Real Estate Information Archive

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”  ~Elmer Davis

As Americans, we celebrate Independence Day on July 4^th to honor our nation’s birthday.  It is day replete with parades, cookouts, picnics, flag waving, fireworks, and a heavy dose of patriotism. 

JULY 4, 1776:  The Second Continental Congress completed its work on the Declaration of Independence.

JULY 4, 1941:  Independence Day was first celebrated as a federal legal holiday.

“We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.”.  ~William Faulkner

Did you know that there is a one-gun salute fired at noon on July 4^th on every capable military base?  It is called the Salute to the Union.

IT’S A GRAND OLD FLAG…and there are specific rules about displaying it proudly and properly. Click here to brush up on how to honor Old Glory.

FABULOUS FOOD:  Having a cookout or picnic with friends and family?   Think about foods that come in patriotic colors--white snow cone cups filled with red and blue berries, e.g.  Be sure to offer hot dogs, hamburgers, cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, and watermelon for an all-American meal.  Maybe even Mom’s apple pie to top it off!  Food Network stars share many delicious recipes for this holiday, and the web even offers a video of grilling safety tips.  For updated and healthy food choices, visit Health.com

Having a holiday gathering?  Better Homes and Gardens has many websites to help you with food, decorations, and crafts for the kids.  Click here for trivia questions such as” How many verses does the Star Spangled Banner have?” to challenge your guests. 

Spread the word—and patriotism.  123Greetings.com offers a good selection of holiday-themed cards to send to family and friends.

FIREWORKS FINALE:  Nearly every U.S. city or town offers an exciting fireworks display to end the day’s festivities, and we’re never to old or young to ooh and ah at the spectacle.  Perhaps the longest celebration is fittingly held in Philadelphia---a 9 day festival culminating in back-to-back fireworks!

George Washington once said, “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.”  Do remember, however, that such a plant needs to cherished, nourished, and protected by each and every American.

Have a safe and happy 4^th!

The 4th of July will be here before you know it. If you don’t have a huge amount of time to decorate with all things red, white and blue, don’t stress! You can still celebrate Independence Day in style by doing a quick patriotic project or two.  These DIY decorations are so easy that they can be done in four minutes or less.

Here are six 4th of July decorations that we salute:

1. Fireworks placemats. Take plain white or beige fabric placemats and give them some 4^th of July bang. All you need is fabric paint, a paper plate and a clean kitchen scrub brush. First, dump out a quarter-sized bit of the paint onto a paper plate. Then, dip the bristles of the scrub brush into the fabric paint and press the bristles firmly onto the fabric. Overlap colors to create your own fireworks display! Tip: To make smaller fireworks, just use a smaller brush.

2. Painted mason jars. If you already have red, white and blue spray paint in your craft room or garage, this project is for you! Simply take three mason jars and paint them. You can paint each jar a different color or turn them into a makeshift American flag. To do this, paint one blue and tape off straight lines with painters tape (to make red and white stripes) for the other two.

3. Layered centerpieces. Head out to your local supermarket and pick up three jars of sprinkles: one red, one blue and one white. Gather up a few small vases or glass containers, and pour each color of sprinkles into the vase, one color at a time. This will create a beautiful, layered centerpiece display for your table! Place a few tall candles inside for some patriotic lighting. Tip: If you don’t have time to run to the store, use white rice and dye it with food coloring.

4. Decoupage tin cans. Cover various size cans (coffee cans work great for this) in scrapbook paper. Cut out your decorative paper so it fits evenly when wrapped around the jar, and then lightly coat the tin with spray adhesive. Adhere the paper to the tins. That’s it! Add water and flowers for a quick vase, or fill each tin with eating utensils for a buffet-style display.

5. Patriotic printables. Few things are faster than clicking the print button. If you’re looking for quick 4^th of July art, you can find fun, patriotic printables online, and most are free or super cheap. We especially like this one from eighteen25. All you need to do is find one that fits your style, hit print and then frame it.

If you think of your appliances as one-trick ponies, you’re selling them short! Many of them have secondary talents that, sadly, go untapped. It’s kind of like only seeing Beyoncé sing while standing still, which prevents you from experiencing her other-worldly dance skills (can you say tragedy?).

