Mackenzie Gall Licensed Broker in Oregon With Sundance Realty

03/14/2026

Previous post. worth resharing! Happy Spring friends! Here are some great tips for exterior maintenance on our homes after a long Winter. The wet climate we experience here in Pacific NW can really wreck havoc on our homes, I see it over and over. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way! Enjoy!

1. Check the roof.
If you're comfortable on a ladder, inspect your roof from up high. If not, use binoculars. Look for damaged or missing shingles and signs of rusting, cracking or leaking. If you find issues, call a professional to assess the damage.
2. Clean out the gutters.
Clear all leaves and debris out of the gutters and downspouts. If they're sagging, reattach the gutters, or replace them with new hardware. Use caulking to seal holes and prevent leaking. Make sure downspouts face away from the foundation of your home for proper draining.
3. Inspect the concrete.
Take a walk around your property to look for cracking in the driveway, walkways or pool deck. You can fill cracks with concrete filler or silicone caulk, but if the concrete is severely damaged, you may want to replace it entirely.
4. Check outside faucets.
Inspect hose faucets for freeze damage by turning on the water and placing a finger over the opening. If that stops the water flow, the pipe may be damaged. Call a professional to inspect your pipes and determine if they need replacing.
5. Inspect the air conditioning unit.
Remove debris from around the cooling unit, and change the filters. To help your unit run properly in the upcoming months, follow these steps to make your system more efficient. Spring is also the ideal time to schedule a professional HVAC tune-up.
6. Give the deck some attention.
Check the deck for signs of water stains, discoloration and warping. Look for rusty or loose nails, and make sure the railings and stairs are safely secured. Replace rotting or lifting boards.
7. Repair and reseal woodwork.
In addition to the deck, you'll also want to focus on wooden fences, railings and trellises if you have them. It’s important to give these wood structures some TLC as they are prone to rot and decay so it’s a good idea to learn how to maintain a wood fence.
8. Run the sprinklers.
Turn your sprinklers on to check if the system is still working properly. Look for leaks or broken sprinkler heads. Adjust them so they spray the grass rather than the house, sidewalks or porches.
9. Inspect windows and doors.
Check for cracks or holes and repair as necessary. Use a screen repair kit to fix holes or tears that bugs can sneak through.
10. Spruce up landscaping.
Clear your landscaping of debris, trim overgrowth and plan fresh additions. HGTV recommended using compacted soil in low areas of your yard, as spring rains can cause flooding and foundation damage.
Interior maintenance:
1. Open the windows.
With the welcoming warmth of fresh spring breezes, you might be inclined to do this regardless. Opening the windows is also an effective way to naturally aerate your home and may improve air quality. Take this opportunity to wipe down the interior of the window sills as they have most likely collected dust, dirt and mold over the winter months.
2. Inspect the basement and attic.
Check the walls and floors for water stains, mold and leaks. Remove unwanted moisture that can lead to mold issues or serious water damage.
3. Perform routine home safety checks.
Change the batteries in smoke detectors, make sure fire extinguishers are still intact with the needle in the green zone and check that exhaust fans are working properly. Replace anything that isn't working immediately.
4. Clean the furnace.
The furnace worked overtime hard these last few months, so make sure you clean the filter system, blower and motor. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, call a professional.
5. Consider upgrades.
Spring is the perfect time to revisit your appliances, lighting and other essentials that may need replacing. If it's time for an upgrade, consider energy-efficient options to help reduce waste and lower your bills.

03/14/2026

Well hello to all that still follow my page, it has been some time! As we work our way through the economical challenges and higher rates these days, I wanted to reach out and let you all know that I am still here. 13 years now, where did the time go?! I am located back in Salem and I am available to help you into your next chapter whether that is selling your home or trying to buy one. I work with lenders that specifically work with folks to get them pre approved and in some cases even down payment assistance. We create a team to help you get to the finish line. Please feel free to IM, text or call if I can answer any questions you may have on the process. I would be happy to help! 503-508-1846.

The number one reason I still do this is because I love helping folks achieve that next chapter, whatever that may be. Thank you for all your loyalty over the years my friends! It means the absolute world to me. We get through these challenges together! Cheers~ Mac

10/18/2025

You won't want to miss this one! New listing in Dallas! Desirable and Beautiful 11.26 acre property! Updated 1999 Manufactured Home. Contact me for showings and questions. :)

09/21/2020

Just a little FYI (not to scare anyone) a regular home owners insurance policy does not cover earthquakes. Being 99% of folks do not know this I thought I'd share. If one did hit would you be able to pay your mortgage AND rebuild? The policies are reasonably cheap like $25-50 per month and can be setup with your existing insurer. I'm all about being covered especially this day and age. The market continues to surge with record low rates! A great time to buy OR sell! Let me know how I can help you! Have a great day friends!

