NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 4, 2006
CREIG SAYS...
Dear Friend:
Maryland is a beautiful state. You can take a trip to the mountains or to the ocean in a matter of hours. Recently, CNN's Money Magazine published its "Best Places to Live 2006" list. Maryland's own Columbia/Ellicott City ranked #4!
Looking for something fun to do with your family before the new school year begins? Join us at the Animal Planet Expo at Centennial Park in Ellicott City. This is a great family event that people of all ages will enjoy. (See below for details).
As always, whether you are considering buying, selling, or relocating, our team of real estate professionals is ready, willing, and able to provide you with extraordinary service at no extra cost. Call 800.831.SOLD today. It would be our pleasure to assist you with any of your real estate needs!
Best regards,
Creig Northrop
ANIMAL PLANET EXPO IS COMING!
Creig Northrop & The Northrop Team of Long & Foster has partnered with Comcast Spolight to bring the Animal Planet Expo to Maryland! The Expo will be held at Centennial Park in Ellicott City Saturday, August 19th through Sunday, August 20th, from 10am-4pm both days. It is a FREE, fun-filled family experience that even your cats and dogs will enjoy*! Don't miss it! Highlights include:
- The Northrop Team booth - prize wheel, giveaways, and raffles as well as information about our Team and our many great listings!
- Animal Planet Expo Theater — A captivating live animal show set in a natural habitat.
- Animal House — A place to get up close and personal with even more live animals.
- Main Stage — An all-day assortment of Frisbee dog exhibitions, contests, fun trivia games kids of all ages will enjoy.
- Discovery HD Theater Dome — Showcases the best of high-definition programming with stunning clips of Discovery HD Theater.
- Safari Snaps — Download the ultimate digital photo with you and an image of Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin or Steve Irwin.
- Kids Zone — Day-long fun for kids, with face painting, the "Happy Gator" obstacle course and interactive games and great prizes.
- Heroes of Animal Planet — Be a hero to your pet by creating your own personalized pet tag.
- Bug House — Get up close with an assortment of creepy crawlers and majestic butterflies.
- Pet Den — Local animal shelters provide pet adoption opportunities and helpful info.
* Leashed cats & dogs are welcome at the Expo; however, no other animals are allowed.
RELOCATING INTO OR OUT OF MARYLAND?
The Northrop Team can help! We assist with military relocations and non-military relocations alike. Our Certified Relocation Specialist will guide you.
MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL
Ready to buy a home this summer? Apply online to get pre-approved.
INSIDER TIPS
MOLD: THE FACTS
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus. It can grow on the walls, floors, and ceilings of your home as well as on your personal possessions. People often refer to some household molds as mildew.
How does mold enter your home?
Mold travels in the air and attaches to people's skin, clothing, shoes, and belongings. It can also enter your home through open doors and windows; through your heating, ventillation, and air conditioning sytem; and on the fur of your pet.
How does mold grow?
In order for mold to grow, it needs three things:
If all three factors are not present, mold will not grow. Mold thrives in damp and humid conditions. Bathrooms with clogged vents or those lacking ventilation systems are excellent candidates for mold growth. Leaking water pipes in ceilings or basements are notorious for having the beginnings of what could become mold. The more common molds found in these areas are Penicillium/Aspergillus.
How to Prevent Mold Growth
One method to prevent mold growth is to control the level of humidity in your home. In the summer, be careful about leaving windows and doors open as this allows moisture from outside air to enter your home. Also, running the air conditioner and/or using a dehumidifier also help. Be sure the drip pan on your air conditioner does not overflow and check the system for traces of dampness where mold can grow. If you use a dehumidifier, be sure to clean it often and either empty it daily or have it drip directly into a drain. If you experience water damage, it is imperative that you dry the damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
How do I clean up if I have mold?
If the affected area is smaller than 10 square feet (roughly a 3' x 3' area), you can clean it yourself. If the area is larger than 10 square feet, consult a professional who has experience with mold remediation.
When cleaning a mold-infested area, it is important that you use proper protection. Always wear protective rubber gloves, eye goggles, and an N-95 respirator. Also, dress in long sleeves and pants that can be easily removed in the work area and laundered. Be sure the room is well-ventilated while you are cleaning. Finally, hang plastic sheeting from floor to ceiling to keep mold spores and mold-contaminated dust from entering other parts of your home.
Smaller areas can be cleaned with bleach or detergent. If it is a larger mold-infested area, or if it returns, it could be a toxic mold such as Stachybotrys (also known as black mold). This type of mold should be removed by a professional.
Place any moldy items, rags, and anything else that has come into contact with the mold in an airtight plastic trash bag. Seal the bag before disposing of it. When you finish cleaning, immediately wash the clothing you were wearing.
THE NORTHROP TEAM IN THE COMMUNITY
We realize how important it is to give back to the communities in which we work and live. Each year, The Northrop Team supports a variety of local organizations and non-profits, in addition to hosting our own Team events.
OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING...
"Our entire relocation process was superlative due to The Northrop Team! Thanks to everyone!"
~ Annette & Garry McDaniels
