Real Estate Information Archive

The holidays are almost here, so your guest bedroom is probably about to earn its keep. Hosting large groups of people is never easy – especially when crazy Aunt Rita decides to stay for a few extra days – so it’s a good idea to be proactive and organized. We partnered with Jill Pollack, organizational expert and host of HGTV Canada’s show Consumed, to come up with these 10 tips for taking great care of houseguests.

1. Break Out the Hotel Toiletries

If you secretly pocket those mini shampoo and moisturizer bottles from hotels, you’re not alone. But do you ever actually use them? Unexpected houseguests give you an excellent opportunity to use your stash of small toiletries to turn your guest bathroom into a four-star hotel.

2. Kid-Proof Your House

You may not have any little ones in the house right now, but if your guests have young children, it’s a good idea to take some basic safety precautions. Pay special attention to the kitchen, which will likely see a lot of action during the holidays.

3. Prep Your Front Porch

You probably use your side or garage door most of the time, but guests will park on the street and enter through your front door. Do a quick check to make sure your porch lights are working, and have some salt and a shovel handy to keep walkways safe if it snows or freezes overnight.

4. Set Up a Shoe Basket

This is more for you (and your house) than for your guests. Place a big basket near your front door to store shoes. This will prevent dirt from being tracked through your house, which wreaks havoc on your carpets and hardwood floors. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of making everyone take off their shoes, at least throw down some welcome mats so they can wipe the worst of winter off before they explore your house.

5. Test-Drive Your Guest Room

This is an easy way to find out what’s working and what isn’t. Is the temperature comfortable? How about the pillows and mattress? If there are any issues, you may want to balance your heating system or flip your mattress. And don’t forget to wash the pillows and sheets!

6. Check Your Outlets

These days, most people travel with a smart phone, laptop and possibly an iPad. If everyone is going to stay fully charged, you may need to increase your outlet availability. Grab a few extra power strips from storage (or Best Buy) and set them up in common rooms. That way, everyone can get their Angry Birds fix before dinner.

7. Remove Pet Hair

If you have a furry friend in the house, your guests may not find his or her hair quite as endearing as your immediate family does (they might even be allergic). So, go on a quick pet-hair removal mission before people arrive. Our favorite method? A rubber cleaning glove.

8. Clean Out Your Closets

If you’ve been using your closets to hide a bunch of clutter, you should probably take care of the problem now before your niece or nephew gets buried in an avalanche of knickknacks. For step-by-step instructions, read: Organize Your Closet.

9. Demystify Your Bathroom

Have you ever gotten all undressed and ready for a shower in an unfamiliar bathroom only to realize you can’t figure out how the faucet works? It’s a major bummer. If your bathroom has a few quirks (like the hot water only works if the faucet is set just right) make sure you let your guests know before it’s too late.

10. Break Out the Photos

This is a good tip if you’re the kind of host who takes an above-and-beyond approach. Guests will feel more welcome if they can check out some photos of shared experiences and memories that are placed around your house. If you’ve moved all the photos of some people on your guest list into a box somewhere, make sure you pull them out of storage!

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.

Everything is tucked away and out of sight. You can relax now, right? Not so fast! Just because something is put away doesn’t mean it’s put away correctly. Sometimes organizing your abode can actually do more harm than good!

Follow these storage Dos and Don’ts to protect your belongings, keep your family safe and even make your food taste better:

In the Bedroom

DON’T: Hang pearls. If you have a strand of pearls, it requires special TLC. Never hang the strand, because the necklace’s thread will stretch out prematurely. Also, keep the pearls away from other jewelry, because the surface of a pearl is easily scratched. The best place to store pearls is in a silk bag or velvet-lined box.

DO: Store seasonal clothes in a dry spot. Dark, damp areas of the home are basically mold’s paradise! Keep your seasonal clothes safe from mold and mildew by storing them in a dry, well-ventilated area (like under the bed). Unless you live in a dry climate, keep your storage units out of the basement or attic.

