OPEN HOUSE IN WESTERVILLE!

OPEN HOUSE!

by Debbie Marks

7270 Duncans Glen Drive
Westerville, OH 43082

1/29/17 from 1-4 PM

This home is a MUST-SEE!

Park-Like Setting!

Over 1 acre with woods, creek, 2 tiered deck & patio, aluminum fenced yard and additional detached garage/workshop. Many recent updates include: new concrete drive, roof, irrigation system, remodeled Master Bath, Kitchen, furnace, A/C & more! Two-Story Foyer with wood floors. First floor Den with built-ins. First Floor Master’s Retreat with his & hers walk-in closets and remodeled Bath. Vaulted & expansive Great Room has skylights, wet bar, & see-through fireplace. Giant, updated “Dream” Kitchen with wrap around cherry cabinets, new appliances and granite countertops walks out to a Florida Room. Finished Lower Level & more! Near Hoover Reservoir. 3 BRs & 2.5 Baths. Over 4,100 SF! Big Walnut schools. Only $539,900!

Tips to improve your indoor air quality

You may not think about the air quality in your home because the problem isn't visible, but that doesn't stop dust, dander or chemicals from polluting your air. Everyday living generates up to 40 pounds of dust in a six-room house every year, according to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), the HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association.



Taking steps to clean the air in your home will do more than just improve air quality; it will also save you money. Twenty-five to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted because contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work inefficiently, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.



If you're interested in improving the air quality in your home and saving money while you do it, here are some tips to get you headed in the right direction.



Hire a professional to clean your most important asset



Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system literally takes air in and breathes air out. Because of this, keeping your HVAC system and your ducts clean is the most important thing you can do to improve your home's air quality. "If your ducts look dirty, they probably are," is NADCA's advice to consumers.



Have your system serviced by a certified technician. This will not only improve the quality of the air in your home, it will allow your heating and cooling system to run more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills.



Make sure to hire a NADCA-certified technician. All members have certified Air Systems Cleaning Specialists (ASCS) on staff and they are required to further their education by attending seminars and to adhere to the NADCA code of ethics.



Encourage ventilation



Today's newer homes are built air tight, making ventilation difficult. The simplest way to encourage ventilation is to simply open windows. In the bathroom, turn on the exhaust fan to stop steam from collecting dirt and keeping it in the bathroom. In the kitchen, place any appliance that creates steam or oily vapor under the stove hood. Finally, make sure vents on the outside of your home are not blocked by leaves or snow as season dictates.



Prevent mold



Mold can be one of the most harmful contaminators of air quality. You'll find mold in areas where moisture and poor ventilation come together. Vacuum rear grills on appliances like your fridge and freezer to improve ventilation and empty and clean any drip trays to eliminate mold. If you have a leaky pipe in your home make sure it is addressed. Take a tour outside and trim any bushes or shrubs that have grown too close as that proximity can lead to mold and algae.



Replace filters and screens



In the warmer months, clean the area around your air conditioner and repair any vermin screens on your chimney flues that may be damaged. During the cooler months, remove screens from any window that may trap condensation and make sure to change your furnace filter monthly.



Keeping the air in your home clean is just as important as washing the dishes or cleaning the clothes. The first step is to have your heating and cooling systems serviced by a NADCA technician. Once that is complete, follow these tips to maintain your air quality. To learn more about NADCA and how you can benefit from an HVAC cleaning, visit nadca.com/en/faq.

Three ways to give energy savings the green light in your home

Red means stop, green means go - we learn that axiom as children. When it comes to home energy costs, however, going green can help homeowners put a stop to runaway utility bills. And maximizing your home's use of natural light - call it green lighting - is a great way to boost your home's energy efficiency.



Here are three ways you can put Mother Nature to work, and use natural light to lower your energy costs:



Minimize use of artificial lighting



Anyone who's ever paid an electrical bill knows that the simple act of turning on a light can directly impact your monthly expenses. Homeowners looking for a long-term way to power down their lighting costs may consider Energy Star-qualified skylights a good investment. While skylights' cosmetic appeal can't be argued, their value goes far beyond good looks.



