Real Estate Information Archive

We recently ran across an intriguing data set on CalculatedRiskBlog.com. We were intrigued because the data show the trends in single-family rentals over the past 15 years.

In 2000, renters' share of the single-family-home market was 15%. By the end of 2014, that number was 21%. Every state except North Dakota has seen an increase in the percentage of single-family renters.

Renters are potential (and likely) owners, especially renters who've lived in a single-family home. We've frequently mentioned that if the choice is between owning and renting, most people opt for owning. After all, we want to properly nest: We want to decorate and paint without worrying about forfeiting a security deposit. If we make a capital improvement, we want to own that capital improvement.

We believe more renters will pursue ownership. This will lead to fewer renters and softening rent rates. If this scenario unfolds, more landlords, in turn, will leave the business. This means more homes will be offered for sale.

But even if our scenario fails to unfold, we still think more single-family homes will be offered for sale. Fatigue will become a greater influencing factor. Many new landlords poured into the single-family-home market over the past five years. We suspect that a growing percentage of these newbies are tiring of their investment. Managing rental property is frustrating and time-consuming work. Entropy naturally sets in over time.

In short, we see more ownership demand and more homes offered for sale. These two trends bode well for sales growth in coming years.

Information provided by Jessica Regan.

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.

Spring is approaching, and it's time for your clients to start planning their lawn and landscaping strategy. Before they start cutting and fertilizing, it's a good idea to review these common myths and myth-busting tips from lawn and landscaping professionals:

Myth #1: You can water your lawn and landscape any time of day.

Reality: Water is a valuable resource; make every drop count! Watering the lawn in the early mornings or evenings after sunset minimizes evaporation. It’s the best time for water to penetrate deep into the soil.

Myth #2: It’s ok to cut the grass very short.

Reality:  Most landscape professionals advise against cutting more than one-third of the grass leaf at a time. Mowing at a finished cut height of 3 to 3.5 inches throughout the summer is generally recommended. The lawn will need less water, will be more resistant to weeds and will have a deeper, greener color. Use a sharp mower blade to prevent tearing grass blades. A crisp and clean cut will help prevent a “brown tip” appearance.

Myth #3: It’s best to water your lawn every day.

Reality:  Watering your lawn every three days is better than daily watering. Deep, rather than shallow watering of your lawn is recommended to nurture the roots. An inch of water to 12 inches of soil is the preferred ratio for watering actively growing grass.

Myth #4: If you want to replace your lawn, you should do it in the spring when plants get ready to bloom.

Reality:  The best time to sow seed is in the late summer and early fall when the temperatures are more consistent and when highly competitive weeds, like crabgrass, are at the end of their life cycle.

Myth #5: Early spring is the best time to fertilize the lawn.

Reality:  Since different species of grass prefer nutrients at different times of the year, be sure to use the correct fertilizer, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. A slow-release fertilizer allows for more even and consistent feeding over a longer period of time than a quick-release fertilizer. And, remember to use fertilizers responsibly by cleaning up any that lands on streets, sidewalks or driveways where they can be washed into lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.

Myth #6: A garden hose is more cost efficient than installing an irrigation system.

Reality:  Many landscape professionals recommend installing an irrigation system with smart controllers which have sensors that water when needed. Smart irrigation can offer a cost savings of 15–20 percent on water bills. Converting irrigation spray nozzles from sprinklers to rotating nozzles will spread heavy droplets of water at a slower pace, which makes them more targeted and effective.

Myth #7: You have to irrigate to have a healthy and beautiful lawn.

Reality:  Grasses are built to endure long periods of drought by entering a state of dormancy. When temperatures and moisture levels are at their extreme, the growing point of the grass plant, the crown, will shut off the grass blades, turning them brow. In almost all instances, once the heat and drought stresses have gone, the crowns will begin to send up new shoots. There’s nothing wrong with irrigating to avoid dormancy, but “embracing the brown” for a couple of weeks in the summer is just fine too.

Information provided by Don Roth.

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.

