Princeton Real Estate

Beatrice Bloom, Princeton Real Estate Agent

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SMART HOME GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – December 12, 2022

SMART HOME GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Looking for gift ideas for the home this holiday season? Countless smart home gadgets and solutions can save time, money, and energy. You don’t necessarily need to be tech-savvy to enjoy smart home devices, and there are ideas to fit every budget.

Here are five popular smart home gift ideas.

1. A smart lock with a keyless entry system that connects to WiFi as well as the major smart home devices on the market.

2. Smart thermostats that allow you to set and monitor the temperature of your home from your smartphone or other device. Energy Star devices will save on heating and cooling bills.

3. Smart plugs that allow you to control lights or even turn on your coffeepot from your smartphone or other device.

4. Smart holiday lights: Outdoor smart lights can be used in any outdoor light fixture, can be programmed with colors that complement any holiday or seasonal décor.

5. Smart robot vacuum: Smart robot vacuums with mapping capabilities can be a huge timesaver. Many models work on both carpets and hard surface flooring and can be controlled with your device.

WEEKEND WINTER HOME MAINTENANCE TASKS

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – December 7, 2022

WEEKEND WINTER HOME MAINTENANCE TASKS

Winter is only weeks away so it’s the perfect time to get your home ready for snow and ice season. Early preparation is key to make sure you have everything in place before winter temperatures and storms arrive.

Here’s a quick checklist of items that you can tackle over a weekend:

Check for leaks: Make sure your home stays warm and cozy by checking for leaks and drafts near your windows and doors. Adding some insulation, replacing caulk or weatherstripping, and covering your windows with heavier curtains can keep your home warm and save on heating bills.

Reverse your ceiling fans: Change the switches on your ceiling fans so that they move clockwise, which creates an updraft that moves the warm air down from the ceiling into the room. This tip may save on heating bills.

Gather your snow supplies: Now is the time to pull out your snow shovels and make sure you have pet-safe ice melt for your sidewalks and driveways. If you have a snow blower, make sure it’s in good working condition.

Turn off outside faucets: Drain sprinkler systems, disconnect any garden hoses, and turn off outside faucets to prevent winter freezing.

TOP FIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – November 30, 2022

TOP FIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

October is fire safety month, which means it’s a good time to review some of the precautions you can take for your home and yard.

  1. Install smoke detectors on every level in your home, including inside bedrooms and near all sleeping areas. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years.
  2. Install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of your home, including the basement and near any attached garage. Carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every 7 years.
  3. Test the alarms on smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home monthly to make sure they are working properly.
  4. Place fire extinguishers nearby kitchens, fireplaces, and work areas in your home, including basements and garages.
  5. Be sure to clean built up lint from your clothes dryer, including exhaust ducts.
  6. Have fireplaces and chimneys cleaned and inspected before using them each year.
  7. Use candles with caution.  Never leave burning candles unattended.
  8. Follow fire safety rules when using a firepit.
  9. Create a fire safety escape plan and review the plan with everyone in your household.

WITH GRATITUDE: THANKSGIVING 2022

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – November 23, 2022

WITH GRATITUDE: THANKSGIVING 2022

In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, I would like to express my thanks to all my clients, colleagues, and friends. As the saying goes, “It’s not joy that makes us grateful but gratitude that makes us joyful.”  I am grateful for every individual that I connect with each week – you have truly made a difference to everyone around you.

I appreciate the support and loyalty of my friends and clients. I am also thankful for the dedication and contributions of my colleagues who share their time, ideas and talent throughout the year. To my readers, thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts and opinions with you every week.

Wishing all of you a Thanksgiving holiday filled with peace, joy and love.

With gratitude and appreciation,

ADD VALUE TO YOUR KITCHEN WITH TILE FLOORING

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – November 16, 2022

ADD VALUE TO YOUR KITCHEN WITH TILE FLOORING

Choosing to upgrade the flooring in your home is one good way to increase the value of your home. Durable and traditional flooring materials such as hardwood floors and tile will never be out of style. These flooring upgrades typically produce a strong return on investment.

Tile flooring is an excellent choice for kitchens that will also add value to your home. Ceramic tile is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also is sturdy enough to hold up to kitchen foot traffic. They are also easy to clean and maintain, as well as waterproof. Tile floors are available in countless colors and styles that can suit any décor. However, you can’t go wrong by choosing neutral tones or classic patterns if you’re planning to sell your home.

One of the current kitchen tile flooring trends reflects the modern farmhouse style, with ceramic plank tiles that mimic hardwood flooring. Classic patterns such as black and white checkerboard or herringbone work well with a number of different styles, including traditional and transitional. Tile flooring is also an excellent choice if you’re considering radiant heat under the kitchen floor, a popular luxury upgrade.

USE COLORS FROM NATURE FOR A CALM, RELAXING HOME

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – November 9, 2022

USE COLORS FROM NATURE FOR A CALM, RELAXING HOME

Colors and textures from nature will be trending in 2023. From earthy desert tones to cool blues and greens, these elements can work to bring a calm and relaxed feeling to every room in the home.

Kitchen: Warmer woods and natural tones are returning to kitchen cabinets. Balance the color scheme by pairing dark cabinets with lighter walls and backsplashes. Creamy granite or quartz countertops and blue or green accents can complete the look.

Living room: Adding nature-inspired colors and textures is an easy way to change the look of your living room for the seasons. As winter approaches, try adding chunky knit throw blankets and pillows in winter whites or terracotta. For a more traditional look that works for the holiday season, choose classic red, black, or forest green plaid pillows and throws.

Bedroom: For a calming bedroom retreat, consider neutral colors for walls and add accent colors with bedding and artwork. Greige, or a mixture of off-white and gray, is a trending color that pairs well with nature-inspired florals and coastal blues. Mix pale grays with various shades of purple or orchid for a more dramatic look.

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