Fall Colors Herald Change

It seems that summer came and went in the blink of an eye –

This is a great time to begin preparations for winter before the first big storms roll in. Are your gutters clean and drainpipes unobstructed? Have you had your furnace or heater checked? It is also time to winterize your garden and make sure your sensitive plants are protected from the weather.

The market also has surprises in store this time of year. We’d be happy to update you on what’s moving and share trends or information about the current conditions. Just give us a call if you’d like to know more, or if you need advice with getting your home ready for winter.

The Clarke Team
Realtors
sold@clarketeam.com
650-489-5399

Happy first day of Fall!

I can't believe that summer is over. We had a late one this year and it seems like the weather just started getting warm and now it is officially Fall! The kids had to go back to school in mid-August. The summers are getting shorter and shorter, but Fall is my favorite time of year.
It felt strange buying school supplies in August and seeing Christmas decorations for sale in the stores! That's far too early for me. Instead of being able to relax and enjoy the start of school, then Halloween and Thanksgiving, I feel stress and pressure as Christmas is approaching. Sigh.
When the kids were younger, we used to turn our garage into a haunted house for Halloween. We would start in September and work all month to decorate it. It was a big hit. Word spread and one year we had 600 people come through on Halloween! It was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. What great memories! I love how San Carlos has a small town, close knit community feel for the holidays. We no longer have a haunted house, but others do. And what can compare to Eucalyptus at Christmastime? We live in a wonderful city!
Let's all make an effort to relax, enjoy and appreciate it!

Shoes off vs. clean floors for open houses and broker tours

Have you ever been to an open house where you were required to take off your shoes before entering? This is becoming more and more common. As a realtor, we do not think twice about having to take our shoes off to tour a home. At least I didn't - until 6 weeks ago that is when slipped and broke my foot and four toes on some slippery tile stairs while previewing a home in San Carlos on broker tour! I couldn't believe it happened. Who would have thought than being a realtor could be so dangerous?!

Here I am now, 6 weeks into a 12 week recovery. It has not been fun.

We have always had our clients sign a release for a "no shoes" policy just in case, but it doesn't feel like such a remote possibility now. Yes, your floors will be clean, but what if someone accidently falls? is it really worth it? If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone. I had never broken anything before. This was a first.

I am not sue happy and did not go after the homeowner, but that won't be the case for everyone.

Bottom-line, think twice before making people take off their shoes.

Kelly Clarke, San Carlos Realtor

The Clarke Team

650-489-5399

sold@clarketeam.com

Fall Maintenance To Do's

As autumn is quickly approaching, here are some areas of your home to inspect and repair now so you can relax and enjoy a safe and cozy fall season: Pests Mice are excellent climbers and only need an opening the width of a pencil (¼ inch) to sneak inside your home to search for food. Protect yourself by sealing all cracks and other openings into your home and blocking off ventilation ducts with heavy-gauge wire mesh. Fire protection Open your fireplace damper and inspect the chimney flue for any nesting birds or animals. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that all chimneys, fireplaces and vents be inspected every year to reduce the danger of house fires caused by excessive creosote build-up. Nooks and Crannies Replace worn or missing caulking and weather stripping to keep energy costs down. Windows If you use storm windows to protect against the cold weather, make sure they are clean and free of cracks before installing. Air Circulation Clean and adjust ceiling fans so that air circulates more efficiently. This allows fans to gently mix warmer air (which naturally rises) back into the room. Gutters Whether you do it yourself or hire a handyman, have your all dead leaves and debris removed from rain gutters. These are just the basics—but they’re important. And while you’re at it, take care of two more items on your home maintenance to-do list: Clean in and around dryer lint vents and replace all smoke alarm batteries. Enjoy the upcoming cooler weather!