Tag Archives for " maintenance "

Tips for Maintaining Your Home

maintaining your home

Maintaining your home is an important task that helps keep your property in good condition. It can save you money in the long run. Here are some tips on maintaining your home to keep it in good condition.

Seasonal Maintenance Tasks

Performing regular maintenance is essential for keeping your home in good condition. This includes seasonal tasks such as cleaning gutters, checking and sealing windows and doors, and inspecting your heating and cooling systems. It's also important to change air filters regularly and clean out any debris from outdoor HVAC units.

In the fall, it's important to prepare your home for the cold weather. Insulating pipes, sealing drafts, and checking the condition of your heating system is important to keep your house in good condition. In the spring, it's important to perform tasks such as checking and repairing any damage to your roof, inspecting your air conditioning system, and cleaning out your gutters and downspouts.

Home Safety and Security

Maintaining a safe and secure home is a top priority for any homeowner. This includes installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in every room, checking the batteries regularly, and testing the alarms monthly.

It's also important to install a security system to protect your home from potential break-ins. This can include installing motion sensors, security cameras, and door and window alarms. It's also important to keep your doors and windows locked at all times, and to install sturdy locks and deadbolts.

Energy-Saving Measures

Taking steps to save energy not only helps the environment, but can also save you money on your utility bills. This includes simple measures such as turning off lights and electronics not in use, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and unplugging appliances not in use.

energy saving

Other energy-saving measures include installing a programmable thermostat to help regulate the temperature in your home. Sealing drafts around windows and doors, and insulating your attic and walls will also improve energy efficiency.

Keep the Exterior in Good Condition

Regularly inspect the exterior of your home for signs of damage or wear and tear, such as cracks in the foundation or siding. Make repairs as soon as possible to prevent further damage. It's also important to keep your lawn and landscaping well-maintained, which can improve your home's curb appeal and prevent overgrowth that could cause damage to your home.

Maintain Your Appliances

Regular maintenance of your appliances, such as your refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher, can help prevent breakdowns and extend their lifespan. Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, which may include tasks such as cleaning the filters, replacing belts or hoses, and checking for leaks.

Clean Regularly

Keeping your home clean not only improves its appearance, it prevents damage and improves indoor air quality. Regularly dust and vacuum your home, and clean spills or stains as soon as they occur to prevent them from setting in. It's also important to regularly clean your air ducts, which can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and improve indoor air quality.

Monitor Your Home's Moisture Levels

High levels of moisture in your home can lead to mold growth. This can be damaging to both your home and your health. Regularly check for signs of moisture, such as water stains or mold growth, and take steps to address the issue. Checking your attic and basement regularly is important. This may include repairing leaks, improving ventilation, or installing a dehumidifier.

Plan for Future Maintenance

Keep a record of maintenance tasks, and plan for future maintenance tasks accordingly. For example, if you know that your roof will need to be replaced in a few years, you'll need a plan. Start saving for the expense now so that you're prepared when the time comes to complete it.

Maintaining a home is an important task that requires regular attention to keep your property in good condition. By performing seasonal maintenance tasks, prioritizing home safety and security, and implementing energy-saving measures, you can help keep your home in great shape and enjoy a comfortable and safe living environment.

By following these tips for maintaining your home, you can help keep your home in great condition. Maintenance can also prevent costly repairs down the road. Regular maintenance is key to a healthy and happy home!

If you are thinking of buying or selling a Southern NH house for sale, give our agents a call and we can discuss your options. Call Harmony Real Estate at (603) 883-8840 for more information today! Visit our website www.Harmony-RE.com  for tips on buying a Southern NH house for sale. We would love to help you with all your home buying and selling goals. We are the agency in tune with your real estate needs!

Tips to declutter your house with less mess

declutter your house

Image by stevepb from Pixabay

I find that the most distracting thing about entering a Hudson house for sale is the clutter. It does not necessarily mean the house is dirty, however, it distracts buyers from looking at your Hudson house for sale. If you want to sell your house fast, the best option is to declutter your house.

Where should you start if your Hudson house is cluttered? Start with one room at a time! Once you finish a room you can move on to the next one. That way you don't get discouraged. As you declutter your house you will be able to see your progress in every room along the way.  Included is a link to a video below with tips on how to declutter your house, without making a mess along the way.

Take a look around and see if you have any junk piles that can be organized or thrown away. Do you have a lot of pictures and shelves on your walls? Remove any personal photos and put away any portraits that are just laying around for a less cluttered look.

Do you have a lot of furniture in your home? How many pieces of furniture are in each room? Get rid of any extra pieces of furniture that are not necessary. Try to open up each room as much as possible. Organize your stuff and put it in the basement or donate it, instead of having wall to wall furniture in every room.  

Are old magazines piling up? Give them away or recycle them. Do you still have books from 10 years ago laying around? Make a donation and get a tax deduction, while you declutter your house! Clean out the junk drawers and your closets and make your house look bigger.

The toughest room is usually the bedroom  but it can be easy to declutter your house! Start with the bedroom closets then go through your bureaus. If you haven’t worn something in over a year, put it in the donation pile. If you can't decide, another way to get rid of things is to place everything on the hanger backwards. In a year, if the hanger is still backwards donate it because you haven't worn it.

Your house will look bigger and cleaner once you remove all the extra stuff. It will be worth the time you spend organizing! Don't forget it will make your Hudson NH house sell faster and for more money when you declutter your house.

