With longer days ahead, summer is a great time to get going on some home projects. Checks these to-dos off your list to keep your home in top shape for the season.
Air Conditioning. Remove and clean the filters. A clean filter will provide cleaner, cooler air and save you money on your energy bills. Schedule a maintenance check with a professional to avoid issues with the A/C when the temperatures rise. Additionally, clean your ceiling fans to remove dust build up. Fans should also be set to rotate counterclockwise in the summer so that cooler air is pushed down.
Smoke Detectors. Do a test of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries if needed.
Lawn. Add a layer of mulch. Extra mulch helps to fight off weeds and helps soil retain moisture during the hot summer months. Trim bushes and plants, especially those around the A/C unit.
Gutters. If you didn’t clean out your gutters in the Spring, make sure you do it in the Summer. Properly working gutters channel water away from the home. Clogged gutters can cause mold and mildew issues – clean now to avoid expensive repairs later.
Grill. Deep clean your grill to get ready for summer cook-outs. If you have a gas grill, close the lid and crank up the heat for 30 minutes; once it cools, brush off with a grill brush and clean or replace the drip pan. If you have a charcoal grill, remove any remaining charcoal, wipe the interior with soap and water, and replace with new charcoal once completely dry.
Deck/Patio. Replace rotting boards, hammer in any nails that are loose, and check to see if it needs to be resealed. Rule for resealing: if you pour water on the deck and it pools, you’re good; if the water sinks into the wood, you should reseal the deck. Also, give your deck and patio areas a good soap and water washing to remove any dirt and grime. You may even want to go all-in and consider re-staining if paint is wearing thin.
Insects. Summer is the worst time for these unwanted pests! Make sure to schedule pest control or DIY with pest removal sprays. Keep bugs at bay by adding fresh caulking around windows and doors to help seal those narrow gaps. Other things that may help: make sure trash bins are sealed tight, do away with any yard debris, and keep your yard mowed.
Angela Barrett, "A Different Kind of Real Estate"
Angela Barrett is a local REALTOR® in Lexington, SC. Every day, she has the privilege of working with Buyers and Sellers around and on Lake Murray - Lexington, Gilbert, Chapin, and Irmo. It is her goal to help every buyer find the perfect home, and every seller sell at the best price possible. Exit Real Estate Consultants opened its doors in 2008 and has been the local expert since. Angela says, "she works with a wonderful group at EXIT and is proud to be a REALTOR® for a company that prides itself on being a "family helping families."
What makes Angela different from other Realtors is her desire to combine a love of real estate with the truth. She may not always tell you what you want to hear but will ALWAYS tell you what you need to hear. Before getting into the real estate industry, she owned her own court reporting business for 14 years. She decided to change careers because it was her desire to help others with their housing needs in a way that was honest and truthful, a way that put their needs ahead of the sale. Her business is built on Dedication, Communication, Determination & Trust while embodying the ability to cater and adapt to all of her client's Real Estate needs. She says the best part of her business is the people she meets and the ability to assist them throughout the process. Her goal is not only finding the hidden gem or selling at the right price but giving her clients peace of mind that they will work together through every detail.
Angela showcases her homes on her website and utilizes professional service providers to assist with her clients' buying and selling needs, including tips for staging and recommendations for painters, designers, handymen, and inspectors. She is communicative, thorough, and detail-oriented, and she'll be with you every step of the way!
Angela made Lexington home 28 years ago. She is knowledgeable about the area and feels blessed to call Lexington her home. Angela enjoys showing her clients around “Miss Murray”, the Jewel of South Carolina, and when she’s not helping someone with their real estate needs, she enjoys going to the gym, running, spending time on Lake Murray, and a little photography.
Looking to buy or sell a home in the Lake Murray area? Call Angela Barrett, who not only represents “A Different Kind of Real Estate" but also a different kind of REALTOR®.
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