02/19/2020

Hi friends! Once again it is that time of year. We are already seeing an influx of folks beginning the buying and selling process this year. Rates are still very reasonable and it looks like another hot market coming this Summer. It is a great time to sell and buy! Please reach out if you would like any information on buying or selling or if you know anyone that is. I would be happy to give them or you my discount rate! I am also happy to provide you with a estimated value on your home complimentary! Buyers- I have great lenders I can connect you with (many with no down payment loans to offer) they will work with you to help you get qualified. 7 years of experience this year with a 5 start Zillow rating, I must be doing something right! :) Let me know how I can help your family into the next chapter! Happy (almost Spring!) 🌞

04/10/2019

Not a bad idea at all.

When the earth shakes so do furnaces, water heaters and gas lines.

03/27/2019

Happy Spring friends! Here are some great tips for exterior maintenance on our homes after a long Winter. The wet climate we experience here in Pacific NW can really wreck havoc on our homes, I see it over and over. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way! Enjoy!

1. Check the roof.

If you're comfortable on a ladder, inspect your roof from up high. If not, use binoculars. Look for damaged or missing shingles and signs of rusting, cracking or leaking. If you find issues, call a professional to assess the damage.

2. Clean out the gutters.

Clear all leaves and debris out of the gutters and downspouts. If they're sagging, reattach the gutters, or replace them with new hardware. Use caulking to seal holes and prevent leaking. Make sure downspouts face away from the foundation of your home for proper draining.

3. Inspect the concrete.

Take a walk around your property to look for cracking in the driveway, walkways or pool deck. You can fill cracks with concrete filler or silicone caulk, but if the concrete is severely damaged, you may want to replace it entirely.

4. Check outside faucets.

Inspect hose faucets for freeze damage by turning on the water and placing a finger over the opening. If that stops the water flow, the pipe may be damaged. Call a professional to inspect your pipes and determine if they need replacing.

5. Inspect the air conditioning unit.

Remove debris from around the cooling unit, and change the filters. To help your unit run properly in the upcoming months, follow these steps to make your system more efficient. Spring is also the ideal time to schedule a professional HVAC tune-up.

6. Give the deck some attention.

Check the deck for signs of water stains, discoloration and warping. Look for rusty or loose nails, and make sure the railings and stairs are safely secured. Replace rotting or lifting boards.

7. Repair and reseal woodwork.

In addition to the deck, you'll also want to focus on wooden fences, railings and trellises if you have them. It’s important to give these wood structures some TLC as they are prone to rot and decay so it’s a good idea to learn how to maintain a wood fence.

8. Run the sprinklers.

Turn your sprinklers on to check if the system is still working properly. Look for leaks or broken sprinkler heads. Adjust them so they spray the grass rather than the house, sidewalks or porches.

9. Inspect windows and doors.

Check for cracks or holes and repair as necessary. Use a screen repair kit to fix holes or tears that bugs can sneak through.

10. Spruce up landscaping.

Clear your landscaping of debris, trim overgrowth and plan fresh additions. HGTV recommended using compacted soil in low areas of your yard, as spring rains can cause flooding and foundation damage.

Interior maintenance:

1. Open the windows.

With the welcoming warmth of fresh spring breezes, you might be inclined to do this regardless. Opening the windows is also an effective way to naturally aerate your home and may improve air quality. Take this opportunity to wipe down the interior of the window sills as they have most likely collected dust, dirt and mold over the winter months.

2. Inspect the basement and attic.

Check the walls and floors for water stains, mold and leaks. Remove unwanted moisture that can lead to mold issues or serious water damage.

3. Perform routine home safety checks.

Change the batteries in smoke detectors, make sure fire extinguishers are still intact with the needle in the green zone and check that exhaust fans are working properly. Replace anything that isn't working immediately.

4. Clean the furnace.

The furnace worked overtime hard these last few months, so make sure you clean the filter system, blower and motor. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, call a professional.

5. Consider upgrades.

Spring is the perfect time to revisit your appliances, lighting and other essentials that may need replacing. If it's time for an upgrade, consider energy-efficient options to help reduce waste and lower your bills.