In the Bathroom

DON’T: Ignore the space above your toilet. What’s under your bathroom sink? If you have a long list of beauty tools, toiletries and cleaning supplies, it’s time to find those items a new home. Don’t let the spot over your toilet go vacant. Grab a few easy-to-install shelves at your local hardware store and start re-organizing your bathroom supplies above your toilet.

DO: Move medicine out of the bathroom. “Medicine cabinet” is a total misnomer – the bathroom is actually the worst place to store your meds! Bathrooms tend to get hot, muggy and damp – all bad things for medication. Humid environments cause medications to break down and lose their potency far before the expiration date. The best place for your pills is in a desk drawer or a kitchen or dining room cabinet. If you haven’t checked out your medicines in awhile, it’s probably time to safety check your medicine cabinet.

In the Kitchen

DON’T: Keep unused appliances on the countertop. Unless you drink smoothies at every meal, the blender probably doesn’t belong on the countertop 24/7. Same goes for the toaster and the coffee grinder – put them away! Tip: If your lack of cabinet space is forcing the appliances onto the counter, try one of these new spots to store kitchen gadgets.

DO: Store some veggies out of the fridge. Your fridge may have a crisper drawer, but that doesn’t mean every veggie belongs there! Some produce – like avocados, onions and tomatoes – thrive outside of the refrigerator. For a full list, check out: Fridge or Counter: Where Should Fresh Foods Go?

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 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.

You probably haven’t gotten your first blast of freezing weather yet, but winter is right around the corner. You wouldn’t go outside without a warm coat in December, so don’t leave your house defenseless against the elements, either!

Here are five ways to prep your house for winter:

Insulate Your Hot Water Heater

For a lot of homes, the hot water heater is one of the biggest energy users in the house. This is especially true if your heater is located in a non-insulated room like the garage. Just think how much harder your heater has to work to deliver those piping hot showers if it’s sitting in a 30 degree room! Consider adding an insulating blanket over your heater to maximize its efficiency this winter. For more ways to save energy and money, read: Inspect and Maintain Your Water Heater.

Bundle Up Your Attic and Crawlspaces

Gaps and holes in your insulation are similar to having gaps and holes in your coat. They kind of defeat the purpose. By repairing your insulation, you can save more than 20 percent on your utility bills this winter. To learn how, read: Inspect and Repair Your Insulation.

Protect Your Pipes

 When water freezes, it expands. If it’s inside a pipe when it expands, the water breaks the pipe and leaves you with a gargantuan repair bill. To prevent this, shut down your sprinkler system and hose spigots before the first big freeze of the year. To protect your indoor pipes, be sure to never set your thermostat below 55 degrees F (even if you’re going out of town for an extended period of time).

Schedule a Checkup for Your Furnace

We’re entering the prime furnace-usage season, so if there’s a problem, you want to take care of it now, not when it’s 10 degrees outside. Schedule a routine checkup for your furnace to make sure everything is kosher.

Perfect a Warm Drink

Now that your house is prepped for the cold, it’s time to get your winter libation figured out. If hot chocolate is your thing, nothing beats this indulgent Mexican hot chocolate recipe from Babble. For an adult version of the winter beverage, try this hot toddy from Tyler Florence.

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.

Seriously, who doesn’t love Thanksgiving? You can hang out with your family, consume more carbs than may be considered medically advisable and then relax on the sofa for anywhere from one to five hours. Sounds like a fantastic day.

The thing is, even though you don’t do much more than eat, chat and sit around, Thanksgiving can get pretty expensive. Not only do you have to purchase a feast, but the pressure that half a dozen (or more) houseguests put on your house can add up to more than a few pricey repairs and cleanup efforts.

So, as turkey day approaches, give one of these cost-effective strategies a try and save the extra dough for those Black Friday deals.

Be Kind to Your Pipes

For residential plumbers, Black Friday is the single busiest day of the year (plumbing problems increase by about 50 percent). A typical visit from a plumber costs anywhere from $125-300, so this is definitely something to avoid! How do you manage that? Easy, don’t treat your garbage disposal like a trash can. That means things like turkey bones, poultry skin, potato peels, grease, oil and fat should all wind up in the garbage, not down your sink. If you do wind up with a clog, don’t panic. You can probably fix it yourself.

