwork.
    
5. Sleep freely. The rule for peaceful bed placement can be summed up in one word: space. Position your bed in the so-called “power spot,” which is directly across from the bedroom door. Then, make sure there’s an even amount of room on both sides. Avoid pushing your bed against a wall, unless you want to trap both your partner and negative energy.

Fact: A cluttered home means a messy home. Even worse, clutter can significantly contribute to our overall stress levels. As Peter Walsh, a professional organizer and writer, once said, “Clutter is not just the stuff on your floor – it’s anything that stands between you and the life you want to be living.”

But what exactly creates clutter in the first place, and what can we do to prevent it?

Here are five common causes of clutter, paired with easy solutions for change:

1. Recreational Shopping

We’ve all been guilty of buying a thing or two we don’t need – so much so, that this habit is the number one culprit of clutter in the home!

Solution: Stay out of stores and shopping malls unless you absolutely need to buy something. Before you go, look through your closet to remind yourself of what you already own. Do you really need another gray cardigan or pair of black flats? 

2. “Clutter Creep” Throughout the Week

You start Monday morning with a clean house, only to be left with a messy disaster on Friday afternoon.

Solution: Don’t go to sleep during the week with a cluttered home. Before bed each night, pick up at least five things and put them in their place. By the end of the week, your home will be a lot more organized. 

3. Emotional Attachment

Some items – like priceless family photos – should be cherished and held onto forever. Other items – like that surfboard keychain from Mexico – could be causing clutter in your home.

Solution: We’re not saying you should toss everything from your beach vacation in Mexico ten years ago, but there are likely a few things in your home you may be unnecessarily holding onto for sentimental reasons.

How can you decide what to keep? Ask yourself this question: “If I lost it by mistake, would I really care, or could I even possibly be glad?”

4. Letting Junk Mail Linger

It’s all too easy to bring in the mail only to open it, set it aside, and leave it in a messy pile for the next week.

Solution: Take care of mail as soon as you bring it in. Recycle anything that needs to be recycled, and file any bills immediately. Use PaperKarma to stop junk mail for good. Then, create a fun mail holder with a basket or upcycled coffee can so it always has a place to go.

5. Keeping What You Never Use

Whether it’s that kitchen gadget you ordered from a late night infomercial or that label maker from 1995, it’s easy to collect useless items year after year. It’s time to start letting them go!

Solution: Do a monthly purge of 15 unwanted or unused items. Go throughout your entire house and choose 15 things that you no longer use or want. If you haven’t used the belonging in the past year or if it is no longer functional, toss or donate it.

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

Mint is a free personal finance tool that brings all your financial accounts together online or on your mobile device, automatically categorizes your transactions, and helps you set budgets so you can achieve your financial goals. 

When money is tight or the economy is iffy, it can be tempting to postpone or even completely skip over home maintenance repairs. Skipping repairs can be risky, because the $200 you save with an inspection or small repair could cost you thousands more if little problems become big ones.

Money spent now could protect you from financial headaches later. Check out these five expensive home repairs that can arise if you ignore regular maintenance:

1. Roof

If your roof shows signs of deterioration, like loose shingles, water damage, separated flashing, or moldy spots, you're better off repairing those areas now, before you're faced with replacing the entire roof.

Potential Savings: Simple fixes such as replacing shingles and re-caulking flashing will cost you time and a few hundred dollars, but neglect them and you may be handed a bill for up to $18,000, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report. Even worse, if water is seeping through your roof and into your attic, you could be paying up to $50,000.

2. Foundation

Home maintenance experts recommend that you inspect your foundation at least once a year. Look for hairline cracks, widening gaps between your home and the foundation and sinking floors. Also look for cracks around windows and doors, because they can be a signal that your foundation is shifting. Finally, make sure water pools aren't forming around your foundation, because water damage can deteriorate concrete walls and cause serious issues inside your home as well.

Potential Savings: These relatively straightforward fixes can save you up to $10,000 if your entire foundation needs to be replaced. This cost can soar to $30,000 if your basement is affected and if mold remediation due to water damage is required.

3. Termite Removal

Most homeowners' insurance policies don't cover repairs related to termite damage, so it pays to have regular inspections by a termite company. Termites cause damage from the inside out, eating through flooring, insulation and wood, so if you have an active termite infestation, the repair costs could be hefty.

Potential Savings: Most inspections fall into the range of $100-$200, but skip them and you could look at losses of up to several thousands of dollars if you do indeed have termites.

4. Plumbing

Left unresolved, water leaks can lead to problems like mold and a complete plumbing system replacement. Look for water leaks around toilets, under sinks, and from faucets. Replace old washers when you need to, and insulate exposed pipes, which can corrode due to temperature changes. Also, inspect your hot water heater to ensure optimum operation and the absence of mineral deposits in the tank.

Potential Savings: These relatively easy maintenance checks and repairs can save homeowners up to $10,000, or more if the hot water heater needs to be replaced.

5. HVAC System Replacement

Regular heating, ventilation and air conditioning system inspections are key to avoiding major repair costs later. Recommended maintenance includes cleaning filters every few months to avoid inefficient and clogged filters, and inspecting the ducts for good air flow. Watch for signs of wear and tear and address those areas promptly. Also, replace old filters, thermostats and other components that could impact your HVAC system performance.

