September Newsletter Tucson Real Estate

News From Your Real Estate Professional 

Gregory Richman, Realtor, 520-248-1239, grichman@RichmanTucsonHomes.com

SEPTEMBER HOME WARRANTY TIP: Get your furnace tuned up before winter. A tune up can make your system more energy efficient all winter, and it's a great opportunity for a trained HVAC professional to catch minor problems before they turn into major repair expenses.

September is a Time of Transition Get your home ready for the season ahead to savor the comforts of your home.

*Schedule chimney maintenance. Make sure your fireplace and heating system are clean, safe and ready to go by having a pro look at them now. If you don’t have a chimney cap yet, speak with your chimney sweep about adding one. The metal cap with screened sides can prevent critters from getting in and helps protect your roof from burning embers.

*Add weather-stripping. Newer doublepane windows may not need weatherstripping, but it will help older windows retain heat and stop drafts. Check areas with previously applied weather-stripping and remove or replace as needed.

*Maintain the washer and dryer. Cleaning out the dryer vents can be a DIY job, but if you don’t feel comfortable doing so (or if you’ve been putting it off), you may want to hire a pro to do washer and dryer maintenance for you. Washing machine hoses need to be replaced from time to time, and a cracked hose can cause a leak — which can mean costly damage to your home. Clean dryer vents and hoses will help your machine work more efficiently and reduce the risk of fire.

*Inspect the roof and gutters. Pull out any sticks or other debris blocking the gutters, and make note of any worn-out seals around vent pipes and chimneys. If you do not feel comfortable on a ladder, or have a home of two or more stories, hire someone to do a quick inspection for you. Schedule any needed repairs now so that your home will be all buttoned up for winter.

*Consider beefing up insulation. You may want to think about adding insulation to your attic space or inside walls. This can make a big difference in how well your home retains heat in winter and stays cool in summer.

National Preparedness Month September is recognized as National Preparedness Month (NPM) which serves as a reminder that we all must take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and also where we visit. The goal of NPM is to increase the overall number of individuals, families, and communities that engage in preparedness actions at home, work, businesses, school, and place of worship.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

*Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

*Food, at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food

*Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

*Flashlight and extra batteries

*First aid kit

*Whistle to signal for help

*Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

*Moist towelettes, garbage bag, and plastic ties for personal sanitation

*Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

*Manual can opener for food

*Local maps

*Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

For more information, visit: www.ready. gov/september

Grandparents Day

Let’s appreciate all the joy and wisdom that grandparents bring to our lives!

Most grandparents don’t care what activity they do—they just want to spend time with their grandchildren. Maybe ask your grandparents to show you one of their favorite hobbies. Many National Parks hold special Grandparents Day events, and it can be fun to spend time with your grandparents exploring nature. If your grandparent would prefer a calm day, ask them to show you their favorite movie. No matter what, the best Grandparents Day activity involves you and your grandparents together, celebrating your family and each other.

A home warranty from Fidelity National Home Warranty provides both the home buyer and seller with peace-of-mind when it comes to repairs and/or replacement of a home’s major systems and appliances.

FOR TOTAL PROFESSIONALISM HANDLING THE PURCHASE AND/OR SALE OF TUCSON AREA REAL ESTATE AS WELL AS ALL THE CONTACTS ONE NEEDS TO MAKE REPAIRS AND/OR IMPROVEMENTS CALL, TEXT, OR EMAIL ...  GREGORY RICHMAN, REALTOR, 520-248-1239, GRICHMAN@RICHMANTUCSONHOMES.COM