Counter Culture: Pros and Cons of the Top Countertops for 2012

Counter Culture: Pros and Cons of the Top Countertops for 2012

By John Voket, RISMedia Columnist

If your 2012 home improvement project is going to include new countertops, you will be happy to note that I recently learned about a great resource through the First Weber Wisconsin real estate & Wisconsin living blog. That blog introduced Alabama home writer Lisa Frederick who is featured at www.houzz.com.
Frederick produced a comprehensive look at the options and costs of 11 different types of countertops. Among the variety of materials are:

Paper Composite - Created from paper fibers mixed with resin, this surface is eco-friendly and a whole lot more durable than it sounds.

Pros: Paper composite evokes the look of solid surfacing or laminate but with a warmer sensibility. It's surprisingly hardy and can withstand heat and water admirably. It's also a great deal lighter than natural stone or concrete.

Cons: The material isn't scratchproof and is susceptible to chemical damage. It needs an occasional rubdown with mineral oil, and even sanding, to refresh it. Although it sounds as though it would be a lower-budget option, it isn't (unless you install it yourself).

Cost: $85 to $125 per square foot, installed

Soapstone - Although it's in no danger of overtaking granite, soapstone has come into its own as a counter top material. It offers subtle, nuanced beauty yet feels humbler than granite or marble.
Pros: Soapstone has a natural softness and depth that fits very well with older and cottage-style homes. Although it usually starts out light to medium gray, it darkens with time. (Most people enjoy the acquired patina, but you may consider this a con.)

Cons: Soapstone needs polishing with oil to keep it in top shape. It can crack over time, and it can't handle knife scratches and nicks as well as some other types of stone. The natural roughness of its surface can scuff glassware and china.

Cost: $45 to $100 per square foot, installed

Butcher Block - Butcher block has a classic appeal and always looks fresh. It's especially fitting for traditional, country and cottage-style kitchens.

Pros: Many homeowners like butcher block's warm, natural appearance and variegated wood tones. Although knives scratch it, many people like the shopworn look it develops — after all, it's what chopping blocks have been made of for years. But you can also sand scratches down with ease.

Cons: Wood swells and contracts with moisture exposure, and butcher block is no exception. It harbors bacteria and needs frequent disinfecting. Oiling is a must to fill in scratches and protect the surface.
Cost: $35 to $70 per square foot, installed

Check out the feature to see all the various counter top options available, here.

If you are thinking of buying or selling an home in Maryland give me a call at 410-292-0100 or start your search here and we'll talk about the market conditions and what your home could possibly be worth in today's market place if you are thinking of selling. If you are considering buying a home, there is no better time than now to buy. The tax savings and wealth building alone is worth the plunge into todays market. Century 21 New Millennium is part of the largest nationwide relocation company and can assist with your move here in Maryland or anywhere in the United States or abroad. Ask me how.

In keeping with saluting our heroes, during 2012 I am waving flat fees for active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you enter into a contract by the New Year's eve I will waive the flat fee at settlement. This is a $395 savings. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give me a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-730-8888 or I can be reached directly at 410-292-0100.

June Piper-Brandon ~ Associate Broker, CDPE, CIAS, ePro

Century 21 New Millennium

Some Tips for Earth Friendly Spring Cleaning

Some Tips for Earth Friendly Spring Cleaning

We only have one earth and we really do need to take care of it so that it will be here for future generations to come. One of the staples in my household cupboard is baking soda. I buy it when it's on sale and often get it for 3 boxes for $1. It goes a long way. There are a lot of great environmentally friendly products available for cleaning. Here are some inexpensive ideas.

Carpets - Before vacuuming, shake baking soda over the carpeting; it will help absorb odors. For spot cleaning, try that natural wonder, vinegar. Spray it on, scrub out the spot with a washrag and don't worry about the vinegar smell, it will soon dissipate.
Upholstery - Sprinkle stale cushions and chairs with baking soda, then vacuum after letting it sit for a while.
General Odors - Make your own scented sprays by mixing distilled water, isopropyl alcohol (ieep this away from heat and flames, as well as from children and pets) and several drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle, then spray wherever needed. For especially stubborn smells, some people swear by zeolite, a natural mineral with tiny, tiny pores and an ability to soak in the worst of odors.
Garbage Cans - sprinkle the bottoms with the natural mineral borax to prevent mold and fungus, and to keep away insects.
Household Gateways for Bugs Spring is when ants and other critters start running amok; fine for the outdoors, maybe, but not in your house. To keep them from crawling in, mix equal parts sugar and borax in a shaker bottle, then sprinkle along likely household entry points (keep away from areas accessible to children and pets).
Laundry - to brighten your whites and keep your colors looking bright add a scoop of borax to your wash water.