If you are looking to sell your Hudson New Hampshire home for sale, give our agents at Harmony Real Estate a call at (603) 883-8840. We would love to help you with all your home selling goals. We are here to help you with all your real estate needs!

Do you need a bathtub for resale?

bathtub for resale

Image by WarrenMae from Pixabay

While many people are looking to showers more and think about the need for a bathtub for resale. It is definitely good for value when putting your home up for sale on the market. Families with young children won’t even consider buying your Southern New Hampshire house for sale if you don’t have a bathtub. While it can always be added most buyers are not looking to renovate, or might not even be able to afford a new tub, right after purchasing a new home. 

Some adults may not have any use for a bathtub due to their schedules or preferences, and might even prefer a steam shower with a bench seat over a bathtub. However, seniors and luxury buyers tend to look for a bathtub for relaxation when purchasing a Southern NH home for sale. I think the main consideration to take into account when making your decision will be who will consider purchasing your home for sale when you finally make the decision to sell it. If you live in a 55+ development or a 1 bedroom home you may be just fine. However you need a bathtub for resale if you are selling a house that calls to a larger family. 

Sellers need to have the necessities that buyers are looking for when purchasing a Southern New Hampshire house for sale. If you don’t have a bathtub in your home and it appeals to buyers who have young children, seniors or luxury buyers you should consider installing a bathtub if you don’t already have one! You wouldn’t want to rule out a good portion of the market by removing a bathtub that another family might require when they are looking for a home for sale.

Personally we would suggest having at least one bathtub in a home if it has 2 or more bedrooms but it will always depend on the market where you live. Ultimately the decision is yours to make and you should base it on your family’s need but 9ideally you'll need a bathtub for resale. We would always suggest keeping resale in mind when making home renovation decisions. Even if you think you will never sell your Southern NH home, situations change that force you to make decisions that you may never have thought were possible.

If you are looking to purchase or sell your Southern New Hampshire home for sale, give our agents at Harmony Real Estate a call at (603) 883-8840. We would love to help you with all your home buying and selling goals. We are the agency in tune with your real estate needs!  

DIY ideas to fix up your South Nashua house for sale

When you are selling your South Nashua home for sale, some simple fixes can be very important to help reel in a buyer. The more appealing your home looks to the eyes, the more likely you will be to get a bite.

Here are a few ideas on how to stage your home when you are selling!

Bathroom

The bathroom is always a big seller for South Nashua buyers. Try to make it look as clean as possible! If the walls are dirty or moldy spray them with a mixture of one part bleach, and one part water. The mold will disappear! Be sure to wipe them down after, and apply a coat of semi-gloss paint to make the walls easier to clean.

Clean all that yucky grime off of your glass shower door. You can start by removing the door and cleaning it with a mixture of ten parts water, and one part muriatic acid. Scrub it, then reattach the door, this will have it sparkling like new in no time! Or better yet get rid of the door and just put up a shower curtain in it's place. This will give your South Nashua home for sale a more modern look.

If your tile is gross and needs to be replaced, don’t spend all your money redoing the bathroom, that would cost a fortune! Simply scrub the tile and then add a coat of sealer to make it more manageable next time.

Buyers like it when they can see every square foot of your bathroom. If you have a big vanity that takes up too much space, replace it with a pedestal sink and a mirror on the wall! Or if you need the storage just get a smaller sink with a few drawers. It will make your bathroom appear larger and will look perfect for your showings!

Kitchen & Dining Room

Nobody wants to eat food in a dirty kitchen, and especially not in a run down dining room. You should always make sure that your kitchen looks nice whether you are selling your South Nashua home or not. Instead of replacing old cabinets, sand them down and add a few nice coats of stain or paint to them. Before you know it they will look brand new, and this will be very appealing to a buyer.

Stainless steel appliances are a new trend that buyers love. Instead of buying a new dishwasher, microwave, or oven, take a trip to your local hardware store and purchase stainless steel stick on covers! They are easy to apply and they look fantastic. First, remove the front panels from the appliances you decide to cover. After that, apply a stainless steel stick on covering, and cut it to size. Your appliances will go from outdated to modern in no time at all!

Who wouldn’t want granite counter tops in the Granite State? They are absolutely gorgeous, and there is a way to get them so much cheaper rather than having to pay a boat load for them. (unless of course you prefer to fully replace them.) There are stick-ons for your countertops too! Visit your local hardware store and choose the one that will match your kitchen the best!

There is a way to make your hardwood floors look more dramatic, and it is so simple! First, find which boards are damaged, cut them out and replace them with new pieces. Use a sander and give the floor a good sanding. Then the last step is to stain the boards with a rich color, and there you go! Beautiful hardwood floors are always a plus with buyers!

Bedroom & Living Room

The living room is also very important to a South Nashua buyer. Typically that is where most people spend their time when they are at home. There is a way to make your hardwood floors look more dramatic, and it is so simple! First, find which boards are damaged, cut them out and replace them with new pieces. Use a sander and give the floor a good sanding. Then the last step is to stain the boards with a rich color, and there you go! Beautiful hardwood floors are a definite buyer plus!

Do you have a fireplace in your South Nashua home for sale? Is it brick or stone? Either way, I’m sure that a little update would help sell your South Nashua home for sale! If you have a stone fireplace wipe it down with a rag and water, and then use some stone polish to make it sparkle like new. If your fireplace is brick, use a rag to rub a thin coat of paint on the bricks. You don't want to cover the bricks completely with paint but give it a more dulled down look, and your fireplace will go from sticking out to standing out in just a few simple steps! Also be sure to replace your old fireplace screen, or just touch it up with a few coats of spray paint to match your room!