By admitting natural light into your home, skylights can help reduce use of artificial light sources - and help you save on electricity costs. Pair powered venting skylights that come with automatic rain sensors with efficiency-enhancing accessories like designer blinds (available in a varied palette of colors and patterns), and you can improve energy efficiency as much as 37 percent, according to skylight manufacturer Velux America. And, with tubular products like Sun Tunnel skylights, you can even bring natural light into ground-floor rooms or spots where a traditional skylight may not work, such as a first-floor powder room, hallways, or walk-in closets.



Reduce hot water costs



Long gone are the days when solar powering your home was an idealistic, but impractical dream. Solar technology is more useful, accessible and cost-effective than ever. Solar water heating systems are becoming mainstream, and offer homeowners a great, green way to trim energy costs. What's more, the cost of installing these systems has been steadily declining as the technology advances, and you may find adding one makes you eligible for tax credits or incentives from your local, state or the federal governments. You can calculate the costs and possible paybacks online at www.veluxusa.com.



Make home a healthier place



Every year, ill health costs the U.S. economy billions of dollars, experts say, and your own health woes can have a significant impact on your pocketbook. The health benefits of natural light are well-documented, from reducing the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and promoting the body's production of Vitamin D, to improving mood and even learning ability.



Simply opening blinds and curtains to admit more natural light can directly affect the mood inside your home - not to mention the mental state of the people living in it. Take your green lighting efforts to a higher level by adding venting skylights, and you can also help improve the air quality inside your home. While skylights admit ample natural light, their natural chimney effect works with your windows to bring in and circulate much more healthful fresh air. They also passively vent fumes and dampness that can lead to mold and mildew.



By incorporating natural light and passive ventilation into their home decor and improvements, homeowners can put the brakes on rising utility costs - and give the green light to energy savings.

Light blocking curtains

Light blocking curtains, sometimes known as blackout curtains or lined blackout curtains, can be a very appealing and functional interior design touch. Once you understand the main elements involved in choosing your light blocking curtains, you'll be able to successfully install and utilize them to their maximum effectiveness.



Take Measurements



Blackout curtain drapes or blackout window curtains come from the factory in many different sizes, shapes and styles. Since the main purpose of these curtains is to perform the function of blocking out daylight, it's essential to take accurate measurements around all of the windows and glass doors in which you intend to hang them. You need to always measure a little wider and lower so that the drapes extend past the corners, bottoms, and sides of the glass where all possible outdoor light can come in.



Are they Dark Enough?



Blackout curtains come in several colors. But they're all usually dark enough to serve the purpose of blocking the light out of your home, apartment or condominium. If you're buying them because you want to be able to sleep comfortably during the day when the sun's bright, then you should carefully choose the darkest color you can find, as this will successfully block out more sunlight than lighter versions. But if all you want to do is block out the often blinding glare of the sun that's coming into your living room, you can go with a lighter color to match your interior decor.



Materials and Textures



Many of these lined blackout curtains are made of heavy-duty thermal material since thermal textures are more efficient at blocking out the strong, harsh rays of the sun. You have to understand that when this type of material gets dirty from dust and other airborne pollutants, you'll have to eventually clean them. This will often mean removing them and taking them over to the dry cleaner, as household steam cleaners usually aren't effective enough for a thorough cleaning and a full disinfecting procedure.



But the many benefits of these heavy, rugged textures also include keeping out the intense heat of the sun in summer time, saving on your air conditioning energy consumption costs, and helping prevent the sun from color fading of your carpets and furniture, especially the leather, velour and suede variety.



