March Home Tips

HOME MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST

BY ETHEL WILKEY DOWNS

CHECK YOUR BATTERIES CHECK YOUR PLUMBING

Between 2007 and 2011, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths were in homes without working smoke detectors, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Change batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a year. The switch to daylight savings time is a good day to choose for the job. Give your pipes a good once-over, checking under sinks to make sure there are no signs of leaks. Look up at your ceilings for telltale water stains – a sign of a leak in the wall. Check faucets for drips and the flapper in the tank of your toilet to make sure it has not worn out (once the flapper starts to go, expect your toilet to run more frequently.) Start outside, raking up any remaining leaves that survived the winter, and laying down mulch in your flowerbeds and beneath the hedges. A thin layer of mulch will protect plants from drought and keep weeds at bay. Turn your outside faucets back on, checking for damage. If you plan on hiring a lawn care service to maintain your property and mow your lawn, now is the time to renew your annual contract.

Ascension Medical Group Parkway Plastic Surgery

Steven M. Nitsch, MD, Comprehensive Plastic Surgical Care Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Liz Serbenski, Esthetician, Skin Care Specialist Offering: • Cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery • Botox and injectable fillers • Cosmetic facial improvements • Body contouring • Micro-needling, chemical peels and custom facials • CoolSculpting — FDA approved and certified practice • Skin care To schedule an appointment, please call 269-343-5750. We look forward to caring for you.

Ascension Michigan

IT’S A SELLER’S WORLD.

THINKING ABOUT SELLING? NOW MAY BE THE PERFECT TIME.

IN TODAY'S HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKET, YOU’LL NEED STRONG, PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE TO LEAD THE WAY. From coaching you through my Home Readiness Program to ensure the highest market returns, to being diligent in my every move to get your offer accepted, no one works harder to help you achieve all your real estate goals. I LOOK FORWARD TO GUIDING YOU HOME.

Ethel Wilkey-Downs, REALTOR® Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Michigan Real Estate

269.267.0515 ethelwilkey@bhhsmi.com fb.com/ethelwilkeyrealtor ethelwilkey.bhhsmichiganrealestate.com