If you’re open to a little outside-the-box domestic thinking, it’s easy to unlock your appliances’ hidden potential! Here are five ways you can move beyond their user manuals.

1. Make potpourri in the coffee grinder. Your coffee grinder can, in fact, grind more than coffee. Create your own potpourri by mincing up pieces of dried flowers, lavender and orange or lemon peels (or cinnamon sticks). You don’t have to stick with these ingredients – we encourage experimenting with other spices and scents to create your own signature potpourri blend.

2. Remove crayon marks with a blow dryer. Should your toddler (or artistically rebellious teenager) create a crayon mural on the wall, take a deep breath and just reach for the blow dryer. On the hottest setting, the air will be warm enough to melt the crayon. Then, wash the crayon away using a sponge and mild dish soap. Crayola crisis averted!

3. Disinfect sponges in the microwave. This alternate use rivals 90-second popcorn and Pop-Tarts on the awesomeness scale. Along with cooking delicious treats, your microwave is also a master germ-killer. Use it to sterilize and deodorize your sponge by wetting it and microwaving on the highest setting for two minutes to kill bacteria. Carefully remove the sponge and then let it cool before using it again. 

4. Cook salmon in the dishwasher. Before you wrinkle your nose at this idea, remember: the dish water will not touch your food! Be a dinner party magician by preparing a seafood feast in the same device that will clean it up later. Salmon is an especially foolproof option because it’s a “forgiving” fish (i.e. hard to really mess up). Just make sure you wrap the salmon securely in foil and use the dishwasher’s “normal” cycle. The water’s high temperature will poach the fish. Tip: Keep your fish on the top rack for best results. For detailed instructions, visit Wine X Magazine.

5. Warm plates in the toaster oven. Serving a home-cooked meal on a toasty plate is a small touch that can make a big difference at a dinner party. Conventional ovens usually don’t go below 200 degrees (too hot!), but you can rely on Mr. Toaster Oven to achieve this masterful party trick. Place two plates inside the oven for five minutes at 170 degrees for culinary cachet. 

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.

Five years ago Bea Johnson and her husband and two sons were looking for a home closer to the restaurants, shops and school in their coastal California town. 

During the year they spent house hunting, the family of four moved into a small apartment, took only the possessions that were absolutely necessary and left the rest in storage.

“After living with just the necessities, we realized that we had much more time to spend with our family when we weren’t spending it caring for a large house and lots of belongings,” says Johnson.

Then, when they did decide on a house, they chose one half the size of their previous home and simplified by selling most of their old stuff.

Around that time, Johnson and her husband began investigating environmental issues. “We read books, watched documentaries, and what we learned worried us and made us sad for our kids’ futures,” she says. “So we decided to do something about it. My husband quit his job to start a sustainability consulting company, and I tackled greening our house.”

It was then that Johnson devised a system to reduce the family’s garbage—she calls it the Zero Waste Home. She started by swapping everything disposable in their home (paper towels, water bottles, grocery bags) for reusables.

Today, she says, her family’s yearly waste can fit in a quart-size jar.

She spoke with LearnVest about how to get started, her zero-waste strategies and the one sustainable habit she’s just not down with.

Information from 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.

The reliable way to find a stud is by using a stud finder tool – a basic model costs about $10-$20 at your local hardware store. If you don’t have one, don’t give up hope just yet. Try this easy stud-finding trick!

You’ll need: painter’s tape, one strong refrigerator magnet (a one-inch diameter is perfect), scissors, pencil, ruler (optional)

1. Cut a six-inch strip of the painter’s tape.

2. Place your magnet in the center of the painter’s tape.

3. Fold the tape over the magnet onto itself. It should form a small sling with the magnet at one end. Make sure there is enough tape on the magnet-free end – you need to be able to comfortably grip the tape.

4. Move your magnet-stud-finder along the wall. Studs are wood, but the nails holding the drywall into the studs are metal! When you drag it over the stud, the magnet will stick to the wall!

5. Mark where the magnet stopped with a pencil and you’re done! You’re ready to hang your wall art.

6. If you want to find multiple studs, measure 16” to the left or right of where your magnet sticks. Studs are typically located 16” apart in a home with 8-foot ceilings.

