Wednesday, August 8, 2012
We have moved!
Please check out our new blog at blog.nothnagle.com. Also be sure to update any favorites or links you have. Thank you for your continued reading!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Stay Hydrated
When it comes to being out in the heat, one thing you always want to watch is your hydration level. Did you know that if you feel thirsty then you are actually already dehydrated? Follow these tips below to stay hydrated in the hot summer sun!
Keep a Water Bottle Handy
Here's a piece of advice that's easy and efficient: Always try to keep a reusable bottle or cup of water with you throughout the day. If you're one of those people who has trouble remembering to drink as much water as you should, having a bottle near you will help keep it at the top of your priorities list. Plus, refills are free.
Make Your Water More Interesting
Not much of a fan of plain water? Many recommend adding herbs and fresh fruit — citrus and berries are popular choices — to you water to boost the flavor intrigue. (We love this recipe for watermelon, mint, and cucumber water.) Some also claim that lemon water (made by mixing in the juice of a quarter a lemon) helps balance electrolytes and promotes the absorption of water into your cells. Or if you're a big soda drinker, opt for sparkling water or club soda instead which at least offers a similar texture — just make sure it doesn't have any added sugar or sodium.
Drink Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Juices
Believe it or not, water is not the only star of the hydration show — electrolytes, essential fatty acids, and minerals are also important when it comes to keeping you hydrated. So opt for fresh juices made from high-water content fruits and vegetables to supplement your body's needs. Think watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, strawberries, and the like. (Watching your weight? Try diluting the juice with water or club soda to help cut down on the sugar and calories.) And actually, you don't just have to drink your juice — fresh fruit popsicles are a great (not to mention tasty) hydrating alternative.
Minimize Your Caffeine and Alcohol Intake
This one's a bit of a no-brainer but worth stating nonetheless. Both alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and soda act as diuretics and can contribute to dehydration. You don't have to give up your morning cup of coffee or nightly glass of wine, just be mindful to consume these types of beverages in moderation.
And if you are inside in the AC or hanging out by the pool reading this, take the time to check out our Facebook or Twitter!
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Keep a Water Bottle Handy
Here's a piece of advice that's easy and efficient: Always try to keep a reusable bottle or cup of water with you throughout the day. If you're one of those people who has trouble remembering to drink as much water as you should, having a bottle near you will help keep it at the top of your priorities list. Plus, refills are free.
Make Your Water More Interesting
Not much of a fan of plain water? Many recommend adding herbs and fresh fruit — citrus and berries are popular choices — to you water to boost the flavor intrigue. (We love this recipe for watermelon, mint, and cucumber water.) Some also claim that lemon water (made by mixing in the juice of a quarter a lemon) helps balance electrolytes and promotes the absorption of water into your cells. Or if you're a big soda drinker, opt for sparkling water or club soda instead which at least offers a similar texture — just make sure it doesn't have any added sugar or sodium.
Drink Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Juices
Believe it or not, water is not the only star of the hydration show — electrolytes, essential fatty acids, and minerals are also important when it comes to keeping you hydrated. So opt for fresh juices made from high-water content fruits and vegetables to supplement your body's needs. Think watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, strawberries, and the like. (Watching your weight? Try diluting the juice with water or club soda to help cut down on the sugar and calories.) And actually, you don't just have to drink your juice — fresh fruit popsicles are a great (not to mention tasty) hydrating alternative.
Minimize Your Caffeine and Alcohol Intake
This one's a bit of a no-brainer but worth stating nonetheless. Both alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and soda act as diuretics and can contribute to dehydration. You don't have to give up your morning cup of coffee or nightly glass of wine, just be mindful to consume these types of beverages in moderation.
And if you are inside in the AC or hanging out by the pool reading this, take the time to check out our Facebook or Twitter!
.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Bump Clause
You probably haven't heard the term bump clause unless you are in the real estate business or have sold/purchased a property with a contingency. But you know, that's OK! That's why we are here.
Now if you are unsure as to what a contingency is then look back one post and read all about it. Once you know what a contingency is, the term "bump clause" makes a lot more sense. The "bump clause" is part of your contract. If you are involved in a real estate deal that has a contingency then this is a section you will want to pay close attention to. If you are the buyer, the clause will allow someone who has no contingency to essentially move you out of the way if the contingency isn't removed in the allowed time. This can easily be viewed as a positive for the seller so they are not sitting and waiting on a deal that may or may not actually happen.
