1. Is there a report that details recent sales histories of properties that are similar to what you are looking for? The information in the report will help you better negotiate the right deal.

2. How long has the property been on the market? A home that has been available longer than the market average is either overpriced or may have a known defect.

3. Are there any disclosed concerns with the property? The answer will let you know up front if you want to invest the time and money to pursue the property.

4. Why is the owner selling the home? Have they already bought another? Knowing the seller’s motivation and if they have purchased another home will help determine how much you can negotiate the price and terms.

5. Is there any personal property included in the sale? Is any fixture excluded? A purchase offer should address personal property and any exclusions.

6. What are the monthly utility bills and annual property taxes for the property? This information is part of your cost of home ownership and important to know before you proceed with a purchase.

7. Is it okay to check the water pressure? Good water pressure will eliminate the need for possible costly improvements in the future.

Please contact me for a thorough list of questions you should be asking.

Aptly named Unclaimed Baggage, the organization picks up from airlines suitcases that were never claimed and whose owners were never found after an extensive three-month search. The team meticulously sorts through the contents, with clothes being sent to a high-capacity laundry and dry cleaning facility, electronic equipment tested and wiped of any personal data, and jewelry or valuables sent to trusted professionals for authentication, cleaning, and valuation.

Once these processes are complete, the items are divided into three categories: resell, repurpose, and recycle. Items to be resold are placed on sale either through Unclaimed Baggage’s online store or on their own shop floor in Alabama at a heavily discounted rate. Items to be repurposed are donated to those in need, with the company partnering with charity organizations to help distribute found items such as wheelchairs and other things that could be of use to those in need. The rest is carefully recycled.

The nature of the business model means that the group never knows what they might find, so they’ve stumbled across some real oddities since operation began in 1970. Some of the most intriguing finds include a camera from NASA’s Space Shuttle, a 3,500-year-old Egyptian burial mask, a Renaissance-era lute, and the original Hoggle puppet from the Jim Henson movie Labyrinth!

Inspect and replace smoke alarm batteries. Safety first! Begin your spring preparations by checking the batteries in your smoke detectors. Ensure they are in good working order and replace any that show signs of wear.

Check your water filters. Don’t forget one of the most important things in your home: the water supply. Replace water filters that are worn out, and if you need a hand, there are professionals you can call in to assist you.

Check and clean gutters. Winter may have left debris in your gutters. Clean them out to prevent potential water damage during spring rains. Ensure downspouts are clear, directing water away from your home’s foundation.

Examine and clear outdoor drains. As with your gutters, winter can also leave leaves and mud in outdoor drains. Clear any blockages to prevent water buildup. This is crucial for maintaining proper drainage and avoiding potential flooding during those upcoming April showers.

Check the rest of your plumbing. Inspect your plumbing for leaks or damage caused by winter freezes. Replace any worn-out caulking around sinks and tubs to prevent water seepage.

Clean windows inside and out. Enhance your home’s natural light by cleaning both the inside and outside of your windows. Winter can leave behind grime, and sparkling windows contribute to a fresh, airy atmosphere.

Get rid of clutter. During the winter months hiding inside from the cold, it’s easy to build up clutter in the house. Take stock of what you really need and what you really don’t and clear out anything unnecessary.

If you’d like more ideas to prepare your home for spring, call or email me. I’m always here for referrals and recommendations for suppliers and service providers for your home needs.

Step 1: Review your online and social media accounts. Start by deleting any accounts you no longer use and remove any old information, such as saved credit cards or old documents.

Step 2: To reduce risk from malware and viruses, update the apps and operating systems on all Internet-connected devices. Delete any unused apps and any linked account information as you go.

Step 3: Digging deep into your phone and computer is next up. Go through the dreaded downloads folder, your desktop, and your hard drive and get rid of any files you no longer need. What does remain should be organized into folders so it’s easy to find.

Step 4: Get your logins locked down. Make sure you use passwords, passcodes, and fingerprint or facial recognition software for all of your devices and enable authentication tools such as two-factor authentication, especially for your email and online banking. After you’ve done this, go through and update the passwords for online accounts and update your privacy settings to keep your cybersecurity in top shape.

Step 5: Back it up. Make a complete backup of important files. You could copy data to a secure cloud platform, another computer, or an external hard drive. Just be sure you’re able to restore your files from your chosen backup method, as a backup you can’t use isn’t very helpful indeed!