Source: "Myths vs. reality: How to get your lawn in top shape this spring," Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the national trade association representing landscape professionals. Feb. 10, 2015

Renting is…. fine. But there are some drawbacks. First, when you’re signing checks over to a landlord every month, it can feel like you’re throwing money away. Second, if you own your own house, you can paint the walls, switch up the floors and have as many pets as you want without fearing for your security deposit fate.

According to the National Association of Realtors, you’re not alone if you’re lukewarm about renting – they predict 2015 is going to be “the year of the first-time home buyer.”

Don’t run out and call up a realtor just yet! Jumping the gun on buying a home is a recipe for regret and disaster.

Ask yourself the following six questions to determine if you’re really ready to pull the trigger, or if 2016 may be a better bet:

1. How Healthy Are Your Savings?

In order to qualify for a conventional mortgage, you’re expected to put down at least 5% of your down payment up front, plus a few thousand in closing costs (roughly 2-3% of the purchase price) and escrow fees which have to be paid in cold hard cash, and have money in the bank, so you’re not house poor once the deal is done.

If you don’t have the money for a down payment squared away, we recommend focusing on building up that savings account in 2015.

2. How Much Money Can You Afford to Part With Each Month?

If you’re comfortable financially, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can go out and buy a house at any price. Before going Zillow-crazy, get a realistic understanding of what you can spend overall and what that will look like monthly. For a quick breakdown of how much you can expect to spend, you can use this straightforward CNN Mortgage Calculator.

Okay, so now you have your mortgage number. That’s just the start. Unlike the Rent-Life, the Owner-Life includes paying for anything that goes wrong and all ongoing maintenance. To determine how much you should save annually in a house fund, calculate 1–3 percent of what you think your house’s initial price will be. This is the average cost of maintenance every year. So, owners of a $200,000 house should plan to budget $2,000 to $6,000 a year on ongoing upkeep and repairs.

Add the above numbers together. Can you realistically make those payments? Or are you getting over your head? If you’re already freaking out, just head back into the Renter Waters for a spell.

3. Are You Planning on Sticking Around?

If you’ve lived in one city your entire life, your family is there, you love your job and you have no plans of leaving, buying may be a great idea. But if you’re unsure about your city for the long-term, you shouldn’t buy just because a calculator says you’ll pay less than renting.

Experts recommend staying in a home for a minimum of five to seven years to actually get any value out of your real estate because the transaction costs of buying a home are so high. If you skip town in a year or two, there’s a chance you won’t break even on your mortgage and will owe more than your house is worth. Not cool.

4. Are You Preapproved?

Do you have enough cash to pay for a house? Most people don’t. Realtors know this, and most of them may set up a search for you, but they won’t spend a lot of time on wanna-be buyers who aren’t preapproved. If you don’t get preapproved for a mortgage, you’d be wasting both the realtor’s and your own time. Before you get too far into the process, set up a meeting with a mortgage professional to make sure you’re good to go.

5. What is Your Credit Score?

Some numbers, like your weight, your GPA and your credit score just feel private. Unfortunately, when it comes to getting a home loan, you’re going to have to spill the digits. Here’s why it matters: Before you can be approved for a loan, lenders take a look at your credit score to determine if you’re a safe or risky investment.

The maximum credit score you can have is 850, but only 10% of people applying for a mortgage have a score over 800. Basically, any score over 700 is seen as safe. Anything below is considered dicey, and mortgage lenders begin to say “No” when they see a score below 640. If you get into the 500 area, you’re basically only eligible for subprime loans, which come with a lot of hidden fees.

There is good news: Credit scores can be fixed! The first step is finding out what your number is right now. (Check out LearnVest for the skinny on how to get that rolling. It's free!) If it’s lower than you expected, you should consider having a conversation with a financial counselor to get back on track.

In the meantime, pay your bills on time and make sure your credit-debt ratio is less than 30% (meaning that you aren’t carrying a balance on a credit card larger than 30% of the total credit limit). And if you’re holding onto any small balances on multiple credit cards, pay them off. It’s better to hold a balance on one card, even if it’s a larger balance, than hold onto multiple small balances.

