But What About The Floors?!

Ah the age-old question... with at should I cover my floors? Carpet? Hardwoods? Throw rugs? Linoleum? Burlap? Well maybe not burlap, but I did show an eclectic city condo where the floors were covered with bamboo mats, wall to wall.

There is no "right" answer, it's all a matter of taste. Well, sometimes it is a matter of affordability as well.

For price, low and medium grade carpet may cost less up-front, but the average lifespan of carpet is only 10 to 15 years, so you will be looking to replace the carpet several times over your own lifetime. And you must figure into that cost the yearly cleanings that are a necessity to keep healthy and attractive carpets.

Hardwoods range widely in price, depending on their popularity, but there are affordable options for most any project. In addition, hardwoods can last a lifetime with proper care, even if they may need to be sanded and refinished down the road.

Hardwoods are low on the maintenance scale, with "proper maintenance" being key to a beautiful, long life for your hardwoods.

Additionally, the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends that house dust allergy sufferers "remove wall-to-wall carpets from the bedroom if possible." Have a child with asthma? Ninety percent of asthma sufferers are allergic to dust mites. And dust mites love carpet.

Carpet installation itself also rears another ugly head. There are chemicals used in most modern carpets that emit fumes for months and years to come. These fumes can cause headaches and runny eyes and nose. There are, however, natural options available for more eco-friendly carpets. These options, though, will more than likely add to your overall cost.

The choice is entirely up to you on which flooring option is right for you. Be sure to do your due diligence with research and price comparisons before making any final decisions!

"Amanda's Law", carbon monoxis detectors now mandatory...

"Amanda's Law" became effective February 22, 2010, it requires carbon monoxide detectors in every one and two family property and apartments in a multiple dwelling, as well as all condominium and cooperative apartmetns only where the dwelling unit has appliances, devices or systems that may emit carbon monoxide or has an attached garage. Your real estate professional must make you aware of this new law and advise you of your options.

The law is named for Amanda Hansen, 16, of West Seneca, who was found unconscious at a friend's house in January 2009. Officials later determined she had been exposed to lethal levels of carbon monoxide in the home's basement, where she and her friend were having a sleepover. She later died at South Buffalo Mercy Hospital.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for the flu and can include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing, sleepiness and confusion. By the time people realize there is a problem, they are often too sick or too disoriented to get out of the house and get help.

New York State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison, states that carbon monoxide poisoning is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. “More than 2,100 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year and over 10,000 people are injured, including, on average, 100 New Yorkers.”

If you don't already have one, please get yourself a carbon monoxide detector, it could save the lives of you and your family.

30 and 15-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgages Continue to Inch Downward

Freddie Mac this week released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey , and for yet another week, the fixed-rate mortgages reached another low, while the 5-year adjustable rate remained tied at its low for this survey. 

30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.42 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending August 19, 2010, down from last week when it averaged 4.44 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.12 percent.

15-year FRM this week averaged a record low of 3.90 percent with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.92 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 4.56 percent.
This week marks the ninth straight week in the Primary Mortgage Market Survey that 30-year-fixed mortgage rates have met or set a new record low.

The Consumer Price Index indicates that current inflation is very low.  The last time price growth was this low was the year ending January 1966.  But this is also a sign that the economy is trying to right itself.

And what this all means to you… it’s a great time to buy a home.

Join Our New Facebook Page for Penfield Rd!

Do you live along the Penfield Rd./Route 441 corridor? Or do you have any interest in re-locating to that area? If so, join our new fan page on Facebook, “I Live on Penfield Rd./Route 441”.


This page was designed as a way for neighbors to get to know each other and to share information and concerns about the area. Those who are looking to move into the area to garner more information can also use it.

We hope that people will maybe share information about favorite restaurants or stores in the area. Maybe you can even share with us your favorite evening walk route! We also hope to plan some events such as a neighborhood garage sale, or Christmas decoration competition.

So, please join us if you live in the area of Penfield Rd./Rte. 441 or have any interest in the area!  

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/I-Live-On-Penfield-RoadRt-441/145009575517494?ref=ts

Moving the Family Pet

In all the things that we do to prepare for a move, the one thing we sometimes overlook is how it will effect the family pet.

Our pets thrive on our love, but they also thrive on routine.   A move can be a hectic time, where daily walks, feedings, and sleep schedules may be interrupted.

Here are five tips to make your move more pet-friendly.

1. Veterinary Visit. Your veterinarian is a wonderful source of information and resources about your upcoming move. Be sure to ask them about sedation options for air or car travel, vaccination boosters, and even micro-chipping. Your dog or cat may be disoriented by the move, and using micro-chipping and updated tags can be helpful in recovering a lost pet.

If moving to a new area, be sure to scope out a local vet's office if needed, as well as an emergency vet clinic, for those accidents that always seem to happen when we're least expecting.

2. Car Travel. It is best to hold food from your dog 4 hours prior to travel, especially if they are not used to car trips. Even dogs get car sick! Take frequent bathroom breaks along the way, and be sure to offer water during stops.  

3. Familiar items. Part of a healthy transition is to surround your dog with familiar pieces, such as bedding and toys. If your dog is used to sleeping in a bedroom, consider setting up their space first thing during the move. This can help them to feel secure, even in the chaos of a move.

4. Food. Sensitive digestive tract or not, a move is not a time to change the type of food you feed your pup. So be sure to stock up on their preferred variety before the move to ensure you don't run out. Also, be sure to feed at your normal time in order to keep up your daily routine.

5. Dedicated Playtime. Exercise is extremely important for the physical and emotional health of your dog. A move can be a stressful time, making exercise even more important. Be sure to take your dog on daily walks, and to spend a good amount of time on stimulating play.

Use these simple steps to help your pet transition smoothly into his new home

What an awesome day yesterday. The unexpected unfolded and it made for a really terrific 4th of July celebration.  Great friends Marisa, Phil, Natalie and Philip, Bruna and Rocky joined us for the Town of Penfield Parade. Panini and a beer afterwards for lunch and Mesquite smoked ribs and fixens for dinner.  Such a treat to be able to spend some time with family and friends and to cook an amazing meal. 

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* One Credit Per Listing ▪ Listing Must Be In Monroe County ▪ Offer Expires February 15, 2008