When you are selling your South Nashua home for sale, you should make sure that your master bedroom appeals to buyers. Get rid of features that seem too gender-specific, and paint the walls a neutral color. Choose bedding and accessories that match and pull the whole scheme together.

Buyers love built-in bookshelves. There are a lot of people who use bookshelves to store their clutter, but when you are selling you need to use every aspect of your home to the best of its ability. The trick with a bookshelf is to arrange neutral items in clusters, and be sure that none of your accessories stand out too much. This way you'll show off your beautiful built-in bookshelves, but not all your clutter or personal belongings.

Exterior

When you are selling your South Nashua home for sale the first thing a buyer will see is the exterior! Touch up the outside of your South Nashua home for sale by replacing the shutters, painting your house, or replacing any cracked siding. Also, add some color with flowers, be sure your lawn is mowed, your bushes are trimmed, and your walkway and driveway look good by cleaning them and giving them a new coat of tar when necessary. Adding perennial flowers, shrubs, small trees and plants may also help to spice up the outside of your South Nashua home for sale. You want it to look it beautiful for your showings as well as for buyers driving by your neighborhood. You never know when a potential buyer may pass by and fall in love with your South Nashua home for sale.

If are looking to buy or sell a home for sale in South Nashua give our qualified agents at Harmony Real Estate a call today at (603) 883-8840. We would love to help you with your home sale or purchase! Let us help you find your dream home.

Do you have a fireplace in your home? If so, is it brick, or stone? Either way, I’m sure that you could use some help fixing it up to sell your South Nashua home for sale! If you have a stone fireplace wipe it down with an old rag and some water, and then polish it with some stone polish to make it sparkle like new. If your fireplace is brick, use a rag to rub a thin coat of paint on the bricks. This won't cover the bricks completely with paint, and your fireplace will go from sticking out to standing out in just a few simple steps! Also be sure to replace your old fireplace screen, or just touch it up with a few coats of spray paint to match your room!

How to Avoid Capital Gains on your South Nashua house for sale

No one likes taxes, unless you are getting a tax return of course. Capital gains are a tax that you have to pay when you sell something for more than  you paid for it. In this case we will use your South Nashua home as the example. Say you buy your South Nashua home for $250,000, and then you sell your South Nashua home for sale a year later for $275,000. That is considered a capital gain, and you have to include them when you file your taxes.

Here are a few simple ways to avoid capital gains!

Wait Before You Sell

If you want to purchase a South Nashua home for sale as a primary residence, and later you decide it isn’t the right fit for you and your family and you want to sell it, you should wait at least two years before you do so. As long as it has been your primary residence for two of the last five years, will remove any gain you may make under $250,000. For a married couple it is even more, up to $500,000 at $250,000 per person.

A one year wait will also mark the value of other sales as a long-term capital gain, and you may even save 10%-20% depending on your tax rate. However, we always suggest asking your accountant, it doesn’t hurt to check with your local CPA to make sure the rules have not changed and that you are still making a sound decision.

Sell When Your Income Is Low

Your income level will impact the amount of long-term capital gains tax you will pay. The lower your income percentage is, the less money you will pay when tax time rolls around. The higher your income tax bracket, or the more you make yearly, the more you will be required to pay come the end of the year. People in the 25-35% income bracket pay around 15% on capital gains, while taxpayers in the 39.6% bracket pay 20%, and  in the 10%-15% bracket you may not be required to pay any long-term capital gains at all.

You are best off to sell your property when your household income is the lowest so you can avoid paying capital gains tax at all. However, that is not always possible so always discuss it further with your CPA to make sure you are selling at the right time.

Keep Your Home Improvement Receipts

Keep all your records! Make sure to keep receipts for any home improvements or additions you’ve made to your South Nashua home for sale over the years that you have lived there, or while you owned your South Nashua home. In addition to increasing your home’s value, any improvements that you make to your home increase your basis in the home and that will reduce your capital gains tax.

This tax-savings strategy can be particularly valuable! If you have a gain on your South Nashua home for sale and the house doesn’t qualify for the primary residence exclusion, or you’ve exceeded your exclusion amount it may come in handy.

An improvement is anything that betters your home. It could also restore your South Nashua home to a previous condition or adapt the condition it is in. Adding rooms, a deck, a pool, or even landscaping the property all count as improvements to your South Nashua home for sale. Upgrading windows and doors, plumbing, insulation, heating, cooling, wiring, irrigation or an indoor sprinkler system also qualify. Restoring damaged parts of your home, remodels including new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and built-in appliances are also improvements that are deductible. Retain copies of receipts and records and keep a log of all the purchases you’ve made.

Move Often

Although this can be time consuming, selling your South Nashua home for sale will help you use the capital gain to its fullest potential. You need to have lived in your house for at least two years to claim the exclusion. The IRS will allow taxpayers to use the exclusion multiple times, but no more than once every two years. This means you could sell multiple homes at a large gain and never pay a dime in taxes!

The capital gain exclusion is large enough that many taxpayers will never have to pay taxes on the sale of their Sale Nashua homes or for that matter wherever you live. AS stated previously, a married couple can exclude up to $500,000 or $250,000 each. However, if you’ve held your property for a long time, bought in desirable area, or you are single then the exclusion may not completely cover your gains.