If you are thinking of buying or selling an home in Maryland give me a call at 410-292-0100 or start your search here and we'll talk about the market conditions and what your home could possibly be worth in today's market place if you are thinking of selling.  If you are considering buying a home, there is no better time than now to buy. The tax savings and wealth building alone is worth the plunge into todays market. Century 21 New Millennium is part of the largest nationwide relocation company and can assist with your move here in Maryland or anywhere in the United States or abroad. Ask me how.

In keeping with saluting our heroes, during 2012 I am waving flat fees for active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you enter into a contract by the New Year's eve I will waive the flat fee at settlement. This is a $395 savings. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give me a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-730-8888 or I can be reached directly at 410-292-0100.

June Piper-Brandon ~ Associate Broker, CDPE, CIAS, ePro

Century 21 New Millennium

Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring Cleaning Tips

It's that time of year again. The sun is shining, the sky is blue— and it's time to clear out the old so you can make way for the new. Rhymes aside, spring cleaning can be a tough task for most homeowners, but there are a few house cleaning tips that we can offer, which are very effective. You can spring-clean your own home like a professional maid service would. All you need are a few simple tools and a spring cleaning strategy.

One of the most effective spring cleaning tips that we can offer is that you should ensure that you have all of your cleaning tools with you at all times. Fill up a tote or a basket with all of your housekeeping supplies, so you can carry it around the house with you as you clean from room to room.

Next, go about cleaning one room at a time. Do not move on to another room until the one you're currently working on has been completely cleaned. In the kitchen, be sure to clean and wax the floors, clear out the fridge and all drawers, wipe all of your cabinets and put away your dishes. In the washroom, clean all surfaces (including the toilet and sink), remove clutter and wax the floors. The living room and bedrooms should require the least amount of work: vacuum or mop, eliminate clutter and clean all surfaces. Also, be sure to get rid of any items you no longer need, including clothing, furniture, linens and documents.

Source: Merry Maids

Herbs and Spices That Can Boost Your Health

Herbs and Spices That Can Boost Your Health

By Barbara Pronin, RISMedia Columnist

Most cooks know how well herbs and spices can boost the flavors of food. But, many nutritionists say, the extra benefit of flavoring our food may be the hidden health boosters in many herbs and spices. From the health gurus at Fitness Magazine, here is a list of commonly used flavor-boosters that may be good for your health—along with tips on how to use them:

Cinnamon – One fourth to one half teaspoon a day can reduce blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL and total cholesterol. Sprinkle cinnamon on toast or cereal, or mix with low-fat sour cream and use as a dip for fruit.
Turmeric – Contains curcumin, which can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Try adding up to half a teaspoon when cooking a pot of rice.
Rosemary – May help reduce damage to blood vessels that raise heart attack risk. Add to spaghetti sauce or combine with seasoning salt and thyme for a tasty rub on chicken or fish.
Garlic – Studies show one or two cloves weekly may provide cancer-preventive benefits. Chop fresh garlic and let sit a few minutes to develop phytochemicals. Then sauté the garlic in olive oil over low heat and mix with pasta or vegetables and parmesan cheese.
Paprika – Contains capsaicin, whose anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may lower the risk of cancer (also found in cayenne and red chili peppers). Sprinkle on chicken or cooked vegetables or combine with ground thyme and ground red pepper to liven up popcorn.
Oregano – Gram for gram, oregano has the highest antioxidant activity of 27 fresh culinary herbs. Use it fresh or ground to liven up tomato soup, cooked veggies and pasta or pizza sauce.
Ginger – Can reduce motion sickness and nausea; may reduce arthritis pain and swelling. Chew on candied or crystallized ginger for nausea. Ground ginger is nice sprinkled on cooked carrots or sweet potatoes, or on fresh or canned peaches. (Caution: Ginger can hinder blood clotting, so discuss with your doctor if surgery is in your future).
If you are thinking of buying or selling an home in Maryland give me a call at 410-292-0100 or start your search here and we'll talk about the market conditions and what your home could possibly be worth in today's market place if you are thinking of selling. If you are considering buying a home, there is no better time than now to buy. The tax savings and wealth building alone is worth the plunge into todays market. Century 21 New Millennium is part of the largest nationwide relocation company and can assist with your move here in Maryland or anywhere in the United States or abroad. Ask me how.

