ERA Martin/Shamrock Division

Continued from page 5 miliarize yourself with how to handle equipment safely. Lost manuals can be found online. Save a copy on your computer if possible, so it can be consulted when needed. Be familiar with your equipment, and all its features, including how to turn it off quickly and safely. 2. Service all equipment. Before storing spring and summer equipment, clean and service it or take it to a small engine repair shop. Drain and change engine oil and safely dispose the old oil. Service the air filter, and do other maintenance as directed by the owner’s manual. Check winter equipment and see if any maintenance and repairs are required. 3. Handle fuel properly. Unused fuel left in gas tanks over the winter can go stale and even damage equipment. Before storing equipment, add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, then run the equipment to distribute it.

Turn the engine off, allow the machine to cool, then restart and run until the gas tank is empty. For winter equipment, buy the recommended type of fuel no more than 30 days before use. Use fuel with no more than 10 percent ethanol in outdoor power equipment. Use a fuel stabilizer if recommended by the manufacturer. Get more information on safe fueling for outdoor power equipment at LookBeforeYouPump.com. 4. Charge the battery. Remove and fully charge batteries before storing. Don’t store batteries on metal shelves or allow them to touch metal objects. Store them on a plastic or wood shelf in a climate-controlled structure. 5. Shelter equipment from winter weather. Store spring and summer equipment in a clean and dry place such as a garage, barn or shed. Winter equipment should be kept away from the elements, but be easily available for use. 6. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Make space in the garage or basement before the weather changes, so there is room to store larger yard items. Clean up the yard of sticks, debris, dog and kid’s toys and other items that can damage or destroy equipment. Clear the paths used regularly in your yard, especially during the winter when snow can “hide” things. 7. Have the right weather appropriate extension cord for your generator. Keep heavy duty weather proof extension cords on hand to use with it.

Ensure the length of the cord is necessary to operate the generator a safe distance from the house or building. Never operate a generator indoors, in a garage, breezeway or under an open window.

Exterior renovations boost value

Renovating a home to improve its value can be a smart investment. Interior improvements, such as updating kitchens and baths, offer good return on investment, but there are plenty of exterior renovations that can add value to a home and give it that coveted “wow” factor. Landscaping

Abundant and well-planned landscaping can instantly boost curb appeal. According to the landscaping company Lawn Starter, 71 percent of prospective home buyers say a home’s curb appeal is an important factor in their buying decisions.

As buyers use the internet to look for their dream homes, there’s no denying a beautifully landscaped, nicely photographed property can entice buyers to click and read more about a house.

Address insects, minor repairs

Improving home value may come down to fixing areas of the home that can negatively affect its appeal to buyers. Hire an inspector to look at key components of the house and recommend what needs to be fixed. This way it is discovered before home buyers come in and do their own inspections.

Termite infestations, deteriorating roofs and hidden water leaks are some things that might need fixing. Improve the entryway

The front door is the focal point of a home’s exterior. Invest in a new door or paint it a striking color to add appeal. Remodeling magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report 2019” indicates changing an entry door to a steel replacement can offer 74.9 percent ROI.

Such a door provides visual appeal and added security - things buyers look for. In addition to the front door, make sure that the entryway has a level walkway, steps that are in good repair, accents that are free from rust or tarnish, and decorative plants. Continued on page 11

OCEAN PINES

11049 Racetrack Road Ocean Pines, MD 21811 Office: 410-641-5000 Demand is High – Now is the Time to Sell or Rent Your Property Let Us Get TOP DOLLAR for Your Home Sale or Rental

33925 S. WEST STREET

PITTSVILLE $179,900

This 10.91 acres is the perfect place to build your dream home! Situated close to the beach and airport you can have the best of both worlds. Live the country life like the locals but be close enough to spend your days on Assateague Island or Ocean City.

MLS MDWC2000856 77 CHATHAM COURT • OCEAN PINES $499,900

Private Sand Piper model w/loft located in the Premier Plus 55 Community of The Parke. Showcases natural light & exceptional features i.e., hardwood floors, crown molding, spacious kitchen w/granite counter tops, upgraded cabinetry w/pull outs, lg pantry, breakfast bar and breakfast room. Great room off kitchen w/see-thru marble mantled Fireplace or in oversized Sunroom with plantation shutters. Secluded Primary Suite featuring tray ceiling, 5-foot jetted soaking tub, seated tiled shower and dbl vanities. Split floor plan w/2 additional lg BR on 1st level and beautiful loft w/full BR/BA on 2nd floor will give privacy to your guests and family. Custom built deck, oversized 2 car garage & paved driveway. MLS MDWO2001702

130 SEAFARER LANE OCEAN PINES $274,500

Must-see 1490 s.f. 2BR/2BA home located in the amenity rich Ocean Pines Community. Front door has beautiful stain glass features. Kitchen island with eat at counter. Den/sunroom features a wood burning fireplace and could easily be converted into a 3rd BR. Main BR has a bath with tub and shower. Separate utility room with cabinets. The landscaping is beautiful w/low maintenance. Rear yard has a ground level deck. Attic is partially floored w/extra room for storage. Circle driveway has a lovely red stone surface. Built in storage shed on the rear of the home. Sold in 'As-Is' condition. Most furniture negotiable. MLS MDWO2003472 0 NANTICOKE ROAD SALISBURY $79,900

4.67 acres of land zoned Residential on Nanticoke Rd, Salisbury MD!

MLS MDWC2001476 35 HARBORVIEW DRIVE OCEAN PINES $975,000

Beautifully remodeled beach house on the St Martins River with panoramic views of the Ocean City skyline. Perfect for entertaining. Huge wrap-around upper deck. Formal living room and dining room w/cathedral ceilings, kitchen primary and BR and BA on upper level. Lower-level features family room and 3 additional BR. Hardscaped patio and walkways. 2 boat lifts, one 15K lbs. and one 10K lbs. and 2 Jet ski lifts with 200+/- Ft of bulkhead w/room for all of you your water sports toys. Home Warranty. Pre-inspected, home in excellent condition. Furniture Negotiable. MLS #MDWO2001208

NOT READY TO SELL? WE’RE SEEKING LONG & SHORT TERM RENTAL HOMES Let Us Manage Your Property – We Have a List of Qualified Tenant Applicants Just Waiting for Your Home