If you are looking for a South Nashua New Hampshire home for sale give Harmony Real Estate a call at (603) 883-8840. You can also visit our website at www.Harmony-RE.com for a list of South Nashua homes for sale. Our team is a family and we will make sure you find a home that best suits your needs! We look forward to hearing from you!

No one likes taxes, unless you are getting a tax return of course. Capital gains are a tax that you have to pay when you sell something for more than  you paid for it. In this case we will use your South Nashua home as the example. Say you buy your South Nashua home for $250,000, and then you sell your South Nashua home for sale a year later for $275,000. That is considered a capital gain, and you have to include them when you file your taxes.


Here are a few simple ways to avoid capital gains!



Wait Before You Sell

If you want to purchase a South Nashua home for sale as a primary residence, and later you decide it isn’t the right fit for you and your family and you want to sell it, you should wait at least two years before you do so. As long as it has been your primary residence for two of the last five years, will remove any gain you may make under $250,000. For a married couple it is even more, up to $500,000 at $250,000 per person.


A one year wait will also mark the value of other sales as a long-term capital gain, and you may even save 10%-20% depending on your tax rate. However, we always suggest asking your accountant, it doesn’t hurt to check with your local CPA to make sure the rules have not changed and that you are still making a sound decision.



Sell When Your Income Is Low

Your income level will impact the amount of long-term capital gains tax you will pay. The lower your income percentage is, the less money you will pay when tax time rolls around. The higher your income tax bracket, or the more you make yearly, the more you will be required to pay come the end of the year. People in the 25-35% income bracket pay around 15% on capital gains, while taxpayers in the 39.6% bracket pay 20%, and  in the 10%-15% bracket you may not be required to pay any long-term capital gains at all.


You are best off to sell your property when your household income is the lowest so you can avoid paying capital gains tax at all. However, that is not always possible so always discuss it further with your CPA to make sure you are selling at the right time.



Keep Records of Home Improvements

Keep all your records! Make sure to keep receipts for any home improvements or additions you’ve made to your South Nashua home for sale over the years that you have lived there, or while you owned your South Nashua home. In addition to increasing your home’s value, any improvements that you make to your home increase your basis in the home and that will reduce your capital gains tax.


This tax-savings strategy can be particularly valuable! If you have a gain on your South Nashua home for sale and the house doesn’t qualify for the primary residence exclusion, or you’ve exceeded your exclusion amount it may come in handy.


An improvement is anything that betters your home. It could also restore your South Nashua home to a previous condition or adapt the condition it is in. Adding rooms, a deck, a pool, or even landscaping the property all count as improvements to your South Nashua home for sale. Upgrading windows and doors, plumbing, insulation, heating, cooling, wiring, irrigation or an indoor sprinkler system also qualify. Restoring damaged parts of your home, remodels including new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and built-in appliances are also improvements that are deductible. Retain copies of receipts and records and keep a log of all the purchases you’ve made.



Move Often

Although this can be time consuming, selling your South Nashua home for sale will help you use the capital gain to its fullest potential. You need to have lived in your house for at least two years to claim the exclusion. The IRS will allow taxpayers to use the exclusion multiple times, but no more than once every two years. This means you could sell multiple homes at a large gain and never pay a dime in taxes!


The capital gain exclusion is large enough that many taxpayers will never have to pay taxes on the sale of their Sale Nashua homes or for that matter wherever you live. AS stated previously, a married couple can exclude up to $500,000 or $250,000 each. However, if you’ve held your property for a long time, bought in desirable area, or you are single then the exclusion may not completely cover your gains.


If you are looking for a South Nashua New Hampshire home for sale give Harmony Real Estate a call at (603) 883-8840. You can also visit our website at www.Harmony-RE.com for a list of Soth Nashua homes for sale. Our team is a family and we will make sure you find a home that best suits your needs! We look forward to hearing from you!


How to deal with Mold in your South Nashua house

Mold, that’s definitely a word that no one ever wants to hear. The word can put terror into the eyes of any homeowner. After all, it can make you and your family sick, as well as weaken your walls, floors, and ceilings.


Here is what you should do if you have mold in your South Nashua home.

The first step is to test for mold

This is something that no homeowner wants to hear, but if you suspect you have mold in your home, you need to test it to be sure of what kind of mold it is. Mold testing can be very expensive, but if you are deeply suspicious of what's in your walls, it is worth it. You could also buy a kit to test for mold yourself but they have a reputation for being unreliable, so getting an expert to take a look at your South Nashua home for sale is in your best interest.

What to do if you find mold

If mold is found in your South Nashua home, don’t panic just yet. Every home has mold in it, but some homes are worse than others. If it is a small area less than 10 square feet, you could try to remove it yourself. Although, this isn’t the best idea, it is possible. Be sure to wear gloves, and a face mask, and goggles in a well ventilated room if you are going to try to tackle the removal yourself with chemicals. If it is to big of an area for you to clean yourself, or you just don’t have the time, make sure to call a professional. You are always better safe than sorry! 

Stay Vigilant

Even if you aren’t aware of any toxic mold in your home, always keep an eye out for it. Keeping mold away from your South Nashua homes comes down to simple maintenance. If you have any dampness in your South Nashua home, it is possible that there will be mold. Be sure to look in any dark, damp places.

These are some simple ways to keep mold away from your South Nashua home for sale:

  1. Caulk around water fixtures
    Sinks and bathtubs all have signs of mold. Be sure you caulk around the faucets in your sink, and your shower in your kitchen, bathroom, or any other rooms. Make sure to clean out any discolored caulking to make sure it doesn’t turn into another problem.