In keeping with saluting our heroes, during 2012 I am waving flat fees for active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you enter into a contract by the New Year's eve I will waive the flat fee at settlement. This is a $395 savings. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give me a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-730-8888 or I can be reached directly at 410-292-0100.

June Piper-Brandon ~ Associate Broker, CDPE, CIAS, ePro

Century 21 New Millennium

Guidelines for Purchasing a Home Warranty

Guidelines for Purchasing a Home Warranty

Since 1988, the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC) has been the leading advocate on behalf of consumers and the home service contract industry, making sure that the legal environment for home service contracts (often referred to as home warranties) is consistent from state to state. "Consistency across all 50 states helps to regulate the industry and ensure customer satisfaction and protection," said Timothy J. Meenan, executive director for the SCIC.

The SCIC offers the following guidelines when purchasing a home service contract for your home this spring.

What is a home service contract?
The typical home service contract is a one-year contract that protects a homebuyer or current homeowner against the cost of unexpected repairs or replacement of major systems and appliances that breakdown due to normal usage or defects in materials or workmanship. A home service contract can:

Guidelines for Purchasing a Home Warranty

• lessen the risk of costs and delays if a system, system component or appliance malfunctions during the selling process;
• help to resolve issues discovered during the home inspection stage;
• reduce any after-sale liability by a seller;
• add value and improve marketability of homes; and
• increase a buyer's confidence in their home investment.

Who sells home service contracts?
Real estate professionals, builders and independent providers sell home service contracts. A home service contract can be purchased at any time, including at the time of purchase, and is usually transferable to a new owner, although a small transfer fee may apply.

What is the difference between a home service contract and homeowner's insurance?

• Home service contracts typically cover the major systems in your home in the event of breakdown or malfunction including electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems, and built-in appliances such as ranges, washers and whirlpool baths.
• Homeowner's insurance covers the structure of a home and personal belongings in case of a fire or natural disaster such as hurricanes and lightning, and provides liability coverage in case someone is injured on the property.
• Home service contracts are optional in real estate transactions.
• Homeowner's insurance is almost always required, especially if the buyer has a mortgage.
• A home service contract is not a substitute for a homeowner's insurance policy. A home service contract is a beneficial supplement to a homeowner's insurance policy as homeowner's policies generally do not cover items for breakdowns or malfunctions due to normal wear and tear or defects in materials or workmanship.

Do I need to be buying or selling a home to purchase a home service contract?
No. A home service contract provides valuable protection for current homeowners when a system or appliance fails.

Can I transfer my home service contract to the new buyer of my home?
Most home service contracts are transferable and may offer the option to allow the buyer to change or upgrade the service contract. A low-cost transfer fee may apply.

Can I customize the home service contract to meet the needs of my home?
Yes, but fees may apply. You may be able to purchase a home service contract that covers smaller appliances such as ceiling fans and built-in microwaves. Additional fees apply for coverage for private wells and septic systems.

How are contractors screened?
SCIC member companies typically put their contractors through a rigorous screening process that includes state license verification, detailed reference verification, and background checks.

How do I file a claim?
Homeowners are given a toll-free number to call. The home service contract company will verify your coverage and dispatch an independent contractor to assess the problem and replace or repair the item as necessary. A service fee, $50 on average, is charged per service visit.

What Can Cause a Denial of Payment?

• Improper maintenance
• Code violations
• Unusual wear and tear
• Improper installation
What is generally NOT covered?
• Outdoor items such as sprinklers
• Faucet repairs are not covered under all plans
• Garage door openers
• Spas or pools, unless specific coverage is requested
• Permit fees

What are the consumer's responsibilities?
Home service contract coverage varies from state to state and from policy to policy so the consumer needs to:

• Request a copy of the contract before buying
• Read the provisions carefully and become thoroughly familiar with all coverage, limitations and exclusions
• Carefully fulfill all contract responsibilities, such as regular filter changes for your heating/air conditioning systems
• Keep the service contract paperwork, original receipt(s), and all maintenance records
• Research the service contract company

About the SCIC
The Service Contract Industry Council is a national trade association that has been instrumental in working with state legislators and regulators across the country to develop laws to protect consumers.

For more information, visit www.go-scic.com.

If you are thinking of buying or selling an home in Maryland give me a call at 410-292-0100 or start your search here and we'll talk about the market conditions and what your home could possibly be worth in today's market place if you are thinking of selling. If you are considering buying a home, there is no better time than now to buy. The tax savings and wealth building alone is worth the plunge into todays market. Century 21 New Millennium is part of the largest nationwide relocation company and can assist with your move here in Maryland or anywhere in the United States or abroad. Ask me how.

