Herb Gardening and Household Maintenance

"Mom, I think the marigolds sacrificed themselves for the herbs," volunteered my younger daughter, Julia, as we reviewed our recently planted herb patch.  We had added 18 marigolds to provide a natural pest repellent to the only sunny corner of our yard capable of supporting herbs.  The marigolds are decimated, eaten to the stems; the basil, rosemary, cilantro and thyme are thriving.

Her observation got me thinking about home maintenance (oddly).  We plant marigolds to distract pests from the tasty herbs.  So, too, does our hot water heater contain a sacrificial anode rod of magnesium or aluminum so the rust particles attack it before the sides of the tank.  The rod will fail before the tank does, thus saving us a flooded basement.  Of course we have to inspect the tank and rod occasionally to make sure we replace the appliance before we experience that bigger flooding issue.

Even long-time homeowners can become remiss about completing basic preventive home maintenance tasks.  These chores are boring yet typically inexpensive ways to preserve the quality and functioning of your home systems and features.  Let's face it - it is not fun to change the air filter in our air-conditioning or furnace air handler and it is easy to forget.  Out of sight, out of mind.  The disposable filters range from $10 to $20 and though you should change them monthly, at least once a season try to switch them out.  Buy in bulk so you have them on hand instead of buying them individually when you need them.  I find the box of them in the utility room is a great reminder.

Bigger problems could stem from an old or wind-damaged roof.  In addition to the roof shingles themselves, even more critical to water deflection is the flashing at joints, changes in angles, edges, etc.  If you are not comfortable or capable on a ladder, it is not expensive to find a roofer or gutter expert to provide you with a brief visual inspection of the roof and flashing to determine if they need repair.  Better a couple hundred dollars on roof or flashing repair than thousands fixing water-damaged drywall, insulation and flooring.  Note in the photo: that extra edge of material just under the shingles as seen on my roof is the flashing, wrapping protectively around the wood trim.

As a real estate agent, I believe in helping people with real estate decisions whether they are buying, selling or staying, because maintaining your home while it is yours is just as important as the condition of a house during a sale.

The Role of Your Real Estate Agent

A very interesting article in the New York Times last week highlighted the roles and different styles of real estate agents.  Although the real estate market in Manhattan is obviously quite different than the greater Washington, DC, area (or anywhere else for that matter), there are some insightful comments in the article that can be useful to anyone thinking about making a move anytime soon.

The author, Vivian S. Toy, states, "A good broker can help you make sound decisions and guide you through what might easily be the most expensive and emotionally charged transaction of your life." Underlying this statement is the principle that your real estate agent should be someone you trust and someone whose advice and counsel you will accept and, in fact, welcome.  Complexities and idiosyncrasies in local markets, the myriad factors that go into selecting a home for your family or an investment property, and precise paperwork and disclosure requirements mean that an agent who is highly organized and detail-oriented is a valuable adviser.

I believe many people don't really understand the laws and ethics guiding the real estate profession.  As a newly licensed real estate salesperson in Maryland, I recently completed 60 hours of pre-licensing education before I could apply and then take a 2 hour test on Federal and State laws, regulations and codes of ethics.  Basically, a real estate agent has duties and responsibilities to their clients.  Clients are people who have signed an agency agreement with them as buyers or sellers (or tenants or landlords; I will simplify to talking about sales for now).  Customers, or the general public, have no contractual agreement with an agent.  Real estate agents still owe customers fair and honest dealings, factual information about properties, and general ministerial duties such as providing them with answers to their questions (assuming that does not interfere with their duties to their clients).

In an agent/client relationship, with a signed contract (a buyer's agent contract or a property listing for sellers), real estate agents have fiduciary duties.  These include care, obedience, accountability, loyalty and disclosure.  Confidentiality of financial and other personal information extends beyond the period of agency.  Although earning a person's trust does take time, holding these duties is a fundamental element of being a real estate agent.  As you interview new agents, be it for your first time home-buying experience, downsizing to retirement or semi-retirement, a move to a completely new part of the country or world, or moving a little closer to your children's schools or your office, spend the time to get to know them.  Observe how they listen to you, the questions they ask, the ideas they have about neighborhoods to consider, transit options, and marketing options.  Be sure to talk to more than one person before making a move.  Find the best agent for you.

As a new agent myself, I look forward to talking to you or someone you might know in the market or even considering a sale or purchase down the road.  I love to listen and plan and welcome the opportunity to help find creative real estate solutions.