Price



You can find these blackout curtains selling for a wide variety of prices depending on which brand you buy and from which online or physical retail location you choose to purchase at. Wider, longer and heavier ones will always cost more. So will ones with custom designs and weaved patterns on them. These are the upscale, high end brands. Many homeowners are content to buy the least expensive, simplest designs and just color coordinate the curtains with their carpet, hardwood floors, wall coverings, and sofas. Well priced light blocking curtains are also going to be incredibly durable. They won't fade due to the strong sun hitting into them all day long, so they make an excellent household investment.



Versatility



Because light blocking curtains can be used in so many home window applications, they have become very popular over the years since they first came out. Blackout window curtains can be used instead of ordinary blinds to block out much more sunlight. They're certainly ten times better than even the darkest standard curtains. And these light blocking curtains can be installed over either windows that rise vertically or over ones that roll inward towards the room. They can also be used on sliding glass doors that lead to patios, porches and decks.



By: Alfred Oliver

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7244.shtml

Revive your bathroom quickly, easily and affordably

Remodeling projects have increased in popularity over the past few years as homeowners have decided to improve on what they have, rather than take a risk in the real estate market. Whether you're hoping to sell your home or create a more enjoyable living space, tackle home improvement projects that make a big impact and add value.



One of the top return-on-investment remodeling projects is updating a bathroom. Bathroom updates even outweigh kitchen projects in terms of getting back what you spend, according to CNN Money. And, if you take a cost-conscious approach and do the project yourself, your investment return will be even better. Renting tools is a key way you can cut costs and bring new life into your bathroom.

There are plenty of remodeling tasks that are easily accomplished by renting tools, versus the cost of buying expensive tools or hiring someone else to do the work. Visit www.rentalhq.com to find an American Rental Association member rental store in your area.

Bring new life to your bath with these tips:

• Replace old tile. Outdated tile is a common problem that makes bathrooms look old. Replacing it with fresh new tile that is in style will instantly give the room a modern look. Tiling is a DIY project that anyone can tackle, with the right tools. Rent the necessary items like a tile stripper, a tile saw and a mortar mixer to keep your project costs down.

Refresh the ceiling. Ceilings can become dingy over time, and you might not suspect them as the culprit that's making your room feel dull. You'll notice a dramatic change if you liven it up with fresh new texture and paint. Texture sprayers are an unusual tool for most DIY warriors to own, but you can easily rent one to make the job quick and inexpensive.

• Add personality with paint. Another simple fix that can be done is adding a new paint color. It's an easy, quick, and cheap project and can totally change the look and feel of the room. Opt for one of your favorite colors or scour interior design websites and magazines to find a trendy color that gets your attention.
• Change hardware. Some faucets and cabinet hardware clearly show their decade of origin. Switching out old hardware is relatively simple and a great way to make a dramatic change in the look of your room.

These projects set the stage for creating a new feel for your bathroom. Make the revived space a reality by choosing a decorating theme and accessories that complement it. Items like window treatments, throw rugs, and wall art make the room feel more complete and stylish. To get your project started, visit www.rentalhq.com.

How to avoid a big tax bill or fine-tune your refund

Remember the IRS Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate, your employer asked you to complete on your first day? "The number of personal allowances you designate on Form W-4 determines the amount of federal income tax withheld from each paycheck," explains TaxACT spokesperson Jessi Dolmage. "The total amount withheld for the year is credited against your income tax liability."



You can modify your withholding at any time of year by submitting a new Form W-4 to your employer. In order to minimize taxes owed at the time of filing, set your allowances to zero on your W-4. To increase take-home pay but potentially owe more money at tax time, increase your allowances.



Each of the following should be counted as one allowance:



* Yourself (if no one can claim you as a dependent on a tax return)



* Each dependent



* You claim the child tax or child and dependent care credits on your tax return



* Your tax return filing status is Head of Household



If you have income from multiple jobs or your spouse works, withholding is usually the most accurate when counting all allowances on the W-4 for the highest paying job. Then claim zero allowances on W-4s for all other jobs.



