CREIG SAYS...

Dear Friend:

A few weeks ago, I celebrated my 40th birthday. Many people have asked me how I feel about this milestone in my life. Quite honestly, I'm thrilled. I don't associate turning 40 with getting older or being more mature, I associate turning 40 with the rites of passage. It was a true milestone marked by a fantastic party surrounded by friends, clients and fellow Northrop Team members. It's been a chance to look back at how far we've come as a team and look forward to always trying new things in the future. I've been selling and training top agents to sell real estate at a high level for just about 20 years now. And I wouldn't be where I am today without the spectacular team of agents I'm privileged to work with every day. We survived and thrived in numerous markets over the years, and learned to focus, regenerate, and always prosper. I am proud to announce that 6 new agents joined The Northrop Team within the last month and our family is always growing! Each new agent brings a wealth of their own experiences and knowledge about specific market areas. We are up in today's market with 654 settled homes year to date which is 120 ahead of where we were this same time last year. I look forward to bringing my experiences over the last 40 years to help you become profitable and successful in achieving your real estate goals for the next 40 years!

Sincerely,

Creig Northrop

·  To view Northrop Team listings, click here.

·  To view Northrop Team Open Houses, click here.

Tis the season to—WINTERIZE!

Here are some helpful tips to get your home ready before it gets too cold and the snow flies:

·  TIP #1 -- Check the heating system. Check the filter, pilot light and burners in a system fueled by gas or oil. Fireplaces, boilers, water heaters, space heaters and wood burning stoves should also be serviced every year.

·  TIP #2 -- Clean ducts in the heating system. Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold air returns. Dust build-up in ducts is a major cause of indoor pollutants. In a home that is shut tight for the winter, dust increases the possibility of illness. Ducts should be professionally cleaned about every three years.

·  TIP #3 -- Test fire and smoke alarms as well as carbon monoxide detectors. Often alarms and detectors go unattended. Batteries should be checked every six months to ensure that they're working.

·  TIP #4 -- Remove excess leaves and damaged branches surrounding the house. Now that leaves have fallen off of trees, it's a good time to remove any dead branches. Dead branches have the potential to break and fall, ruining roofs or decks.

·  TIP #5 -- Maintain gutters. Remove all debris that can slow or impede the ability of the water to drain effectively from the roof. Trapped water can freeze then thaw, an action which could be destructive not only to the gutters themselves but to the adjoining roof as well.

·  TIP #6 -- Inspect the roof. Look for damaged or loose shingles, gaps in the flashing at joints with siding, vents and flues, as well as damaged mortar around the chimney. Proactive maintenance can prevent emergencies and expensive repairs.

·  TIP #7 -- Inspect exterior walls and window sills. Check walls and window sills for damage such as cracks, gaps, loose or crumbling mortar, along with splitting and decaying wood. Wood trim and siding can suffer from deterioration or loose paint. Caulk exterior joints around windows and doors, which helps keep the home weather tight and helps to lower heating bills.

·  TIP #8 -- Maintain steps and handrails. Repair broken steps and secure loose banisters. Broken steps are easily hidden beneath snow, which could cause a dangerous fall. Similarly, a person slipping on ice will grab a handrail for support.

·  TIP #9 -- Prepare storm windows for installation. Check all weather stripping and all fasteners. Well-maintained and properly fitted storm windows will help to save on energy costs during the winter months.

·  TIP #10 -- Pools, sprinkler systems and outside faucets should be shut down. Homeowners can shut down outside faucets, while the other tasks are best performed by industry professionals to prevent cracked pipes and pool bottoms.

·  Bonus tip: Have your homeowner's and auto insurance inspected to be sure you have the right coverage!!
Long & Foster Insurance would be happy to take care of that for you.
Call 1-866-ASK- 4- LFI
1-866-275-4534
insurance@longandfoster.com
www.longandfosterinsurance.com