Donna Allen, Realtor with Metro Referrals

03/18/2021

Your way-too-eager, probably over-the-top early spring checklist

Let's face it – it's been a long winter, but brighter and warmer days are upon us. If you're the type of person who likes to be prepared, it isn't too early to gear up for lawn and garden season. Here are some tips to help you hit the ground running this spring:

Healthy dirt is happy dirt
Test the content of your soil with a kit. Soil test kits are designed to determine levels of PH, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous, and other micro/macronutrients in your soil. An accurate test will tell you how to amend your soil for optimum growing.
Disinfect any tools that will touch vegetation to prevent the spread of bacteria, fungi, and soil pathogens. Soak lawnmower blades, shovels, trowels, rakes, and pruners for 30 minutes in a solution of 10% bleach and 90% water.
Tune up your lawnmower. If you didn't already do it in the fall, drain your lawnmower of old fuel. Add fresh fuel, replace the spark plugs, clean/replace the air filter, change the oil, and sharpen the blades.
Don't ignore the supporting cast. Service your leaf blower and trimmer according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Stock up on trimmer line.
Hand tools need love too. Sharpen the edges on your pruners, clippers, and digging tools. Lubricate any hand tools that have moving metal parts, then lightly coat the metal with mineral oil to prevent rust. Sand any rough patches on wooden handles. Use linseed oil to seal the wood and prevent shrinking.
Check fittings and filters on irrigation systems. Check the rubber washers on your hoses, sprinklers, and nozzles for cracking and replace if necessary.
Clean pots and planters to remove mold, fungi, and tiny pests. Use a brush and mild soap to clean, then rinse and let dry.
Inspect lawn furniture. Check wood parts for splintering, pests, rot, and other damage. Sand and repaint/restain these parts if necessary. Inspect cushions and covers and wash if possible.
Maintain fencing, gates, and other wood features. Replace warped or rotting pieces and repaint/restain where needed.
Some of these tasks may seem over the top, but knocking them out now while the weather is still less-than-ideal will give you more time to relax during the warmer days ahead.

02/09/2021

Though the groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of winter and it seems to be coming true, there is plenty you can do inside to maintain the beauty of your home.

While hunkering down for the winter seems ideal, these simple home maintenance tasks can be completed in just one afternoon.

01/30/2021

Beautiful "C" Model condo in Montebello with new woods floors, tile in the entry and kitchen, tile in the sunroom, updated appliances in the kitchen. The Tax Record does list only 1 bedroom but the Den has a large closet and could easily be a second bedroom. The amenities of Montebello are numerous: it is a secure, gated community which includes a Community Center which is being updated now, indoor and outdoor pool, Pool/Billiards Room, Fitness Center, Pub/Restaurant, Dance Floor/Meeting Room, Convenience Store, and even a Bowling Alley! In addition there are tennis courts and a community trail to the Huntington Metro. There is a free daily shuttle to the Metro for those rainy/snowy days. Also a free shuttle to shopping on M/W/F. Extra storage available in the parking garage. Unit #1003. Great low price for what could be a 2 bedroom condo at a 1 bedroom price!

01/27/2021

Here's to new beginnings!

01/18/2021

Starting sooner rather than later on your taxes is always a good idea!

01/15/2021

January is a great time to make plans for the year! Refreshing, updating and cleaning out can give us a whole new perspective during these cold winter months.

As we put 2020 behind us and welcome the arrival of 2021, it’s time for new beginnings. Since many of us are spending more time at home, making it a comfortable place to live and work has become more important than ever