Buy a Frozen Turkey 

To some this suggestion may be borderline blasphemy, but hear us out. If you opt for a fresh turkey from an expensive grocery store, you might pay as much as $64 for a 16 lb. turkey. On the other side of the spectrum, discounted frozen turkeys of the same size are going for as little as $8 in some places. That’s a pretty big difference. So, if you want to trim some dollars off of Thanksgiving, there’s nothing wrong with going frozen. Just make sure you allow enough time for it to defrost! 

Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies 

Between a massive feast and an influx of houseguests, Thanksgiving can really make a mess of your house. Instead of springing for a bunch of store-bought products to clean up that turkey shrapnel, why not try some homemade supplies this year? With little more than a lemon, vinegar and some baking soda, you can make anything from eco-friendly drain cleaner to a nice fall air freshener.

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.

Have you heard of the Thanksgiving Murphy’s Law? Anything that can go wrong with your turkey, will, especially with your entire family and a group of friends gathered in your home.

The solution is simple. For the tastiest turkey and most succulent stuffing, be sure to do some quick kitchen maintenance to ensure your appliances are working properly before you start cooking.

OVEN

From turkey to green beans to pumpkin pie, your oven is there for you through every course. Here’s how to make sure it’s running on all cylinders.

DO: Make sure your oven temperature gauge is working properly. Place an oven thermometer at the center of the oven and set the oven to 350F.

After 15 minutes, check the temperature on the thermometer. If it’s not within 5 degrees, you'll need to adjust the oven's temperature control. If you’re pressed for time, you can simply tweak the oven setting required in your recipe to match your oven’s actual temperature.

DON’T: Don’t self-clean your oven the day before Thanksgiving. We know it seems counterintuitive, but self-cleaning can cause damage to the temperature gauges of electrical ovens. Just give the oven a good old-fashioned wipe down and save the heavy-duty cleaning until after the turkey is basted and baked.

COOKTOP

For many, mashed potatoes are the crown jewels of the Thanksgiving feast. To ensure this dish is delicious, don’t be stingy on the butter and make sure your cooktop is working like a charm.

DO: If your electric stove burners are caked with spots from former tenants, it’s time for a quick clean. Remove the burners when they’re cool and wipe them down with a warm, damp cloth and mild dish soap. Be careful not to get any part of the electrical connection wet and don’t submerge the burners! Let them completely dry before cranking up the heat. NOTE: Refer to your owner’s manual for help safely removing electric coils.

DON’T: Don’t start cooking before you’ve inspected your gas burners. Clogged burners are a fire hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires and associated injuries. So, gently unclog each “port” in the burner with a straight pin or open paper clip. Your owner’s manual can provide more details on how to care for your specific cooktop.

FRIDGE

The best part about Thanksgiving is that it’s the holiday that keeps on giving, so make sure your refrigerator is ready for leftovers.

DO: Locate your drip pans under the refrigerator and clean them. Then, vacuum dust off the coils (located under or behind your fridge depending on the model). Why is this important? A fridge with caked coils requires about 25% more energy to function properly than one with a clean underbelly.

DON’T: Don’t put your sweet potato casserole into the fridge until the dish is properly cooled and covered. Your fridge is an energy hog and uses 15% of your home’s total power. Don’t make it work harder than it needs to!

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 think about preparing for an emergency, we’re sure you and your family are well taken care of. But if you count pets as part of your family, you need a specific plan catered just for four legs.

Pets have their own specific needs, even in times of disaster. And first responders are obligated to help people and may not even have training in animal rescue and handling, which means you need your own pet-friendly action plan in case of emergency. Here are some guidelines to follow to make sure your pets are prepared.

Display Rescue Notifications

Get a Rescue Alert sticker for your home. This will help emergency responders identify the pets you have in your home. Best of all, the rescue alert notification is free from the ASPCA.

Keep Pets Calm

Make sure your pet feels safe during a storm. Prepare a smaller area for pets, such as the bathroom or a covered crate — with all their favorite toys and extra bedding — where they can hide and feel safe. Also, close curtains or shades and play classical music or turn on a white noise machine. For super nervous pups, invest in a ThunderShirt, which offers a calming pressure.

