Winter Maintenance

With a 2,000+ mile long winter storm affecting much of the country, there are plenty of home owners who wish they were better prepared.  Even when you live in warm climates, some of these things are important to check periodically.

Preparing for the change of seasons can make your home more comfortable and protect your investment.  Regular maintenance extends the various components of a home and can generate savings in operating costs while avoiding expensive replacements.

• Weather strips around doors and windows should be checked for possible air leaks.
• Caulking around windows and doors should seal out moisture and air leaks.
• HVAC should be inspected and serviced by a professional annually.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested regularly.
• Duct work and supply lines from water heaters should be insulated.
• Fireplace chimneys should be cleaned regularly and fireplaces should be inspected for cracks in mortar and to see if the damper closes properly.
• Gutters should be free of leaves and debris to prevent rainwater build-up.
• Tree branches touching or hanging over your roof should be trimmed.

Please contact us if you need a service provider recommendation.
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Handling the Eyesore

It can be unsightly and upsetting when a home in a neighborhood isn't being maintained like the others. It might be an overgrown yard, a fence in need of repair, paint peeling on the home or even a car parked in front of the home that hasn't moved in weeks.

I believe most people want to be good neighbors and may be willing to correct the issue once it is brought to their attention. In some cases, they may not agree with the same urgency and it might be necessary to seek other remedies.
The most expedient solution may be to contact the responsible person and describe your perception of the problem. An owner-occupant may be sympathetic to the neighbors and more than willing to correct the issue.

However, if you suspect that it is a rental property, check with the county tax records to identify the owner. They may be unaware of the situation and would actually welcome the "heads-up" to protect their investment.

The next step might be to notify the homeowner's association if there is one. The covenants or bylaws will specify how properties must be maintained and the association can enforce them.

The final step would be to notify the city for a possible code violation. Most cities have a separate code and neighborhood services division and some cities have 311 for non-emergency assistance.

10 Edgewood Road Hudson-Room for the whole Family- In Law/Guest Suite - $485,000

Check out the interactive floor plan and video. Ask a question or schedule a showing.

Mini-resort! Maximum enjoyment for the whole family in this expanded Gambrel home beautifully sited on a .75 acre lot at the end of a cul de sac. 11 rooms include 4 bedrooms - 3 upstairs and one on the first floor currently being used for an exercise room, plus a suite w/a 5th bedroom, bath, kitchen & living area that's perfect for in-law, guests, workplace, or hobbies.

The flat backyard has an in-ground pool with a cabana bar, deck, bath, and outdoor outdoor shower. The updated eat-in granite/stainless kitchen & dining room open to a large ski lodge style great  for entertaining or relaxing by the fire. Florida room, spacious loft/game room would be an awesome artist studio; flexible, multipurpose spaces throughout. Hardwood and pine floors, skylights, vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, first floor laundry, lots of parking, and more!

Everything for the way you live, work, and play!

Location: Hudson MA is conveniently located approximately 30 miles west of Boston and approximately 16.5 miles northeast of Worcester. It is bordered by Bolton and Stow on the north, Marlborough on the south, Sudbury on the east, and Berlin on the west. Easy access to Routes 290, 495, and 117. '

More details and photo at http://www.10edgewood.com

 

Maynard Real Estate - Open House 2/10 - Win Bahamas Trip!

7 Taft Ave, Maynard MA

Open House - Sunday 2/10 1 to 3 P.M.

Enter to Win a trip to the Bahamas

Rare find! 4 car garage, 1/2 acre lot, 4 bedrooms, cul-de-sac with river views - lots of recent improvements... stop by, enter to win!

Listed by Marilyn Messenger, William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance - Sudbury, Wayland, Weston, Maynard, Stow, Hudson and west of Boston MA.

Home for the Holidays – Smart, Serious Buyers Buy Now!

Contrary to popular belief, holiday time can be a great time to be in the market for real estate. I’ve always said that smart buyers come out at Thanksgiving! In any market, there are many good reasons for this. Here are just a few:

1. Time to look. Companies give shopping days at this time of year – why not shop for a new home? Even if your ... More...

Find your next home at http://www.marilynmessenger.com or drop a note to marilynmessenger@realtor.com for advice from your local area expert in Sudbury, Maynard, Wayland, Weston, Hudson and west of Boston MA.