  1. Clean your gutters
    You were planning to do this anyhow, right? Well, here is your chance to get it accomplished! Water pooling in your gutters due to a clog can leak into your walls causing mold to grow in them. Make sure to clean out any gutters that can cause this problem before it starts.

  2. Check your windows
    Make sure there are no leaks from your windows. You can caulk around the outside of your windows to prevent water coming in after a lot of rain, or snow. The spring is usually the best time to do this when the weather starts to get warmer, and the snow starts melting.

  3. Take care of your roof
    Is your roof leaking? If your roof is leaking, you would notice that of course! However, you might not go in the attic often. Make sure to  check the attic periodically, especially after it rains heavily to see if you have any leaks in your South Nashua roof. If you do be sure to get it taken care of right away to prevent mold from growing. This is the typical place where mold will start and home owners are not aware so make sure to take a peak in your South Nashua attic from time to time.

  4. Check the crawl space
    Do you have a crawl space under your home? Just like the attic, the crawl space is not a common place you go. Be sure to get under the house from time to time to check and see if there is any water collecting there. If there is, you need to be sure to drain it, as water pooling under your house won't only lead to mold, but structural problems as well. And neither are a good problem to have in your South Nashua home for sale.

With all that you have learned from this article, you will know exactly what to do if you find or suspect mold in your home! For more information on addressing other problems in your home give us a call or view our other articles at www.Harmony-RE.com. We can give you some insight on what you might need to do or give you the name of a professional to call to address it.

If are looking to buy or sell a home for sale in South Nashua give our qualified agents at Harmony Real Estate a call today at (603) 883-8840. We would love to help you with your home sale or purchase.


How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your South Hudson House

Are you looking for a way to get rid of squirrels in your attic? You may not know where to start when you figure out that the thumping sounds in your attic are coming from squirrels. If you are looking to sell your South Hudson home and you have pests in your attic the buyers will definitely want them gone fast. 


Although an exterminator is trained to get rid of pests such as squirrels, bats, mice, ants or even more it can also be very expensive. If you are worried that you are doing it properly you should always contact a professional but may not always be required.


Here are some great tips on how you can get rid of squirrels from your South Hudson home for sale on your own, without having to break your bank!


Block Their Entrance

Find out where the squirrels are entering into your South Hudson home’s attic and cover any holes so no more squirrels can get in, except for one so they can use it to exit your home. Cover your chimney with wire mesh if you have one so no more squirrels can get in. Also be sure to secure any openings from your attic to the rest of your South Hudson home so any panic stricken squirrels don’t try to flee into the rest of your home.


You want to make sure every possible entry point is blocked so they don’t regain entry once you have them out!


Create An Exit

Create a funnel out of metal or wire mesh and be sure the funnel is about 1 foot long, an about a foot wide. Attach the wide end of the funnel to the hole on the outside of your South Hudson’s home. Usually if the animal can leave out of the small hole, they will be able to re-enter as well, so just be careful. Try placing some food such as apple slices or peanuts at the hole of the opening to draw the squirrels out, or just wait for them to leave on their own to gather food.


Once they are out make sure to board up the hole or put mesh on it so that can’t regain entry.


Trapping Squirrels

You can usually find a trap at your local hardware store. When purchasing a trap for a squirrel please keep in mind that in a larger cage the squirrel may begin to panic and harm themselves. Usually a cage that is 6 inches, by 6 inches, by 18 inches will be perfect for a small animal like a squirrel. Read the directions that come with the trap and be sure you know how to set it properly!


Put some food in the cage that appeals to a squirrel such as peanut butter, apple slices, peanuts, soda crackers, or pieces of bread crust otherwise the squirrels may not even go near the trap. Make sure the food is placed far enough inside the cage so the animal can’t grab it through the sides.


Set it up, and wait for the trap to work its magic.


Catch, then Release

Once you have trapped the squirrel, you will need to release it. But first, be sure to check your South Hudson attic for baby squirrels. The babies will be helpless without their mother, and you will need to relocate them with her so they don’t die. The best thing for you to do is relocate them far away from your South Hudson’s home for sale in a wooded area where they can hopefully find their new home in a tree, rather than inside your attic.


Make sure you wear thick heavy gloves when you are releasing the squirrel from the trap. If the squirrel is angry, you wouldn’t want to get bit, or attacked. You can also use a string or rope to open the cage from a distance.



Make sure they don't come back

Be sure to keep the trap filled with food in your South Hudson attic for a few weeks longer to be sure all the squirrels have left your home. Patch up the holes in your home as well so they can’t try to re-enter. Try leaving your attic light on, or purchase some squirrel repellent from the store, rags soaked in household ammonia work too. Also, leaving a radio on in your attic, or purchasing an ultrasonic repellent may work for you as well.



If you are looking for more tips on how to get rid of pests or other animals in your South Hudson home for sale give us a call or check out our other articles on getting rid of pests in your home.


If you are looking to buy or sell a home for sale in South Hudson give our qualified agents at Harmony Real Estate a call today at (603) 883-8840. We would love to be a successful partner for your home purchase.

How To Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Attic



You may be lost when you figure out that the thumping sound in your attic is a squirrel. If you are looking to sell your South Hudson home and have pests in your attic the buyers will definitely want them gone fast. Although an exterminator is trained to get rid of pests such as squirrels, it can also be very expensive. If you are worried that you are doing it properly you should always contact a professional.