6. Is Your City a Good Spot to Buy In?

When experts talk about a hot market, that doesn’t necessarily mean your neighborhood is a hot market. In many cities, the market varies from neighborhood to neighborhood. Before you dive head first into homeownership, do your homework. Make sure you’re making a sound financial decision by buying not only in your city, but in the neighborhood of your choice. If you’re still tempted to buy in a “hipster” area and cross your fingers it pays out, read one woman’s tale of buying in an up-and-coming neighborhood.

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.

When you’re sleeping in an unfamiliar room for the first time, a good night’s sleep can be a little elusive. So how can you make sure your guests are resting comfortably when they come to stay? A few small details can make all the difference.

Here are six tips to make sure your houseguests get the best night’s sleep:

1. Help Control Noise

Sleeping in an unfamiliar place often means hearing unfamiliar sounds, and that can make it difficult to sleep at all! What sounds like background noise to you can feel like Chinese water torture to your guests, so offer white noise to help cancel it out. Add a spare fan to the room, sync up an iPod to play apps like SimplyNoise or Sleep Fan or purchase an alarm clock that plays pink noise and soothing sounds. You can also place disposable earplugs in a nightstand drawer, too.

2. Add Some Night-Lights

Even when you try to find the bathroom at night in your own home, there’s at least a 10% chance of a toe-stubbing event. For guests, it’s way higher! Before your houseguests arrive, add a night-light in the hallway or near the bathroom door to help light the way. No more stubbed toes in the middle of the night!

3. Don’t Skimp on the Pillow Options

We all have our pillow preference – some like extra firm, some like super plush. Unless you wish a terrible night’s sleep on your friends and family, when it comes to pillows, give them more options! Just copy what you see in hotel rooms: offer two medium-to-firm pillows, two medium-to-soft and a reading pillow to help prop up the neck and back for any bedtime reading.

4. Know How Much Light Enters the Room

Since you don’t sleep in your guestroom, you probably aren’t aware of it’s lighting quirks. If your guest area has south- or east-facing windows, you can expect a hearty amount of sunshine in the AM, which will piss some guests off. So make sure your guest room has easily adjustable curtains. You can also provide lightweight, disposable sleep masks (easy to find at the Dollar Store) for added comfort.

5. Change for the Seasons

A good night’s sleep for guests can often be dependent on the time of year. Summertime? Make sure the room has lighter blankets and a cooling fan near the bed. Winter months? Place a few heavy blankets at the foot of the bed and add an electric space heater. Also, if the space where your guests are staying has wood floors, place a cushy rug beside the bed.

6. Bring on the Relaxing Smells

Soothing aromas like lavender or vanilla can help houseguests wind down before bedtime. Provide candles or linen spray (homemade or store-bought) on the nightstand. Avoid any scents that are too overwhelming - sometimes less is more.

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.

So you just bought a new home. Congratulations! Break out the bubbly and celebrate.

But, once the champagne flutes are put away, it’s time to get down to business. We know that between daily chores and preventative maintenance, it’s easy to forget a few things when you’re getting in the groove of new homeownership. Let’s refresh your memory!

You found our original list so helpful that we’ve doubled it. The best time to tackle these must-do items is before the ink dries on your mortgage, but they’re worth doing even if you’re a veteran homeowner.

Allen Shulman, custom home builder of 25 years, said, “The biggest mistake homeowner’s make is succumbing to what I like to call the ‘eyes wide shut’ syndrome. They see the problem, they understand that it’s only going to get worse, and then they do nothing in the hope that it will simply go away."

To prevent a costly problem, don't ignore warning signs! 

Shulman adds, "A customer of mine once noticed that there was water in the cabinet under their kitchen sink and just assumed that they had spilled something and it was still wet. They did nothing. A few weeks later, they notice that the wood floor near their kitchen sink was starting to buckle. Long story short, the slow leak from their kitchen faucet caused significant damage to their wood floor costing them thousands of dollars."

If Shulman's customer would have addressed the issue when they first discovered it, they would have nipped the issue in the bud and saved themselves time and money.