In keeping with saluting our heroes, during 2012 I am waving flat fees for active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you enter into a contract by the New Year's eve I will waive the flat fee at settlement. This is a $395 savings. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give me a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-730-8888 or I can be reached directly at 410-292-0100.

June Piper-Brandon ~ Associate Broker, CDPE, CIAS, ePro

Century 21 New Millennium

Water Damage: Protect Your Floors. Protect Your Home

Water Damage: Protect Your Floors. Protect Your Home

Hardwood floors are a terrific investment for your home. However, should your floors experience water damage, there are alternatives to removal and replacement. Restoring hardwood is now a popular option for homeowners, allowing them to forego the expensive alternative to completely replacing their hardwood floors. Matching existing flooring can be very difficult, and replacement is not only extremely time consuming but costly, compared with restorative drying methods.

Drying Hardwoods Floors
When assessing the amount of water damage and the level of repair required, there are two key elements that must be considered: the length of time that water saturated the wood and the quantity of moisture within the floor.

Until recently, two construction factors have interfered with a contractor's ability to dry hardwood flooring. First, the flooring is nearly always nailed to the sub-flooring, preventing adequate access to the subsurface side. Second, the attractive finishes applied to the surface of the wood have low permeance, acting as effective moisture barriers. These two characteristics trap unwanted moisture in the wood.

Staining
Although wood decay is the most important issue in long-term water damage to wood products, physical damage emerges as the primary concern when dealing with hardwood. As the hardwood absorbs water, swelling occurs, resulting in warping and staining.

If nails are present in flooring that has excess moisture for a long period of time, oxidation can develop and stain the wood around the nails. In some cases, the nails are already oxidized, and water damage simply accelerates the existing flood damage.
If the floor is water stained, re-finishing may be necessary.

Cupping, Crowning and Buckling
Tremendous pressures build as hardwood absorbs water, which can cause saturated hardwood to become permanently stressed and damaged if left unattended. When exposed to water, hardwood floors can buckle, cup or crown. Buckling is separation from the subfloor, while cupping and crowning are warps that bend away from the moist sections of the wood. With immediate attention, a professional experienced in restoring hardwood can often prevent permanent water damage to wood flooring.

Source: ServiceMaster Restore

Is Your Auto Insurance Sufficient? Time to Look Again

Is Your Auto Insurance Sufficient? Time to Look Again

While you may believe you have ample car insurance, the cars on the road around you may not. According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), about 14 percent of drivers nationwide (roughly one in seven) are uninsured. That means that of the nearly 5.5 million car accidents in 2009, nearly 770,000 involved an uninsured driver. While this number usually decreases as unemployment rates improve, it’s a prudent idea to make sure your insurance is sufficient for covering an accident with an uninsured driver.
According to North Carolina attorney Dre Fleury with the law firm Crumley Roberts, the minimum required coverage is usually not enough.
"You can't always avoid an auto accident, but you can protect yourself financially, and you may find that for just a few extra dollars per month you could quadruple your coverage," advises Fleury. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for ensuring enough coverage. Factors such as age, driving record, where you live, family size and much more can affect your insurance costs and coverage needs.
"Policies can be very detailed and highly personalized, but the key areas you want to review are liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage," says Fleury. "Medical payments coverage is also a great thing to have in your policy.
"It's not just uninsured or underinsured drivers who pose a risk," adds Fleury. "If you're at fault in an accident, not having enough liability coverage could wipe you out financially, and the person you injure can even come after your home, assets and more."
To help balance out the increased costs of liability insurance, Fleury suggests decreasing your collision and comprehensive insurance if you have an older car with no loan.
Source: Crumley Roberts, LLP
If you are thinking of buying or selling an home in Maryland give me a call at 410-292-0100 or start your search here and we'll talk about the market conditions and what your home could possibly be worth in today's market place if you are thinking of selling. If you are considering buying a home, there is no better time than now to buy. The tax savings and wealth building alone is worth the plunge into todays market. Century 21 New Millennium is part of the largest nationwide relocation company and can assist with your move here in Maryland or anywhere in the United States or abroad. Ask me how.

In keeping with saluting our heroes, during 2012 I am waving administrative fees active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you enter into a contract by the New Year's eve I will waive the admin fee at settlement. This is a $395 savings. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give me a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-730-8888 or I can be reached directly at 410-292-0100.

June Piper-Brandon ~ Associate Broker, CDPE, CIAS, ePro

Century 21 New Millennium