However, here are some great tips on how you can get rid of squirrels from your South Hudson home for sale on your own, without having to break your bank!


Block Their Entrance

Find out where the squirrels are entering into your South Hudson home’s attic and cover any holes so no more squirrels can get in, except for one so they can use it to exit your home. Cover your chimney with wire mesh if you have one so no more squirrels can get in. Also be sure to secure any openings from your attic to the rest of your South Hudson home so any panic stricken squirrels don’t try to flee into the rest of your home.


You want to make sure every possible entry point is blocked so they don’t regain entry once you have them out!


Create An Exit

Create a funnel out of metal or wire mesh and be sure the funnel is about 1 foot long, an about a foot wide. Attach the wide end of the funnel to the hole on the outside of your South Hudson’s home. Usually if the animal can leave out of the small hole, they will be able to re-enter as well, so just be careful. Try placing some food such as apple slices or peanuts at the hole of the opening to draw the squirrels out, or just wait for them to leave on their own to gather food.


Once they are out make sure to board up the hole or put mesh on it so that can’t regain entry.


Trapping

You can usually find a trap at your local hardware store. When purchasing a trap for a squirrel please keep in mind that in a larger cage the squirrel may begin to panic and harm themselves. Usually a cage that is 6 inches, by 6 inches, by 18 inches will be perfect for a small animal like a squirrel. Read the directions that come with the trap and be sure you know how to set it properly!


Put some food in the cage that appeals to a squirrel such as peanut butter, apple slices, peanuts, soda crackers, or pieces of bread crust otherwise the squirrels may not even go near the trap. Make sure the food is placed far enough inside the cage so the animal can’t grab it through the sides.


Set it up, and wait for the trap to work its magic.


Release

Once you have trapped the squirrel, you will need to release it. But first, be sure to check your South Hudson attic for baby squirrels. The babies will be helpless without their mother, and you will need to relocate them with her so they don’t die. The best thing for you to do is relocate them far away from your South Hudson’s home for sale in a wooded area where they can hopefully find their new home in a tree, rather than inside your attic.


Make sure you wear thick heavy gloves when you are releasing the squirrel from the trap. If the squirrel is angry, you wouldn’t want to get bit, or attacked. You can also use a string or rope to open the cage from a distance.



Keeping Them Out

Be sure to keep the trap filled with food in your South Hudson attic for a few weeks longer to be sure all the squirrels have left your home. Patch up the holes in your home as well so they can’t try to re-enter. Try leaving your attic light on, or purchase some squirrel repellent from the store, rags soaked in household ammonia work too. Also, leaving a radio on in your attic, or purchasing an ultrasonic repellent may work for you as well.



If you are looking for more tips on how to get rid of pests or other animals in your South Hudson home for sale give us a call or check out our other articles on getting rid of pests in your home.


If you are looking to buy or sell a home for sale in South Hudson give our qualified agents at Harmony Real Estate a call today at (603) 883-8840. We would love to be a successful partner in your home purchase.


What Should 1st Time House Buyers in South Nashua Know?

Being a first time buyer can be a little scary, but The Harmony Real Estate team is here to help! If you have questions don’t hesitate to ask. No question is too big or too small. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get answers from our experienced real estate agents. 


Here are five things you should do when you are buying a home for the first time:

Decide on the location versus space when searching for a home!

When you are looking for your first home, be sure you decide on a location first. Sometimes the location of the house for sale can have a bigger impact on your life, versus the spaciousness of the home. If you find a big beautiful home in the country, but you’d prefer to be closer to the city sometimes you need to sacrifice a little bit of space to get what you want.

You can never change the location of your house but you could potentially add on or finish your basement.



The School District Will Affect Your Home Value

Before purchasing a home it is always good for you to look into the school district, even if you don’t have children. If it is a sought after school district with a high grade point average, people will be willing to pay more for you home when you do decide to sell it.

South Nashua homes for sale are located in the best school district within the city. The homes in South Nashua are highly sought-after, have the highest resale value and attract the wealthiest buyers.  


Put Some Money Away For Home Improvements

Home Improvements can be very expensive, and sometimes unexpected. There are a lot of things you can do by yourself, rather than hiring a company to complete the repairs in your home. Your house is your most valued asset so make sure to keep it in good repair.

Fixing up your home yourself will same you a ton of money and add sweat equity which equates to an added resale value of your South Nashua home for sale!


Don’t Overlook The Landscaping!

The exterior curb appeal is the first thing anyone will look at in regards to your home. Updates to the exterior of the home you decide to purchase can add up just as quickly as the interior improvements. If you don’t want to spend any money on the landscape, or you don’t have much to spend due to your budget try finding a home that already has the amenities you desire.

Make sure to take a good look at the exterior and evaluate the true  condition before you purchase a South Nashua home for sale.


Don’t Max Out Your Qualification Budget

If you try to use every last cent that you qualify for, odds are you will have a smaller number of options. If you are willing to come down in your price range, more options will open up for you once you purchase. This means you will have money left over for any renovations or decorating you’d like to do to make your new place truly feel like home.

You don’t want to feel like you are house poor. If you can’t ever go out for dinner or buy a pair of shoes will you truly be happy just living day to day? If you don’t overextend your budget ultimately you will be happier down the road.



Looking for your first home can be very nerve wracking, so don’t try to do it on your own. Our agents’ job a Harmony Real Estate is to take the stress off of you, and make purchasing a home a bit easier for you.  