Tip: If magnets and tape seem like too much effort, or this doesn’t work for you, just look for a wall outlet. Studs will generally be vertically aligned with the outlet. Think of it as the fast-game version of finding a stud.

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.

What do a Swiss Army knife and a can of blue paint have in common? They’re both multi-functional! You can probably figure out the knife’s other uses, but what’s up with blue paint? Let’s just say that after you find out, you may start thinking about repainting your porch.

Choosing blue paint isn’t the only design decision that can have hidden benefits. Here are four home décor items that have two (or more) functions you may not know about.

Blue paint can also be ....

Wasp repellant. Few things ruin a relaxing porch session faster than a swarm of angry wasps, and getting rid of them isn’t always easy. Traipsing around with a can of Raid is one option, but here’s another idea: paint your porch ceiling a light blue (like robin’s egg or periwinkle). According to Southern wisdom, the color deters wasps from nesting in your ceiling because it’s a similar hue to the sky. Some people write this off as folklore, but we figure if it works, it works! At the very least, you’ll promote a sense of calmness on your porch.

Solar shades can also be ...

Furniture protectors. If ever there was a décor piece that deserves the Jack-of-all-trades nickname, it’s solar shades. Not only do these puppies create a cool, modern look in any room, they also reduce glare and heat from the sun. Plus, they block out UV rays, which prolongs the life of your furniture. To put your solar-shade excitement over the edge, some designs don’t obstruct your view when they’re drawn. There are a number of options on the market, but the Signature Solar Shades from Blinds.com are extremely popular.

Mirrors can also be ...

Sunlight magnifiers. A full-length mirror’s ability to show you how great your butt looks in those new jeans is well documented. But, depending on the placement of the mirror, it can also be used to brighten up a room! If possible, position a mirror across from a window or other source of natural light – it will reflect the light around the room and brighten things right up.

Sherwin Williams Harmony Paint can also be ...

An air freshener. If you thought paint was only good for adding color to a room, think again. Not only is the Harmony series a zero-VOC paint (good for your health), it also gets rid of house odors (good for your nose). Whether your home-stink comes in the pet, smoke, food or mold variety, Harmony is specifically designed to help freshen things up.

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.

Dinner under the stars is one of life’s simple pleasures, and that’s why we think creating a beautiful outdoor dining space shouldn’t break the bank. With a few simple tweaks, you can transform your yard, patio or courtyard into a space fit for a feast. Plus, creating a little incentive to dine at home can save you a ton of money in the long run – the average American family spends $4,000 a year eating out at restaurants!

Here are six budget-friendly patio décor suggestions:

Know the role. Instead of letting your outdoor space become a social catch-all zone, choose a specific purpose. Do you want it to be for dinner parties or slumber parties? Evening entertaining or daytime lounging? Make a decision and decorate accordingly.

Plant perennials. Adding pots full of perennials to your outdoor living space is an easy, cost-effective way to inject some color and visual interest. Why perennials, instead of annuals? You only have to plant perennials once and then you’ll get to enjoy them every year. Bonus: A well-manicured and maintained yard can increase a home’s market value by up to 83 percent!

Go double duty. Opt for furniture pieces that can multitask, such as side tables that work for board game tournaments and ottomans that store outdoor essentials like throw blankets, sunscreen and bug spray.

Shop at the right time. If you need to grab some patio furniture, wait until after July 4^th (prices take a dive after this major summer holiday). Tip: For the very best deals, visit stores like HomeGoods and Big Lots at the end of summer when they’re trying to empty their inventory.

Go big. This may seem counter-intuitive, but a few large pieces of furniture will stretch your dollar further than a collection of several small pieces. Plus, if you have limited outdoor living space, using large furniture instead of smaller pieces will prevent the area from feeling too cluttered.

Add a rug. If you have a covered patio or deck, adding a large area rug is hands-down the biggest-impact décor move you can make. This one piece will tie the outdoor space together and make it feel complete. Tip: The indoor décor doesn’t have to stop with a rug! Don’t hesitate to bring things like lamps, flower vases and throw pillows outside, too.

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.

Just like people, no two screens have the same strength. You can use these methods for all screens, but be gentle if yours are more fragile.

