Thankful for the Privilege

As the old year ends and we ready ourselves for 2018, I look back with thanks.

 

I’m thankful for friends and family and thankful for the good life I lead here in Tamaqua.

 

I’m also thankful that I’m privileged to earn my living helping some people attain the joy of home ownership, and thankful that I can help others sell a home and move on to the next adventure.

 

It’s exciting and rewarding to assist others as they navigate through one of life’s most significant events.

 

While and still have the New Year’s celebrations before the holidays are over, I’m looking ahead and looking forward to an exciting 2018.

 

Meanwhile, this week is a good time to stop and take stock.

 

Are there bills to pay that should be done by December 31 for tax purposes? Are there purchases to make for the same reason? If you have any kind of business, now is the time to purchase the supplies that you’ll need in January.

 

Tax tables can confuse, but if you have average earnings, every $100 you spend now on deductible expenses will save you at least $30 come tax time.

 

Do you need to get that load of outgrown clothes or toys to a non-profit in order to take a tax deduction for 2017? Again, if you have other Schedule A deductions, those donations can make a difference. (And of course, if you’re donating things that the less fortunate need, you’ll get the bonus of feeling good.)

 

Have you put off simple chores like changing the furnace or AC filter or changing the batteries in your smoke detectors because you were too busy to do one more thing? Now is the time!

 

And, if you've been thinking of selling your Tamaqua house in 2018, now is a good time to call me and get the ball rolling.

Stay safe this holiday season

Christmas is nearly upon us, and many here in Tamaqua are either preparing for holiday guests or making lists and packing to visit distant friends and relatives.

 

In all the excitement, it’s easy to overlook some basic safety tips. They’re especially important if you have small children or pets in your home – or if you’re expecting them during the holidays.

 

The tree: Ensure that the tree is firmly in its stand and will not tip over if tugged on by an excited child or dog – or climbed by a curious feline. If necessary, use a strong cord to anchor it to the wall.

 

Before you drape those lights on the tree (or anywhere else) check to see that no cords are frayed – or chewed. Some critters are drawn to the plastic coating on electrical cords.

Be mindful of glass ornaments. When chewed by an ambitious dog or child, they can lead to a trip to the emergency room. Keep them out of reach! And… keep watch for ornaments that have fallen and broken.

 

Floral arrangements: We all know that small children and pets can't seem to resist putting things into their mouths, so be cautious.

 

You’ve probably always heard that Poinsettias are toxic. They are. However, they probably won’t kill your children or pets because they taste so bad that most won’t ingest enough to do permanent damage, though it can cause nausea and vomiting.

 

The pesticides that may have been sprayed on those Poinsettias is far worse than the plants themselves. This poison is especially dangerous for small pets, puppies, and kittens. Reactions include seizures, coma, and in some cases, death.

Holly and mistletoe are more toxic than poinsettias. In fact, some animal health practitioners recommend keeping them out of your house entirely if you have pets. Mistletoe can cause severe drops in blood pressure, hallucinations, breathing problems, seizures, and even death.

More dangers: Lilies, daffodils, and amaryllis. Toxic to both dogs and cats, they can be lethal for cats.

The tree itself: Yes, it’s mildly toxic, but since the oils burn a pet’s mouth, they aren’t apt to ingest much. If they do, the needles can cause gastrointestinal irritation and obstruction, and even intestinal punctures.

The greater danger is from the water – this can quickly turn toxic, especially if the tree had been fertilized or if you had a freshening agent to the water. Just a few laps can result in a sick animal, so take steps to prevent pets from drinking from the tree stand.

 

The danger to your home and possessions: If you’re going out of town, tell only those who must know. For instance, your next-door neighbor, your pet sitter, your parents or children, and any clients who might be expecting to see you.

 

Vacant homes at Christmastime are a magnet for thieves, so get someone to retrieve your mail and/or newspapers every day and possibly to go in and out of the house occasionally. You might even want to consider hiring a house sitter.

 

Meanwhile, do NOT announce your pending trip to your friends on Facebook. It would be nice to believe that everyone accessing your Facebook page is indeed a “friend” but unfortunately, it isn’t so. Thieves troll those pages on the lookout for notice of homes that will be unoccupied.

 

If you've been waiting until after the holidays to list your Tamaqua house, get in touch!

 

I'll be happy to do the preliminary work now so you can get off to a fast start - perhaps even before January 1.

Buying a Tamaqua Home During the Holiday Season

If you're looking for a home here in Tamaqua during the holiday season, it probably means you need to find a new home.   Perhaps you're relocating to Tamaqua for a new job, family needs you nearby, or you've simply sold your previous home and want/need to get settled.   In that case, there's good news for you.   You'll have less competition – and less chance of getting into a "bidding war" over the home you want. Not only are fewer buyers looking right now, many agents are taking time off, making it more difficult for buyers to connect with their agents to arrange showings.   You'll have fewer homes to view – which is a mixed blessing. It's true that you won't have as many choices, but that will save you time in looking. And… those sellers who choose to interrupt their lives with showings during the holidays are just as motivated as you are. Coming to an agreement could be easier than it would be in mid-summer.   What about holiday décor covering up flaws? Don't worry. Your home inspector will look behind the décor.   If you want or need to find a Tamaqua home in December, get in touch. I'm here, working, and happy to help you find the home of your dreams.

Selling a Tamaqua Home During the Holiday Season

Should you keep your home on the market during the holiday season? Of course it's up to you, but do remember that those who are looking at homes instead of doing "holiday things" are likely to be serious buyers.

 

In fact, they may be out of area buyers who are transferring in to Tamaqua and need to find a home during their children's school holiday. This is generally not the time of year when "lookie-loos" go visiting homes just for something to do.

 

If you do decide to keep your home on the market, think about how you decorate, and do take precautions.

 

Decorating should be pretty, tasteful, and not overwhelming. You still want buyers to be able to see your home.

 

I've warned you before about putting small valuables away when your house is likely to be shown – extend that to small valuables that might be under the tree. The showing agent will do his or her best to protect your belongings, but if there are 2 or 3 people looking together, a small item going into a pocket could go unnoticed.

 

Which brings me to… Insist on appointments. Know who is going to be in your house and when. If someone comes to the door claiming to be an agent and asking for a tour, make them go back to your own agent and make the appointment.

 

It's sad to say, but people posing as agents and buyers could just be there to "case the joint" and see whether it's worth their while to come back when no one is home. (Is your social calendar posted on the kitchen bulletin board? You might be telling a thief just when it's safe to drop on by.)

 

If you're going to be away during the holidays (or any time your home is listed), tell your agent where you're going, when you'll be gone, and how to reach you while you're away.

 

Don't tell anyone else – especially not potential buyers and especially not friends on Facebook, Twitter, etc. (Well, you'd better tell your Mom and/or your kids - otherwise they might panic when they can't find you!)

 

Of course, the caution not to alert your social network holds for any time you'll be away – not just when your home is listed. More than one homeowner has returned home to find that thieves who read about their vacation on Facebook took good advantage of their absence.