So say you own a home and need to move areas or need a bigger place. Well, you will be buying and selling. You may find the perfect home 3 days later and not have even placed your own home on the market. This means there is a chance you will be submitting and offer with a contingency and more than likely there will be a bump clause. Say the bump clause states that you will have 24 hours to remove your contingency if a non contingent offer is submitted. Well, one week later another person submits and offer to the same home but without the contingency. Your agent will notify you and then there will be a decision to make.
Now if you are unsure as to what a contingency is then look back one post and read all about it. Once you know what a contingency is, the term "bump clause" makes a lot more sense. The "bump clause" is part of your contract. If you are involved in a real estate deal that has a contingency then this is a section you will want to pay close attention to. If you are the buyer, the clause will allow someone who has no contingency to essentially move you out of the way if the contingency isn't removed in the allowed time. This can easily be viewed as a positive for the seller so they are not sitting and waiting on a deal that may or may not actually happen.
So say you own a home and need to move areas or need a bigger place. Well, you will be buying and selling. You may find the perfect home 3 days later and not have even placed your own home on the market. This means there is a chance you will be submitting and offer with a contingency and more than likely there will be a bump clause. Say the bump clause states that you will have 24 hours to remove your contingency if a non contingent offer is submitted. Well, one week later another person submits and offer to the same home but without the contingency. Your agent will notify you and then there will be a decision to make.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Contingency? What's that?
So you're preparing to buy or sell. That's great news! Hopefully you have been reading this blog for all of the best advice (as well as using your Nothnagle agent)! As you go through the process you will hear many many terms. Some old and some new. One that you may hear will be "contingency." But what is it? That's why we are here!
The simplest way to put it; a contingency is when you make an offer but under a condition. You know, like you did when you were younger (or even now too!) "Sure, I would love to come over! That is as long as you are serving ice cream!"
The simplest way to put it; a contingency is when you make an offer but under a condition. You know, like you did when you were younger (or even now too!) "Sure, I would love to come over! That is as long as you are serving ice cream!"
There are many ways that an offer can be contingent. You may agree with an offer as long as your attorney says it's ok. The offer may be accepted as long as you can show them you are pre-approved in the next couple of days. We would like to buy your home as long as the home inspector says everything looks great. A big one is the, "we accept your offer but can not close until 60 days after we sell our house (or find a house to buy...depending on if it's the buyer or seller).
So contingencies can be helpful to both sides. Of course, your Nothnagle REALTOR will always be the best source to guide you through everything!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Maintain your AC
As we get closer and closer to summer and we all start turning on our central AC or installing our window units you may be wondering..."Is there something I should be doing to make sure my AC will last and not break down on a 95 degree day?" Although we can not guarantee that it won't break down, we can throw some tips your way to help you stay cool and keep your AC going!
If your unit is a through the wall or in the window one of the first things you will want to check will be the filter. A dirty filter can make the air flow restricted, keeping you warmer than what you'd like. With some units you can simply rinse off your filter while others you'll need to get a new one. Use your vacuum attachment to keep the coils clean and if you have any bent fins, try and bend them back. For that they actually make a specially designed brush instead of using a screw driver which can cause more damage than you had in the first place. There are also kits you can buy to seal the area around a window unit to make sure no air leaks out.
When it comes to a central air unit there are some things that you can check. Once again, check any filters to make sure the air flow is at it's highest efficiency and that the air is clean. Be sure to keep the coils clean and during the summer months when you are using the AC, keep plants around 2-3 feet away from the unit to ensure proper air flow. If you can, check your duct work. Around 30% of your heat and air can be lost in poorly insulated duct work. Using a professional to complete a summer maintenance check is also a great idea. They can open the unit to clean and check everything for you. We have some great companies as part of our Home Services department.
Has anyone tried these tips or have any others? Feel free to share!
If your unit is a through the wall or in the window one of the first things you will want to check will be the filter. A dirty filter can make the air flow restricted, keeping you warmer than what you'd like. With some units you can simply rinse off your filter while others you'll need to get a new one. Use your vacuum attachment to keep the coils clean and if you have any bent fins, try and bend them back. For that they actually make a specially designed brush instead of using a screw driver which can cause more damage than you had in the first place. There are also kits you can buy to seal the area around a window unit to make sure no air leaks out.
When it comes to a central air unit there are some things that you can check. Once again, check any filters to make sure the air flow is at it's highest efficiency and that the air is clean. Be sure to keep the coils clean and during the summer months when you are using the AC, keep plants around 2-3 feet away from the unit to ensure proper air flow. If you can, check your duct work. Around 30% of your heat and air can be lost in poorly insulated duct work. Using a professional to complete a summer maintenance check is also a great idea. They can open the unit to clean and check everything for you. We have some great companies as part of our Home Services department.
Has anyone tried these tips or have any others? Feel free to share!
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