Here are 14 tasks that will help you stay on top of homeownership (and prevent a money-sucking disaster): 

1. Save for Unexpected Problems

You can’t stop things like your dishwasher from breaking, but you can set some cash aside to pay for unexpected replacements. As a general rule of thumb, you want to save 1-3 percent of your home’s initial price each year so that you can afford unexpected problems.

2. Form an Inspection Habit

Detecting certain issues early (like a rodent infestation or mold growth) can be the difference between a simple fix and an unaffordable disaster. Take the time to properly inspect your furnace, basement, attic, insulation and roof at least once during that first year. Then, make an annual habit of it! Tip: If you would rather have an annual inspection conducted by a professional home inspector, visit Angie's List to find the best local service provider to fit your needs. 

3. Buy a Bunch of Furnace Filters

Changing your furnace filter regularly is one of the easiest ways you can save money (since your furnace will last longer) and improve your health (since the air you breathe will be cleaner). But remembering to pick up a filter from the hardware store every few months isn’t always so easy. Nip that problem in the bud by purchasing in bulk! Take a look at your furnace and write down the filter size, then order enough to last for a few years (the exact number you need will vary depending on the type of furnace you have). 

4. Get to Know Your Appliances

Just like cars and televisions, the appliances in your home have different life expectancies. For example, furnaces usually last for 15-20 years, but water heaters tend to start wearing down after 10 years. It’s worth figuring out how old each appliance in your house is because then you can plan ahead for their replacements. A new furnace can cost as much as $5,000, so a little heads up can really help!

5. Take Advantage of Tax Credits

Did you know that you can receive credits for things like installing solar panels or purchasing Energy Star appliances? Do some research early on about the different tax credits that may apply to you, and then reap the benefits when tax time rolls around! 

6. Start Keeping Records

Every improvement or repair you make to your home – from adding caulk around your bathtub to installing a new roof – will increase its resale value. Make sure all of your hard work pays off by keeping track right from the start! 

7. Beef Up Your Insurance

Take a good look at your homeowners insurance policy and look for any relevant gaps (this is a situation where professional advice can be really helpful). Two areas of coverage to consider are flood and fire protection, which aren’t always included in standard policies. Tip: It’s also worth taking another look at your car insurance, because you now have a much bigger asset (your home) to lose in the event of a lawsuit. 

8. Change Your Locks

You never know how generous the previous homeowner was with their house keys. To be safe, re-key all locks and change your garage door code. Also check to make sure all windows and slider doors lock properly. For added protection, you may want to consider installing a security system as well.

9. Purchase Fire Extinguishers

If a fire starts at home, are you ready? Fire experts recommend you keep at least one fire extinguisher in your kitchen and one in your garage (if you have one). We recommend keeping one extinguisher on every level of your home, so you can extinguish any fires as fast as possible. Extinguishers can be purchased for as little as $20, so there's no excuse not to have them!

10. Replace Your Washer Hoses

Check the hoses that came with your washing machine. If they’re rubber, it's a good idea to replace them with steel braided hoses. These cost $5-$10 more than rubber, but last a lot longer and won't split open.

11. Test Your Smoke and CO Detectors

Your new home probably has smoke detectors. (If not, purchase those, too!) Do they work? This is incredibly important, because about 62 percent of home-related deaths occur because the home did not have working smoke alarms.

To test the detectors, locate the "test" or "reset." If you are having trouble finding it, refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Press the button (you may need a paper clip). If it goes off, your detector is working. The test usually runs about 30 seconds. If your detector doesn’t work, try putting in new batteries and repeat.

12. Check for Radon

Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the ground, so you won’t know that your home has a radon problem unless you test for it. What are the odds? Well, radon problems affect an estimated one out of every 15 homes in the U.S., and causes more than 20,000 deaths annually due to lung cancer. There is good news – a radon test only costs about $30.

If you’d rather not do it yourself, you can hire a qualified tester. Some states maintain a list of radon service providers that are registered, certified, or licensed to test. To learn more about your states requirements for contractors and to find a contractor, click here.

13. Shorten Your Dryer Vent Hose

This one-time fix will cut 20 percent off of your drying time (and save you money in the long run)! Remove the vent hose from the back of your dryer and shorten it using some tin snips, tape and a couple other household items. By decreasing the length of the hose, you reduce the amount of work it takes for your dryer to expel steam and clothes will dry quicker.