Give our agents a call at Harmony Real Estate (603) 883-8840 for more information on buying a South Nashua home for sale. We would love to be instrumental in your new purchase.



Being a first time buyer can be a little scary, but The Harmony Real Estate team is here to help! If you have questions don’t hesitate to ask. No question is too big or too small. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get answers from our experienced real estate agents.


Here are five things you should do when you are buying a home for the first time:



Decide on the location versus space when searching for a home!

When you are looking for your first home, be sure you decide on a location first. Sometimes the location of the house for sale can have a bigger impact on your life, versus the spaciousness of the home. If you find a big beautiful home in the country, but you’d prefer to be closer to the city sometimes you need to sacrifice a little bit of space to get what you want.


You can never change the location of your house but you could potentially add on or finish your basement.



The School District Will Affect Your Home Value

Before purchasing a home it is always good for you to look into the school district, even if you don’t have children. If it is a sought after school district with a high grade point average, people will be willing to pay more for you home when you do decide to sell it.


South Nashua homes for sale are located in the best school district within the city. The homes in South Nashua are highly sought-after, have the highest resale value and attract the wealthiest buyers.  



Put Some Money Away For Home Improvements

Home Improvements can be very expensive, and sometimes unexpected. There are a lot of things you can do by yourself, rather than hiring a company to complete the repairs in your home. Your house is your most valued asset so make sure to keep it in good repair.


Fixing up your home yourself will same you a ton of money and add sweat equity which equates to an added resale value of your South Nashua home for sale!



Don’t Overlook The Landscaping!

The exterior curb appeal is the first thing anyone will look at in regards to your home. Updates to the exterior of the home you decide to purchase can add up just as quickly as the interior improvements. If you don’t want to spend any money on the landscape, or you don’t have much to spend due to your budget try finding a home that already has the amenities you desire.


Make sure to take a good look at the exterior and evaluate the true  condition before you purchase a South Nashua home for sale.



Don’t Max Out Your Qualification Budget

If you try to use every last cent that you qualify for, odds are you will have a smaller number of options. If you are willing to come down in your price range, more options will open up for you once you purchase. This means you will have money left over for any renovations or decorating you’d like to do to make your new place truly feel like home.


You don’t want to feel like you are house poor. If you can’t ever go out for dinner or buy a pair of shoes will you truly be happy just living day to day? If you don’t overextend your budget ultimately you will be happier down the road.



Looking for your first home can be very nerve wracking, so don’t try to do it on your own. Our agents’ job a Harmony Real Estate is to take the stress off of you, and make purchasing a home a bit easier for you.  



Give our agents a call at Harmony Real Estate (603) 883-8840 for more information on buying a South Nashua home for sale. We would love to be instrumental in your new purchase.



DIY Home Maintenance for Your South Nashua NH house for sale

Home maintenance can be scary at times! Thinking about fixing the problem, or the huge dent it will make in your bank account is even worse! 

Here are a few ways you can maintain things yourself without having to break the bank by hiring a professional.

Toilets

Water leaking from your toilet will not only cost money on your utility bill, but it can damage your bathroom floor as well! Adding food coloring to your toilet's water tank will help you figure out whether the toilet itself is leaking, or if it's something more. Be sure to use a color like red or blue so you don’t mistake the color on the toilet bowl for something else. If the water in your toilet bowl is the same color as the food coloring you used, then you have a leak.

If you find that your toilet is leaking from the tank to the bowl, the flapper needs to be replaced. To change your toilet flapper, first shut off the water supply to your toilet. Look behind your toilet and turn the water valve located directly behind it to shut the water off. Be sure to remove the lid of the tank, and flush the toilet to remove the water from the tank, then use a towel or a sponge to get any excess water remaining in the tank. Remove the flush chain from the lever, slide the old flapper up off the overflow tube, then slide the new flapper in place over the overflow tube. Don’t forget to reconnect the chain, and turn the water supply back on.

Faucets

The main reason why faucets leak is usually worn out washers. The washers inside of faucets handles are usually rubber, and they tend to wear or break. You can easily replace them by removing the leaky handle that controls the water flow to the spout, removing the worn out or broke washer, and placing a new one where the old one was. Be sure to turn off your main water supply so you don’t make a mess!

Washing Machine & Dryer

It is always important to check your washing machine's water supply hoses and pipes for leaks. It is also important to check your drain hoses for leaks as well. If you do find any leaks, or the end of your pipes start to rust, replace them immediately.

Also, be sure you check the snugness of the drain lines by using a wrench or a pair of pliers. If they are tightened properly, you won't be able to tighten them anymore. You should also replace plastic lines with stainless steel hoses to avoid leaks from happening. Washing machine leaks are the main cause of water damage in a home.

As for your dryer, be sure to remove lint and clean it regularly to prevent fires. Cleaning your lint screen will increase the life of the heating element. Also be sure to clean the lint screen with dish soap and water once a week to remove excess fabric softener residue.

Water Heater

There is nothing worse than turning on the warm water in your shower and feeling a burst of cold water spraying on you. Water heaters need maintenance to increase longevity and to reduce the possibility of damage just like other appliances do.

Most people don't realize that water has sediment in it, and when it settles it can damage the floor of your water heater. You should drain the water from your water heater at least once a year to clean the inside of the tank.

To drain your water heater, be sure to turn off the water supply and power to it. Then, connect a hose to the water heater and put the other end outside or in a sink. Usually a regular garden hose fits onto your water heater. Turn on all the hot water faucets in your home to open the drain valve to your water heater. When your finished, turn the water supply back on with the drain valve still open to remove any built up sediment at the bottom of the tank. Then close the drain valve and refill the tank. Don’t forget to turn the power and water back on!

