The Right Hand for Real Estate in the Asheville NC Area

Keep Warm in the Cold... 

Bone chilling temperatures have gripped much of the country recently and the American Red Cross urges everyone to be safe and prepare as much as possible.

The Red Cross gives some great advice on cutting down on heating bills without risking fire in your home:

1. Heat your home safely
All heaters need at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, fireplaces and stoves. • Place portable space heaters on a hard, level, nonflammable surface. Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets, near bedding or drapes, and keep children and pets away. Look for a model that shuts off automatically if the space heater tips over. Do not use heating equipment to dry wet clothing. • Never use the stove or oven to heat your home. • Never leave portable heaters, wood burning stoves or fireplaces unattended. Turn them off before leaving or going to bed. • Keep the fire in the fireplace by using a glass or metal screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

Cut down on your heating bills
-Eliminate drafts. Use either insulating tape or caulking strips to surround windows and door moldings. Cover your windows with plastic sheeting. If you have storm windows or storm doors, get them up to keep the cold out.
-Make sure heat vents aren’t blocked by furniture.
-Turn down the thermostat.
-Close off any rooms that aren’t in use and close heat vents or turn off radiators in those rooms.
-Insulate your light switch and outlet plates with foam pads. Cold air can seep into the house through them.
-Use heavy curtains to keep cold air out. Open them during the day to let the sun help warm your home and close them at night. Use fabric snakes or old carpets in front of windows and doors to help eliminate drafts.
-Turn off vent fans in the kitchen and bathroom when they are no longer needed.
-Set ceiling fans to blow air down.

Don’t forget Fido and your neighbor
-Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing. Don’t forget gloves or mittens, and a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
-Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain footing in ice and snow.
-Don’t forget your pets- bring them indoors. If that’s not possible, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they can get to unfrozen water.
-Check on people who require special assistance such as elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.

You know, cold weather can be stressful, just like finding the right real estate agent in the Asheville, NC, area.  It  can be the difference between a happy, stress-free real estate buying or selling experience, and an unhappy, stressful experience.

First, you'll want an agent ready and able to make a full-time commitment to you. I can and will do that.

Second, you'll want an agent with the experience needed to know the local neighborhoods, schools, market conditions, ordinances, etc.  With my 8 years of experience in the real estate market - I have the expertise, negotiating experience and track record of success you need to help you make a wise investment.

Third, you'll want an agent who embraces the convenience of technology without losing the personal touch. You'll love the resources available on my website and the e-mail alerts that I send, but these will never replace the time I spend with you, serving as your personal guide through this exciting process.

Let's get together and talk about your real estate buying and/or selling plans. Call me on my cell phone at (828)333-1022 or send me an e-mail (carol@carolhand.com), and we'll set-up a time that is easy and convenient for you to meet at my office.  First I would love to show you pictures on the computer of several options that may fit your needs.  Then we can set up appointments to look at those together.  I will help you discover some of the finer features of the property and express any concerns that I may have in order to protect your investment. 

Your Helping Hand,

Carol Hand

P.S. If you're not ready to meet in person, please tour through my website. I'm sure you'll find the resources here useful and helpful. Enjoy them!