14. Check the Size of Your House Numbers

If your home’s address number isn’t visible from the main road (or it’s too small to read), the police and fire department won’t be able to find your house in an emergency. Safety inspectors recommend that your numbers be at least 3-6 inches tall and a color that contrasts with the exterior of your house. Seconds and minutes can make a huge difference in these dangerous situations, so protect your family by making sure your home is easy to identify.

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.

All finished binging on Friends? Yeah, us too. And now we’re ready for something a little more...practical. Care to join us? You’ll get all of the chill-factor with none of the guilt. (Because you’re being “productive,” get it?)

So don your sweatpants, ditch your bra (if you wear one) and chill out to these shows that’ll help make your home awesome:

If You’re Thinking About Going Minimalist...

Tiny: A Story About Living Small

Have you ever felt the urge to sell your stuff and downsize your life? These people actually did just that. Live vicariously and take away some minimalist tips.

If HGTV is Your Jam...

House Hunters Collection  + House Hunters International

It’s the home buying classic you know and love! Follow intrepid couples as they pair up with a realtor and try to find their dream home out in the world.

Flea Market Flip

Do you get a little tingle of excitement every time you pass a yard sale sign or a flea market? Then you’ll dig this show! Laura Spencer and her team scour flea markets looking for furniture and decor they can reinvent.

Property Brothers

This show is all about transforming fixer-uppers into dream homes. It’s fun to watch a family start with a wish list for their home, and watch (some) of it come to fruition.

If You Want to Improve Your Mood...

Happy

Happiness can be elusive, but the director of the award winning film Happy is determined to find out what gives people the feels. Being happier at home is just a click away.

If You Like History, Palaces and Castles...

Secrets of Henry VIII’s Palace

If it’s been awhile since you took a history class, Henry VIII is the one that had six wives beheaded. Do we have your attention now? While this documentary is full of juicy secrets, it’s also full of royal design tips.  

Secrets of Highclair Castle

Downtown Abbey is a real place called Highclair Castle, and it holds more than secrets. In fact, it holds centuries-old Egyptian relics - get this - in its walls. A previous owner bankrolled the expedition that found King Tut’s tomb, and the castle is full of long-forgotten relics and other interesting treasures.

If You Want to Improve Your Cooking...

The Mind of a Chef

Have you ever wanted to get inside the head of the food-obsessed? Here’s your chance. Throw in the fact that this documentary is narrated by our boy Anthony Bourdain, and it is basically gold for the foodies out there.

Somm

What’s harder to pass than the Bar, the GMAT and the PRAXIS rolled into one? It’s called the Master Sommelier exam, it’s about wine, and it’s the toughest test to pass in the world. Follow along as three sommeliers try their luck on the test and learn some wine knowledge along the way.

Spinning Plates

Good food can only take a restaurant so far. Success is really made by the people within the restaurant. A kitchen works the same way - think organization and cleaning regimes - so take a page out of these three amazing restaurant owners’ book.

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.

Not only does a paperless system kill clutter and clear up storage space, it can also keep you organized, reduce stress and save time when searching for long-lost documents. Sounds great, right? Well, when you’re staring at a decade’s worth of paper, going paperless can seem daunting and not worth it.

Relax! Say goodbye to paper with this process:

Part One: Deal With Your Current Paper Problem

1. Invest in the Correct Tools

Before you think about incoming mail, deal with the paper you’ve already accumulated. You’ll need two tools: a scanner and Evernote. While the scanner is an investment, Evernote’s Premium will cost you less than a fancy Starbucks latte ($5 / month). And Premium is worth it. With that $5 a month, you’ll be able to scan all of your documents at once for keywords, so you’ll never dig through recipes for that one chicken salad with the pecans again. (But more on that later.)

2. Organize Your Paper Into Three Piles

Take all of your paper, and create three piles: 1) Toss, 2) Scan and 3) Keep.

