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Musty Basements Be Gone! (In 3 Simple Steps)

by Don Roth

Heat rises and moisture falls. That’s why your basement smells like a 100-year-old mothball community, which is just the worst. Whether you’re worried about stinking up stored items, you want to furnish the space or the mothball smell is just driving you crazy, don’t worry! The space is salvageable.

Here’s your 3-step guide to de-musting, de-stinking & de-funking your basement:

Step 1: Invest in a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air so your basement stops feeling like a rainforest. It’s important to keep the moisture level in control to protect your furniture, health and home. If the air in your basement is higher than 60% relative humidity, you have a problem. (Here’s a step-by-step for checking your home’s humidity if you’re not sure where you fall.)

One Amazon reviewer said the humidity level of her home dropped more than 30% after just a few hours of using this dehumidifier. A close alternative is this option, also with positive reviews.

Step 2: Give The Floor a Good Scrub

Combine one cup of oxygen bleach with one gallon of cool water for a musty-scent killing concoction. Go after the corners and any areas where you have found mold before. Safety Note: Oxygen bleach is a safer alternative to chlorine bleach that won’t damage most floor types, but you still need to be careful! Make sure you follow all the warning labels and keep the bleach out of reach from kids and pets when you store it.

Step 3: Baking Soda, Baking Soda, Baking Soda

Baking soda is a good must prevention item once you have the situation under control. Place a few open boxes of baking soda around the basement. You can do this in an inconspicuous places like behind furniture and inside of cabinets.

The baking soda will absorb the humidity and any smells that may be trying to brew. Note: It’s a good idea to replace the boxes every few months.

Still Stinky? Try Charcoal.

Charcoal is another, more powerful natural substance that can be used to absorb moisture and remove odor. Just be sure to store it on a plate or inside an old sock so it doesn’t get soot everywhere. Pet Tip: If you have pets, this solution may not be a good idea. You don’t want give Sparky a new toy.

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) 657-8700complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

6 Ways to Prepare Your Home For Fall

by Don Roth

pumpkinHere are simple tips to help you prepare your home for Fall.

  1. Change your linens and move your mattress. Strip and vacuum your mattress and machine wash all of your bed linens, including your comforters, duvets, bed skirts and pillows. Then, turn your mattress front-to-back and end-to-end – flipping your mattress prolongs its life by evenly distributing the wear. For more tips, read: Maintain Your Mattress.

  2. Inspect your windows. Start by cleaning your windowpanes, then your drapes or blinds, and finish with the window tracks (a vacuum with a hose attachment works best for this last job). If your windows are older, you likely have weather stripping to help seal your windows and keep cold drafts and moisture at bay. Inspect this weather stripping to see if it’s torn, damaged or needs to be replaced. Proper weather stripping can reduce your energy bills by as much as 30 percent! For a step-by-step guide to cleaning your windows, read: Inspect and Maintain Your Windows.
     
  3. Inspect your exterior doors. For each exterior door, check the weather stripping that runs along the bottom and side of it for any cracks, leaks or wear. Close the door and place your hand along the bottom and sides of it. If you feel a draft coming through, you should replace your weather stripping. For extra insulation, purchase a few draft stoppers, which cost about $5 at your local hardware store.
     
  4. Check your gutters. During the fall and winter, your gutters are filled with leaves, rainfall and snowmelt, so the clearer they are now, the better you’ll fare come winter. Break out a ladder (always practice proper ladder safety) and remove all dirt and debris from your gutters by hand. For a step-by-step guide, read: Gutter Cleaning.
     
  5. Clean and store patio furniture. It’s always a good idea to clean your patio furniture before you store it inside for the winter. Different types of patio furniture require different cleaning techniques, so to learn how to properly clean your type of patio furniture, read: Clean Your Deck / Patio. Tip: Remove any stains from your furniture cushions before putting the chairs into storage, because if a stain sits on the fabric all winter, it’ll be more difficult to get out.
     
  6. Clean light fixtures and dust ceiling fans. It doesn’t take long for dirt to create a film on your light fixtures and a layer of dust to form on the blades of your ceiling fan. To clean your glass light fixtures, denture tablets are actually one of the most effective products. To remove dust and dirt from your ceiling fans you simply need a ladder, canned air and all-purpose cleaner.
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.

5 Costly Assumptions New Homeowners Make

by Don Roth

piggy bankIf 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.

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.

5 Simple Ways to Make Houseguests Feel at Home

by Don Roth

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.

Clean Your Deck / Patio

by Don Roth

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.

Insider Tip: The Easiest Way to Update Your Home

by Don Roth

Ready for a decor change at home?

No problem! To make a room feel updated, you don’t need a ton of time or a cleaning crew. You just need some flowers. Really! A bouquet of your favorite arrangement is the easiest, fastest and cheapest way to refresh a room.