Potential Savings: Hiring a pro to maintain your HVAC components can cost between $200 to $300, while letting maintenance go can mean you might spend up to $4,000 replacing a furnace blower, compressor, or other high-ticket items.

The Bottom Line

Taking simple maintenance steps now will prevent bigger homeowner expenditures when small jobs morph into more expensive undertakings.  A good rule of thumb is that homeowners should expect to spend 3% to 5% of their home's value each year on maintenance and repairs. Considering that the price to replace costly items like roofs, foundations and plumbing can rise way beyond that number, it pays to do the little stuff while the problem is still little.

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

Maybe you have some friends visiting from out of town. Or, maybe you’re trying to earn some extra cash by AirBNBing your spare bedroom.

Either way, the ability to really “wow” your houseguests is important.

But how can you achieve this mythical “wow” factor? It’s actually not that hard! Impressing houseguests is all about small doses of thoughtfulness. Here are five ideas:

1. WiFi Password

Just because someone is on vacation at your house doesn’t mean they’re cutting all ties with email and Facebook!

Save them the trouble of asking for your WiFi password by writing it on a piece of paper or on a chalkboard that’s visible in the guestroom. Your guest will appreciate the gesture, and you’ll avoid the awkward “I’m not sure I remember my password?” conversation.  

2. Mini Toiletries

Compare these experiences:

1. Using a half-empty bottle of Head and Shoulders from 1999

2. Enjoying a cute, mini-bottle of spa shampoo from a nice hotel

Number two is way better! Don’t force your guests to use bottom-of-barrel toiletries. It only takes a few hotel stays to collect everything your guests need (shampoo, conditioner, face soap, toothpaste, etc.). Store them under the sink until you have company! When they’re in town, place them on the counter or in a basket for easy access.

3. Pitcher of Water at Night

Think back to all of the times you’ve been a guest in someone else’s home. Two-thirty in the morning rolls around, and you wake up thirsty. Nothing would be better than a cool glass of water, but in a strange home, you probably aren’t exactly comfortable wandering around the hallways looking for a beverage in your pajamas.

Save your guests from this plight! Set a pitcher of water and a clean glass or two in their bedroom before they arrive.

4. Provide a (Clean) Robe

Fact: everything feels more luxurious when there are robes involved. Grab a spare from your collection, give it a wash if necessary and set it up in the guest bathroom. Then, add a little note saying it’s for them so they don’t have an internal debate about it when they get out of the shower. No robes? Neatly stack several hand towels and wash clothes instead.

5. The Toilet Paper Triangle

Take a page from the book of every-hotel-you’ve-stayed-at-ever: Fold the first ply of the toilet paper in your guest bathroom into a triangle! This takes 10 seconds (tops), and there’s a good chance it results in a smile and a comment from your houseguest. 

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

Why Do This?

Hanging out on your deck or patio is great, but remember that after you go inside, your deck is left alone to brave the elements! After even just a few months, wind, snow and sun can start to take their toll on your deck or patio. Help a deck out by inspecting, cleaning and repairing the surface once or twice a year.

 FOR WOOD/COMPOSITE DECKS:

1. Clean any debris off of your deck. This includes leaves, twigs, pollen or other outdoor debris.

2. Inspect. Examine your deck for any damage like rot, loose boards, loose nails or rough spots. Take notes during your inspection so you can revisit the problems.

3. Prepare to replace boards if necessary. If you have rot deeper than ½ inch, you need to replace the board. When you're ready to replace, gently pry off the rotten board with a pry bar. Then, nail or screw in a new board. We recommend heading to your local home improvement store if you have any questions.

4. Replace protruding nails. Precipitation causes boards to warp and nails to pop up. If you have nails or boards sticking up, remove the nail. Reposition your board so it is flush with the rest of the deck and replace the faulty nail with a new, longer nail.

5. Smooth any rough spots. If you have rough spots on your deck or lots of wood splinters that could be dangerous to bare feet, lightly sand those spots with a medium pressure hand sander.

6. Grab a cleaner for your deck. You can find deck cleaners at your local hardware store for about $15 that will effectively kill any mold or mildew. If you have small children or pets, opt for a toxic-free cleaner.

7. Evenly distribute the cleaning solution. Be sure to wear long pants and shoes while you’re cleaning to protect your skin. After 15-20 minutes, rinse the cleaner off of your deck with a hose.

FOR CONCRETE/STONE/PAVER PATIOS:

1. Check for weeds. First, look for weeds! Pull weeds from between brick pavers or stone tiles because overgrown weeds can crack the brick or stone.

2. Scrub the patio surface. Clean the patio with a stiff bristled broom, dishwashing soap and water for a gentle clean. For a more intense clean, use a power washer (test first on a small area to make sure you won’t damage the patio). Note: Avoid the use of power washers on brick pavers! The high pressure of the water could crack the paver.

3. Remove stains. Oil-based stains can be removed by using kitty litter. Pour kitty litter on the stains and leave overnight. Then, sweep it away the next day.

4. Choose the right scrub brush. Avoid metal cleaning brushes, which can damage the surface. Stick to scrub brushes made from other materials!

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.