The "toss" pile will consist of things like the assignments you did in high school, those old pieces of scratch paper and the love letter from your ex. Basically, the trash you hold onto for no good reason.

In the "scan" pile, you’ll put everything you want to hold onto, like bank statements, tax information and favorite recipes. This will be the largest pile.

Finally, in "keep" pile, you’ll place birth certificates, marriage license(s) and passports. This is the pile for the uber-important stuff that you actually need in hard-copy form.

3. Get Scanning

Toss or shred pile number one. Set pile number three aside. Now it’s number two’s turn. Time to get scanning! We recommend scanning everything in the "scan" pile directly into Evernote. This will save you the headache of trying to keep up with a folder organization system on your hard drive. Plus, (like I mentioned before) Premium will scan everything for keywords, so you won’t have to rely on memory to know your organization system. Boom!

It gets even better. Once everything is scanned into Evernote, you can access your documents from your smartphone, tablet or Evernote.com. So, next time you’re pulled over, you’ll know for sure that you have your proof of insurance handy.

4. Ditch the Filing Cabinet

Now, give the "keep" pile some love. This pile should be relatively small, so a big ‘ole clunky filing cabinet is unnecessary. Instead, store your important docs in a firebox or in a bank deposit box.

Part Two: Make a Plan for Paper That’ll Arrive Later

1. Switch to Electronic Bills and Bank Statements

Most companies that send you recurring bills or receipts, such as banks or insurance companies, also offer the option to receive statements online. Take them up on it! Making the switch usually only takes a few minutes. Tip: Drink something with a huge amount of caffeine in it, and do all your accounts at once.

2. Change Your Magazine and Newspaper Subscriptions

What happens after you read your monthly Vogue? What about the Sunday NYT? If the answer is typically “trash,” switch your subscription to online only. You’ll be able to enjoy the same great photos, content and crossword puzzles from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

3. Create a Workflow You’ll Stick With

Mail happens. So do bills. And clipped recipes, and birthday cards, and "save the date" invitations. All of a sudden, your paper situation is bad again. To prevent this from happening, make a plan now! Use a three-tiered paper shelf to stay organized. Remember those piles you made earlier? Assign one to each level of shelf. Then, once a week, take ten minutes to either toss, scan or keep.

4. Ask for Digital Receipts

If you’re a receipt tosser (you know who you are), then don’t even bother - it will save you paper to just decline a receipt. But, if you keep receipts for tax purposes, always ask for a digital receipt before the cashier rings up your items. Create an email account just for digital receipts that’s quick and easy to say. Not only will you never lose a receipt, you’ll have them all in one place when it’s tax time.

5. Download an App for Notes and To-Do Lists

Paper clutter isn’t just about papers. Sometimes, to-do lists and scratch paper get in the mix and makes things really messy. Plan ahead and download a to-do list app like Any.Do or TeuxDeux before you jot down thoughts or activities. With a digital to do list, you’ll be able to search your lists for keywords quickly and reorder your list based on changing priorities.

6. Visit the Library

Calling all bookworms: Sometimes your favorite tomes create clutter. Instead of buying new paperbacks every time you’re itching for a read, visit the library. You’ll save precious shelf space and money.

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? 

Modern life is high-tech, fast-paced and stressful. It’s a jungle out there! Turning your home into a sanctuary from the always on, always-connected world we live in is not only good for your mind, it’s good for your health! Make your home a relaxation zone with these design fixes.

1. Let in light. Sunlight is nature’s stress-buster, because it positively impacts both physical and mental health. Lift the blinds and lift your mood. If you’re lacking in the natural light department, mirrors can be used to brighten up a room, instead.

2. Dim down at night. While light boosts energy levels, darkness can soothe the soul, so balancing the two is key. In the evening, keep certain spaces (such as your bedroom) low-key by reducing overhead lighting and using a candle or two. The low light will help transition your system to a relaxed state and prepare you for sleep.

3. Frame your loved ones. Remember that fun vacation with those amazing people? You should. Every day. Reliving happy memories breeds an upbeat outlook and framed photos will do the trick. Surround yourself with snapshots of friends, family, places and pets for a daily jolt of positivity.