Flowers are a great low-effort way to update a room for two reasons:

  1. They smell great! A little bit of clutter seems like less of an issue when a room smells like roses. One fresh flower is all you need to fill a room with a pleasant aroma. Tip: For the strongest perfume, choose gardenias, roses or lilies.
  2. They’ll make you happy. People with fresh flowers in their homes are more likely to feel less worried and less anxious. Buy a bouquet of your favorite flowers to reap the mental health benefits!

Ready to buy some flowers? Check out these tricks to make sure your bouquet rocks:

Choose Unopened Buds. 

It’s actually best to avoid grabbing the prettiest arrangement in the store. Instead, choose one that hasn’t met its full potential yet. If a bouquet has a few unopened buds, it will last longer, saving you money. Note: If there are several tightly shut green buds, skip that arrangement. Green buds mean they weren’t given time to mature before they were cut and will probably die before they open.

Feel the Petals. 

Gently feel all of the petals of the open or bloomed flowers. You want them to be firm and not squishy. Squishy petals mean the flower is farther along in its lifecycle.

Check the Stems. 

Even if you plan on cutting the stems once the flowers are in your home, check out the stems in the store. Choose flowers with white or green stems, which means they’re freshly cut. If the stems are dark, curling or brittle, they’ve probably been there awhile and won’t live as long.

Pamper Your Flowers at Home. 

Once your flowers are home, give them special attention! Prolong the life of your fresh flowers and reap the health benefits longer with these six tips.

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.

5 Ways Getting Organized at Home Can Save You Cash

by Don Roth

We could all use some extra cash, am I right? Getting strict with your budget can certainly help you save money, but that’s not the only approach! A few tweaks to your lifestyle and a little organization can help pad your bank account.

Here are five organization ideas that can save you money:

Create a Mail System

If you have a stack of bills…somewhere in your house… chances are you’ll eventually miss a payment. Or worse, lose a bill. To avoid mail chaos and bill pay panic, create a mail system. That way, you’ll always be aware of what is owed when and avoid late fees. To make things even easier, skip the paper entirely and sign up for automatic withdrawal to pay bills. 

Potential savings: $34 per bill paid on time (an average credit card bill late fee)

Get to Know Your Clothes

When it come to clothes, we typically stick to certain “looks,” but that doesn’t mean you need to own five black sweaters! Take the time to organize your closet and remind yourself what you already own. That way, the next time you’re partaking in a little retail therapy, you’ll avoid buying a repeat item by accident.

Potential savings: $70 per sweater not purchased

Store Your Coupons Digitally

Paper coupons are great in theory, but actually keeping up with them can be a hassle. Instead of a box or binder, try the free app SnipSnap. To use the app, take a picture of it with your phone when you get a paper coupon. The coupon is then stored and organized by store. So, for example, when you walk into Kroger, all of your Kroger coupons will be saved for you.

Potential savings: $10 per week at the grocery store

Plan Meals in Advance

Over the weekend (or whenever you have a consistent 30 minute gap of free time) plan a menu for the week. Then, buy all of the groceries you’ll need at once. That way, you won’t be stressed to find something to eat last minute, which often leads to a restaurant, or takeout. And neither of those help your wallet!

Tip: Give your fridge a onceover before you head to the grocery store. Not only will you save some cash by not doubling up on items, you may save some veggies that are on the verge of expiration.

Potential savings: $8 per person, per meal (the average difference between eating out and cooking at home)

Be Proactive About Gifts

Let’s say you want to buy your sister a shirt from J. Crew for her birthday. Which is tomorrow. You’re pretty much doomed to a mall trip where you’ll pay whatever price they’re offering.

But, if you plan ahead, you can snag that shirt when J. Crew is having one of its many sales! Tip: This works especially well for the holidays because you’ll also avoid the stress of shopping for so many people at once.

Potential savings: $21, if you snag a $70 J. Crew sweater on a 30% off sale!

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.

7 Free Apps to Help Personalize Your Life

by Don Roth

We don’t want to get all mushy or anything, but you’re one-of-a-kind! And that means you have unique wants and needs.

There are a lot of mobile apps out there focusing on personalization, and some do a better job than others. We pulled together seven of our favorites – each one will help you customize a different facet of your daily life. Here they are!

Sworkit (Your Fitness)

Sworkit can help you get fit, regardless of how much time you have or where you are. After downloading the app, you can choose what type of training you’re after (strength, cardio, yoga), your workout (full body, core, lower body) and the amount of time you have (anywhere from 5 to 60 minutes). That’s it! Sworkit will curate a set of exercises just for you.

Available in: iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Apps

BrightNest (Your Home)

The latest version of BrightNest takes home customization to a new level with the Interactive Home Quiz. The app serves up a series of simple “yes or no” questions about your home and delivers a personalized tip based on each response.

BrightNest also allows you to create custom to-dos and set recurring reminders, so whether you want to reorganize your tool shed twice a year or clean your fish tank once a week, BrightNest will help you get it done.

Available in: iTunes

Mint (Your Finances)

Mint helps you understand exactly where your money is going. Once securely synced with your bank accounts, Mint creates a customized budget based on personal spending. Then, the app gives you the freedom to choose your own budget limits.