Watch Exits Carefully

If your pet seems nervous during a weather-related disaster at home, be sure to watch entrances and exits. Make sure your skittish pets can’t dash out the door.

Prepare An Evacuation Kit

Prepare an evacuation kit so you have everything you need in a disaster. Some things to include:

• A pet first-aid kit and guide book (ask your vet what to include)
• Three to seven days' worth of canned or dry food
• Litter and disposable litter trays or paper towels
• Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
• Disposable garbage bags
• Non-breakable pet feeding dishes
• An extra collar or harness, and leash
• Toys and chew toys
• Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of medicine
• Bottled water (at least seven days' worth for each person and pet)
• A traveling bag, crate or carrier
• Flashlight and backup batteries

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.

You may have bought an older home for its history and character, but that character can come with a few maintenance surprises. If your house is over 35 years old, you could be dealing with unique issues that don’t plague the newer-house crowd. Fortunately, these issues are easy to deal with if you know the warning signs.

Note: If your home was built before 1950,  it’s considered “Pre-War,” and was built with materials like wood, masonry and stone. Contact a professional before doing any major repairs to make sure modern materials will work for the job.

Here are 5 home maintenance curveballs you could be facing in an older home:

1. Pre-1940s: Grade Issues and Moisture Problems

Before the 1940s, moisture issues were typically dealt with by simply building the house off of the ground – typically about 24 inches up. Over time, however, a house can level and can now be sitting firmly on the wet, moist ground. These grading issues can lead to leaks and other moisture problems. If you haven’t had your home’s grade inspected by a professional, doing it now could save you from costly repairs in the future.

2. Pre-1940s: Steel Pipes

Steel pipes were common in pre-war homes, but they are susceptible to rust, clogging, bursting and low-water pressure (a.k.a. a huge headache for you). Professionals recommend a pipe replacement if you have steel plumbing. It sounds like a big job, but it’s better to change them out now than deal with any moisture problems or a burst pipe fiasco!

3. Pre-1960: Drafty Windows

Before the mid-century modern craze took flight, windows were typically made from wood, which means they frequently become drafty. These leaks could be costing you big bucks on your energy bill, so do a thorough window inspection to make sure air isn’t sneaking in (or out).

4. Pre-1970s: Fuse Boxes Instead of Circuit Breakers

Older homes typically have fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers, and some even have more than one fuse box. If this is the case in your home, do a thorough test so you know which box controls which area of the house. Also, always have extra fuses handy in case of a power outage. Fuses are inexpensive and can be found at any hardware store, so it’s best to stock up now before the lights go out!

5. Pre-1978: Lead Paint

In 1978, the U.S. government banned lead in paint, but before that, lead was used in almost all home paints. If you have an older home, it’s extremely important to check your home for lead-based paint, especially if you have children. Lead-based paint is dangerous if ingested, and has been linked to numerous health issues in children including nervous system damage, learning disabilities and slow growth. In adults, lead poisoning can cause irritability, nerve damage and a low sperm count. So make sure your home has been checked!

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.

Between planning Halloween costumes and buying candy for trick-or-treaters, it can be tough to squeeze the creation of super crafty Halloween décor into your schedule, too. Don’t be scared of winding up with the least decorated house on the block – we’ve got you covered!

Here are five no-hassle Halloween decorations you can make in five minutes flat:

1. No-Carve Mummy Pumpkin

Materials: medical gauze, googly eyes, scissors and spray adhesive

This year, skip the knives and transform your pumpkin into an easy-to-make mummy. Wrap gauze (cheesecloth or toilet paper work, too) around your pumpkin, pop some wiggly eyes on it, and that’s it! Tip: To help the gauze stick, give the pumpkin a quick coating with the spray adhesive between each mummy layer.

2. Acorn Pumpkins

Materials: acorns, orange acrylic paint, paint brushes and a fine-tipped permanent marker

This project is great for kids! Send your little ones out into your yard to gather acorns. Once you have a nice collection of acorns, remove all of the tops. Now it’s pumpkin time! First, paint the acorns orange and let them dry completely. Then, use the marker to draw jack-o-lantern faces on the acorns. You’re done! Place them throughout your home for some finishing touches on a Halloween display.