Fortunately, there are free and easy solutions to help you calculate the appropriate withholding. The IRS offers Publication 505 and a withholding calculator at www.irs.gov.



TaxACT also offers a free withholding calculator. "After registering for TaxACT Free Federal Edition, click on the 'Next Year' tab to answer simple questions about your allowances," says Dolmage. "TaxACT will also complete a new Form W-4 that you can print and give to your employer."



Self-employed individuals should calculate net income and estimated taxes owed each quarter. Submit your quarterly estimated taxes along with Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals.



To adjust withholding for unemployment or social security payments, give Form W-4V to the payer. Submit Form W-4P to payers of pension, annuity and other deferred compensation.



In addition to reviewing your withholding when you get a new job, it's important to review your withholding whenever experiencing a major life change, such as:



* Marriage or divorce



* Birth or adoption



* Increase or decrease in income e.g., you get a part-time weekend job or spouse becomes stay-at-home parent



* Buy a house



* Retirement



* Change in interest or dividend income



* Change in itemized deductions



If you live in an income-taxing state and want to adjust your state withholding, you'll need to complete the appropriate withholding form for your state.



For more information about withholding and Form W-4, visit www.irs.gov. Learn more about TaxACT's free federal solution at www.taxact.com.

The 24 hour challenge: Tackle your home to-do list

Following are a few projects that you can quickly tackle - with the help of Krylon ColorMaster spray paint - to help cross off some of your to-do list DIY projects.



-DIY Mason jar herb garden



We all have mismatched jars cluttering our cupboards or attics.- Fortunately, Mason jars are the ideal size to create anything from a flower vase, an herb garden or desktop organizer, and the raised outer design adds a touch of whimsy and nostalgia. With just a bit of spray paint, your clutter can be transformed into a clever creation.



After thoroughly cleaning the jars, simply spray several light coats onto the jars using your favorite shades of Krylon ColorMaster spray paint. The unique formula dries in just 10 minutes and is available in nearly 100 brilliant colors and finishes to meet all your color and durability needs. Once dry, you now have a beautiful new vessel to hold anything from plants to pencils.



Terracotta potted plant house numbers



Why settle for "ho hum" house numbers? Instead convert ceramic or terra cotta pots into an eye-catching address marker with creative curb appeal.



To start, be sure that each pot has a clean and smooth surface.- Next, apply primer to the surface and allow to dry, using a white primer for light colors and a gray primer for dark colors. Next, paint each pot in a different color of spray paint and let dry. Finally, place a stencil for each house number on the center of each pot and spray with a light coat of paint. Arrange your pots in the proper order, fill with flowers and voila … you now have an original and welcoming way to announce your address.



Colorful hand-built and stenciled headboard



Does your headboard need help? Luckily, paint can take any piece of furniture from blah to beautiful. So instead of replacing your hated headboard, rejuvenate it.



Start by sanding and cleaning your current headboard to ensure you have a solid surface. Next apply primer. Once dry, spray the headboard in your favorite color of spray paint. And don't limit yourself to just one color! You can use painter's tape to cover different areas to create a multi-color surface - or add embellishments, such as stencils.- The opportunities are endless.



Want more product ideas? See how Krylon, the nation's leader in spray paint, with the help of licensed contractor and host of DIY Network's "I Hate My Bath," Jeff Devlin, attempted the seemingly impossible: complete 24 projects in 24 hours using Krylon's ColorMaster spray paint. To see each project from start to completion, visit http://colormaster24in24.krylon.com/.



With a bit of creativity and a few hours, you can spray your way through your DIY to-do list. For more information on Krylon products or spray paint projects, visit krylon.com.

JANUARY 2017 MARKET UPDATE

January 2017

Included in this blog post is a link to my Real Estate Update Newsletter. Please click on the link below to get the latest Real Estate Update for January! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email my office. 

614-882-6725

delena@delena.com

http://realtytimes.com/218/DeLenaCiamacco