1. Remove your screens. For best screen-cleaning results, remove your screens from the window before getting started. If you’re just trying to clean your screens quickly, and they aren’t too bad (think 1-2 on the dirt scale), it’s okay to leave them in the window. You won’t get every nook and cranny clean, but it’s better than doing nothing. If your screens are any dirtier than that, we definitely recommend removing them from the window. Otherwise, you won’t be able to remove the large chunks of dirt (plus it will make a big mess).
2. Dirt level: 1. If your screens are only a little dirty (and most of the dirt is loose) a lint brush is your new best friend! Roll over each screen on both sides two or three times to remove the loose dust. If this doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to take it to the next level.
3. Dirt level: 2. If your screens are covered in dust and loose dirt, a vacuum cleaner is the way to go. Only use your vacuum cleaner if it has a soft brush attachment. Otherwise, you could risk damaging your screens. Place the soft brush attachment on the vacuum’s hose and run it lightly against each screen. Don’t push too hard or you could tear the screen! Vacuum both sides of the screen until the dust and grime are gone.
4. Dirt level: 3. If you have dirt and caked-on grime all over your screens, they will need a little scrubbing to really get clean. Mix a solution of one tablespoon dish soap (you can substitute white vinegar for dish soap) with ½ gallon of lukewarm water. It’s best to do this outside to avoid making a mess. Tip: Wet your screens first with a garden hose. Then, dip a soft cloth in the solution and scrub both sides of the screens until the dirt and grime are removed. If your screens are fragile or thin, don’t push too hard! Rinse the soap away and let them dry completely before putting them back in the window.
5. Dirt level: 4. If your screens look like they’ve been marinating in a mud pile for a year, you’ll need an old toothbrush to dislodge all of the grime. Mix a solution of one tablespoon dish soap (again, vinegar works, too) with ½ gallon of lukewarm water, and start gently scrubbing your screens with the brush until the grime is lifted. Rinse the screens thoroughly and let them dry completely before you reinstall them.
6. Insect issues. If insects are sneaking through your screens, seal the holes on the bottom portion of your screen with clear nail polish. This should prevent insects from climbing through. This works for new screens and screens that have seen better days. For older screens, take a good look at the holes. If they seem larger than they were a year ago, it’s probably time to buy new screens. Note: If insects are dead-set on getting through your screens, this may not work because they’ll climb up the screen until they can fit through a hole. Instead, try some other pest prevention strategies.

If you’re not sure where to start wrangling your clutter, here are five real-life solutions to common clutter areas around the house. These tips were hand-picked from members of HomeTalk, an online home improvement community.

Your Pantry. When’s the last time you organized your pantry? If finding ingredients feels more like an epic-quest than a short step on the way to dinner, it’s time to reevaluate your cupboards. Using mason jars or labeled baskets like Design, Dining and Diapers is a great way to separate commonly used items from those holiday-specific sprinkles.

The Mail Room. So maybe you don’t have a mail room, but there’s probably a table, chair or floor space in your house that looks like one. Instead of letting the bills pile up, try this kitchen command-center idea from Domestic Imperfection. By sorting mail into “outbox,” “needs attention,” and “coupons and gift cards” bins, you’ll be able to focus on urgent stuff right away and save the catalogues for a later date!

Your Kitchen Counter. Your countertops are precious real estate, so clear the clutter with a wall storage system. No. 29 Design simply hung her baking supplies and gadgets a few inches off of her counter. Fill your rack with chalkboard paint labeled jars, and you’ve got yourself an art piece!

Your Jewelry Collection. We’ve touted how easy it is to organize jewelry with old teacups and baking pans, but what do you do if you want to hang your collection on the wall? Bles-ID suggests grabbing your vegetable steamer (how often do you really use that, anyway?) and tacking it up – it’s the perfect way to display earrings!

The Linen Closet. Makeup, toiletries, towels and beauty tools can quickly turn your linen closet into an organization disaster zone. Reevaluate everything in your closet periodically and toss anything you don’t use. When you’re reorganizing your closet, try rolling your towels like DIY Design Fanatic – they’ll take up less space and look better!

HomeTalk is an online forum where homeowners, renters and pros share ideas and help each other with home and gardening tasks. You can ask questions, see real-life examples and even give advice.

Information courtesy of 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.