3. Bleeding Candles

Materials: a set of tall, white candlesticks, and one small, red candlestick

Cast a creepy glow over any room with this twist on regular candles. With a little red wax, you can give the illusion that your candlesticks are dripping blood. Place the white candlesticks in holders, and light the red candle. As the red candle wax begins to melt, tip it over the white candles. When the red “blood” will drip down the sides of the white candlesticks. Tip: Prevent a Halloween disaster by doing this over a kitchen sink or outside, and be careful not to burn yourself!

4. Glow-in-the-Dark Ghosts

Materials: white balloons, a permanent marker and a few green glow sticks

Want a last-minute, frightfully fun door decoration? First, crack and shake a few green glow sticks so they’re lit up, and then put them inside of the white balloons. Blow up the balloons and tie them closed. Then, carefully draw ghost faces with your permanent marker. Attach the glowing ghosts to your front door or tie the ends with a string to hang them from your porch railing.  

5. Candy Corn Centerpiece

Materials: one glass jar or vase, flowers or lollipops and a bag of candy corn

Is something missing from your dinner table – say perhaps, a perfect (and effortless) Halloween centerpiece? Dump the candy corn into the jar or vase, then add fall flowers or lollipops to the candy to secure them in place. Tip: You don’t have to use candy corn for this! Ghost-shaped Peeps, black licorice and gumballs all work well.

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.

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.

Close your eyes. Picture your dream bathroom. What do you see?

Do you know how much it would cost to make your vision a reality? Can you really afford heated flooring and double sinks? What about a claw-foot bathtub? The answer is YES – if you budget properly!

No matter what your perfect bathroom includes, this guide will help you decide where your dollars should go. So, stop daydreaming and start budgeting!

Before you begin, nail down the total dollar amount you’re comfortable spending. Remember, 40-50 percent of a remodeling budget is often spent on labor and installation costs. Here is a good way to break down the other 50 percent of your costs:

Spend 20% on Plumbing Essentials

It’s important that your new bathroom is functional, so choose the best quality for the essentials – toilet, drains and showerhead. Be ready to set aside about 20 percent of your overall budget for these. Tip: Don’t forget about energy efficiency during your remodel! Look into low-flow showerheads and LED lights to save water and electricity (and money on your utility bills)!

Spend 10-15% on Surfaces

Your surfaces truly determine the "look" of your bathroom, so pay attention to the following pieces:

1. Cabinetry. We recommend spending a decent amount of your budget on solid cabinetry and hardware. Remember, you’ll be opening these babies up almost every day, so you want them to be durable!
2. Flooring. When you’re floor shopping, make sure it’s slip-resistant in some way (it will be your biggest ally against bathroom accidents)! Any other detail – color, material, etc. – is up to your personal taste. The price of flooring depends on the material, and can range from vinyl (least expensive) to stones like ceramic or slate (most expensive). Tip: For a spa-worthy addition, (or if you live in a region with incredibly cold winters), consider spending a few extra dollars on heated tile.
3. Tile.  Don’t want to break the bank on retiling your bathroom? Do this: Save the “wow” factor of fancy tile designs for areas of the room that will see the most action. For example, the sidewall of the shower doesn’t need the same type of pricey tile as your vanity backsplash.

Spend 5-10% on Countertops

Ask yourself: how many people in your household will be using the bathroom? If you have multiple people sharing one bath, you may want to opt for a low-maintenance, affordable countertop surfaces. That way, you’ll get more surface area for less cash.

Spend 5% or Less on Decor Details

When it comes down to it, the feel and look of your new bathroom will come down to the details like art and color. The easiest place to start is with wall color. For an idea on what types of paint are worth splurging on, read: How Much Should You Pay for a Can of Pain.

Optional: Set Aside an Additional 20% as a Buffer

Some remodeling projects end up costing more than their original budget. Give yourself some wiggle room! Once you have your total, add an additional 20 percent to your budget. This extra money will cover any unexpected costs.

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

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