4. Simplify. Clutter is the enemy of calm. Pick one especially disorderly space in your home (the kitchen, closet or living room are three good options) and spend ten minutes sorting your clutter into three piles: keep, discard and relocate. Eliminate the “discard” pile and move the “relocate” items to their proper places in the house.

5. Add nature. Plants are a great way to make any room feel tranquil and peaceful. Whether you make a statement with a single staghorn fern or scatter jars of wildflowers throughout your home, you can’t go wrong. In addition to the high-traffic display spots, we recommend placing plants in obscure places (like the kitchen, home office or your bathrooms) to keep the natural vibe alive through and through.

6. Power down. The electronics in our lives can drain more than electricity. Surrounding ourselves with screens – computers, TVs, tablets – can take a toll on our sleep habits, too. Hide them if you can, at least an hour or so before bed. The blue light emitted from most electronics actually affects your REM cycle, so you don’t sleep as well. And nothing knocks your stress levels up a notch like a poor night’s sleep!​​​

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.

If your New Year’s resolution has been “get fit” for the last five years, it may be time to pass on the gym membership in 2014 and spend your energy going green, instead! You don’t have to grow dreadlocks or start a granola-only hippie diet to reap the benefits of a green lifestyle. Here are a five easy ways to be eco-friendly in 2015:

Make Your Own Non-Toxic Dish Soap
Store-bought dish soaps are expensive and many of them contain toxic chemicals like ammonia. In fact, the leading cause of poisonings in the home for children under the age of six is liquid dish soap. Protect your family and your wallet by home brewing your suds!

Make All-Natural Air Fresheners
If you’re using store-bought aerosol fresheners to cover up nasty smells, you may also be spreading two toxic chemicals around your house: benzene and formaldehyde.  Both of these chemicals are harmful to humans and animals, and can cause problems such as eye irritation, respiratory trouble and – at higher exposure levels – more serious conditions like cancer. Fortunately, all you need are a few kitchen staples to replace those aerosol cans.

Reduce Waste
Waste means more than the bag of trash sitting by the back door. By paying attention to water and energy usage, you’ll do a solid for the environment and for your wallet.

Reuse and Recycle
You probably know that recycling is an easy way to go green, but did you know that it can help you save some money, too? These five tricks will help you conserve cash and help the environment along the way, so it’s a win/win. 

Switch To CFLs
They’re bright, stylish and will save you money! Yes, CFLs have a slightly higher purchase price, but they only use one-fifth of the power and last up to ten times longer than your current light bulbs. Plus, these new bulbs give you design options that don’t exist with standard light bulbs.

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.

If your idea of decking the halls includes a live evergreen heavy with lights and tinsel, you’re not alone. In fact, over 29 million households are getting a real tree this year to adorn their living rooms and twinkle through their front windows. Keep your perfect tannenbaum alive (with its needles intact) by following these easy steps:

Inspect the Needles
When you’re at the nursery picking out your tree, inspect the needles – they should feel flexible, not dry and brittle.

Trim Your Tree
Before you put your tree in its stand, cut off the bottom inch of the trunk to provide a fresh surface for water uptake.

Water the Tree
As soon as possible, get the tree in water. The base of the tree should never dry out, so make sure your water bowl doesn't become empty! A basic rule of thumb is that a typical tree will absorb a quart of water each day for every inch of trunk diameter.

Give 'Em Something Sweet
This is up for debate, but some people swear by adding sugar, aspirin or corn syrup to their tree’s water. While there is no scientific data backing these substances, we say don’t knock it ‘til you try it. If sugar has worked for you in the past, keep on adding the sweet stuff!

Block the Sun
Keep your tree away from direct sunlight, heaters and fans because these things will speed up the drying-out process.

Keep It Humid
If you have a humidifier in your house, put it in the tree-room. It will help keep the needles fresher long, as well as reduce the risk of fire.

If all of this seems like too much work, opt for a potted tree instead. You can find them at your local nursery. Bonus: Instead of slowly dying in your living room, potted trees can be donated to the parks department or replanted in your yard come January!

Information courtesy of BrightNest.com.

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.