Whether you need to adjust your spending to include a new hobby (hello, new pottery wheel) or simply track your meals out, Mint makes it easy.

Available in: iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Apps, Windows Store

mySkin (Your Skincare)

The mySkin app demystifies skincare by creating a personalized routine based on your skin. When you sign up for mySkin, you’re prompted to answer questions about your skin type (dry or oily), skin color, hair color and past skin problems (like acne, blackheads or scars). The app then serves up a skincare routine that’s right for you and recommends products.

Available in: iTunes, Windows Store

Ness (Your Food)

When you sign up for Ness, they’ll prompt you to select the types of foods you like and the types you hate. After that, Ness will serve up restaurant recommendations, and allow you to rate places you’ve already tried. Every time you rate a place you’ve eaten (it’s kind of like Netflix for restaurants), their recommendations for you will improve.

Available in: iTunes

Lumosity (Your Brain)

Do you have trouble remembering people’s names? What about doing quick math in your head or switching between different tasks? Lumosity can help you get better at each of these things (or all three!).

When you create an account, Lumosity prompts you to select the different aspects of your brain that you’d like to train. Then, they send you a customized workout routine every day. Then, you can set training reminders at a time that works for you.

Available in: iTunes

Keep (Your Closet)

Love to shop but hate the mall? Keep personalizes the shopping experience by bringing styles you’ll actually wear into one app. To customize your experience, choose brands, stores and looks that fit your personal style. Then, under the MyFeed tab, you’ll see curated shoes, bags, clothes and home items for sale. When you scroll over an item you like, you can “Buy” or “Keep,” making sure you never miss a deal.

Available in: iTunes, Google Play

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.

Allergies Ahoy! Preemptive Steps to Outsmart Allergens

by Don Roth

Heads up – this year, allergy season is coming early! For many of us, the start of spring will mean warmer weather, outdoor activities and an appetite for all things grilled. But for the 40 million allergy sufferers in the United States, March will also bring wheezing, itchy eyes and painful sinus pressure.

Believe it or not, tree pollen is already on the rise in most parts of the United States. If you’re suffering from any hay fever symptoms, blame your favorite trees – their pollen is king during the spring allergy season, followed closely by grass and ragweed.

If you’re feeling the pain every time you inhale, make your house an allergy-free zone. By doing a few chores before allergy season is in full swing, you’ll be able to avoid a lot of the uncomfortable symptoms! 

1. Shut Your Doors and Windows

Tree pollen frequently comes right through your front door, so keep your doors and windows shut! Inspect your windows and make sure there aren’t any cracks. If you spot a few, a quick caulk mission will fix the problem.

2. Change Your Air Filters

Think of your air filter as the bouncer at an exclusive club – it’s crucial if you want to keep pesky allergens off the dance floor (the dance floor is the air in your house). It takes less than two minutes to change your air filter, and they’re usually less than $30, so this one is a cinch!

3. Inspect Your Air Ducts 

Your air ducts pump air around your house like Arnold pumps iron, and all of that moving air can make your air ducts dirty. Clean ductwork translates to better indoor air quality and less dust and allergens floating around, so take 30 minutes out of your day and inspect your ducts before allergy season arrives in full force:

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.

Four Easy Ways to Green Your Move

by Don Roth

A new home is an exciting fresh start. Actually moving into that new home, however, can be a huge pain.

To add to the stress of shuffling houses, it’s hard to keep your carbon footprint low when you’re dealing with cardboard boxes, tape, bubble wrap and Styrofoam.

Keep your move “green” with these tips:

Look for Green Peanuts

Yes, we literally mean green-colored packing peanuts. The moving industry got together and decided to be really obvious with their packaging, so the green-colored items are often biodegradable, recycled or derived from renewable resources like vegetable oils.

Always read the label to make sure, but grabbing green packing peanuts is typically going to be a safe bet!

Rent Boxes

Cardboard boxes are a pain for several reasons:

  1. If you can’t find them for free, you have to pay for them.
  2. There’s a high probability that the bottom of your box will break if you move anything heavy. And there goes your stuff!
  3. They take at least two months to decompose in a landfill, which isn’t great on the conscience.

Instead, go plastic! Services like ZippGo.com will deliver plastic boxes to your house, then pick them up when you’re done moving for as little as $99. You’ll save time hunting down boxes and avoid broken-bottom situations during the move.  

Give Best Buy Your Old TV

Often times, moving means you get to upgrade your things. If you’re considering new electronics or appliances for your new home, give Best Buy a call. Through their recycling program, they’ll take nearly “all electronics and large appliances” off of your hands at no charge. Staples also has a similar program.

Donate Used Boxes

If you decide to use cardboard boxes during your move, no worries! You can lower your carbon footprint after the move by donating your gently used boxes.

Most moving companies will gladly take those boxes off of your hands. You can also post them on Craigslist – most recipients will probably come to you to grab the boxes, so you can avoid a trip to the dump. 

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

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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.

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