Drafty Windows

Drafty windows are awful! They are the leading cause of a high fuel bill. Check the caulking that runs along your windows. If it's damaged or weathered remove whatever is left with a razor blade or a knife, and replace it with new caulk. For further insulation, you can add insulating window film against your glass to keep the drafts out. If you're replacing windows extra insulation around the frame is always a good idea.

Gutters

While gutters usually tend to go unnoticed, they are one of the most important aspects to keep up on your home. Gutters are designed to capture water and debris and take it away from your foundation. You can damage your home with gutters that are not properly maintained. To clean your gutters, remove debris manually as you wash the gutters with a garden hose. If you find any spots that are leaking, or parts of the gutter that are not properly affixed to your fascia boards be sure to replace or repair them right away. Another good option is to put gutter covers on so you don't need to clean out the debris all the time.

Roof

Be sure to regularly check your roof. Replace shingles that are missing, worn, or the that gravel has worn off of. The shingles protect your roof from weather, whether it be rain, snow, the hot summer sun or even the wind. Make sure you check around skylights and chimneys where there could be leaks and repair the flashing as necessary.

For more DIY tips for your South Nashua house for sale give our agents at Harmony Real Estate a call at (603) 883-8840. Our agents would love to help you with some basic tips that help sell your home for top dollar.

Home maintenance can be scary at times, thinking of making your problem worse, or the huge dent it will make in your bank account! Here are a few ways you can maintain things yourself without having to break the bank by hiring a professional.


  • Toilets

Water leaking from your toilet will not only cost your money on your utility bill, but it may damage your bathroom floor as well! Adding food coloring to your toilet's water tank will help you figure out whether the toilet itself is leaking, or if it's something more. Be sure to use a color like red or blue so you don’t mistake the color is the toilet bowl as something else. If the water in your toilet bowl is the same as color as the food coloring you used, then you have a leak. If you find that your toilet is leaking from the tank to the bowl, the flapper needs to be replaced. To change your toilets flapper, first shut off the water supply to your toilet. Look behind your toilet and turn the water valve located directly behind it to shut the water off. Be sure to remove the lid of the tank, and flush the toilet to remove the water from the tank, then use a towel or a sponge to get any excess water remaining in the tank. Remove the flush chain from the lever, and then slide the old flapper up off the overflow tube, then slide the new flapper in place over the overflow tube! Don’t forget to reconnect the chain, and turn the water supply back on.


  • Faucets

The main reason why faucets leak is usually worn out washers. The washers inside of a faucets handles are usually rubber, and they tend to wear or break. You can easily replace them by removing the leaky handle that controls the water flow to the spout, removing the worn out or broke washer, and placing a new one where the old one was. Be sure to turn off your main water supply so you don’t make a mess!

  • Washing Machine & Dryer

It is always important to check your washing machine's water supply hoses and pipes for leaks. It is also important to check your drain hoses for leaks as well. If you do find any leaks, or the end of your pipes start to rust, replace them immediately. Also, be sure you check the snugness of the drain lines by using a wrench or a pair of pliers. If they are tightened properly, you won't be able to tighten them anymore. You should also replace plastic lines every three years to avoid leaks from happening. Washing machine leaks are the main cause of water damage in a home.

As for your dryer, be sure to remove the lint sheet and clean it regularly to prevent fires. Cleaning your lint screen will also increase the life of the heating element. Also be sure to clean the lint screen with dish soap and water once a week to remove excess fabric softener residue.


  • Water Heater

There is nothing worse than turning on the warm water in your shower and feeling the burst of cold come raining down on you. Water heaters need maintenance to increase longevity and to reduce the possibility of damage as many other appliances do. Most people dont realize that water has sediment in it, and when it settles it can damage the floor of your water heater. You should drain the water from your water heater at least once a year to clean the inside surface of the floor.


To drain your water heater, be sure to turn off the water supply and power to it. Then, connect a hose to the water heater and put the other end somewhere it wont damage anything, such as your driveway. Usually a typical garden hose fits a water heater perfectly. Turn on all the hot water faucets in your home to open the drain valve to you water heater. When your finished with that, turn the water supply back on with the drain valve still open to remove any built up sediment at the bottom of the tank, Then close the drain valve, refill the tank. Don’t forget to turn the power and water back on!

  • Drafty Windows

Drafty windows are the worst! They are the leading cause of running up your electric bill, whether you are using an air conditioner, or the heat to warm your home. Often check the caulk line that runs along your window. If it seems to be damaged or weathered remove whatever is left with a razor blade or a knife, and replace it with new caulk. For further insulation, you can add insulating window film against your glass to keep the drafts out.



  • Gutters

While gutters usually go unnoticed, they are one of the most important aspects to keep your home. Gutters are designed to capture water and debris and take them away from your foundation. Another main cause of water damage in a home is from gutters that are not properly maintianed. To clean you gutters you simply remove debri manually as you wash the gutters with a garden hose. If you find any spots that are leaking, or parts of the gutter that are not properly affixiated to your fascia boards be sure to replace or repair them right away.


  • Roof


Be sure to regualrrly check your roof, and replace any shingles that are missing, worn, or the that gravel has worm off of. The shingles protect your roof from any type of weather, whether it be rain, snow, or the hot summer sun. Make sure you check around any skylights or chimmneys where there could be a leak.