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        <title>New Jersey Shore Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.dianeturton.com/blog/</link>
        <description></description>
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            <guid>http://www.dianeturton.com/blog/get-your-best-home-deal-in-the-winter.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.dianeturton.com/blog/get-your-best-home-deal-in-the-winter.html</link>
            <author>cvetovick@dianeturton.com (Cheryl Vetovick)</author>
            <title>Get Your Best Home Deal in the Winter </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Many people avoid winter house hunting, fearing frozen walkways and treks through downpours. At this time of year in New Jersey, you  can expect overcast, wet, and freezing weather. With the possibility of ice and snow, most people  tend to travel less, and save their home shopping for spring. As a result, houses on the market tend to receive less viewings during the winter. What many buyers don't realize, these colder months can result in the best home buying deals of the year. 


Less Competition 


First, by purchasing during the slower months, you are likely to have less competition from other  buyers, due to the decrease in numbers of people looking for homes at this time of year. With less competition, and fewer offers, home owners may be more willing to accept your offer. As well, you can shop without the pressure that you would if there were many more potential buyers.


It Can Only Get Better


Second, if you find a home you love during the darkest, dreariest part of the year, your happiness will only increase with the brighter months to follow. The vast majority of homes look bright and cheery during the height of summer, but fail to retain their bright appeal during the dark days of winter.


Identify Problems


Third, wet weather brings to light moisture problems a house may have. Houses bought during the summer, may have water problems that have dried up with the warm weather and go undetected until the rainy season resumes. During the winter, you can look for things such as water pooling on window ledges, or running under front doors. After a lot of rain, you can see areas of the property that are prone to flooding, and identify spots where water pools on walkways or driveways.


How's the Heating?


Fourth, many otherwise functional homes suffer in the cold weather. During the summer, it is harder to recognize heating problems from poorly insulated floors, windows, walls, and ceilings. For example, during the  winter it is easy to identify poor roof insulation if all the homes on the street have snow on their roofs and the home you're looking at does not. Because homes are heated during the winter, it is easier to test and determine if the heating system is up to par.


However unpleasant it may be, looking at homes during icy, winter rains, it actually works to your advantage to buy a house at this time of year. You will only enjoy your home more as the weather gets warmer and brighter, and plants and flowers creep out of the earth to adorn your house with lacey beauty.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:13:04 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.dianeturton.com/blog/fireplace-safety-cleaning-and-maintenance.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.dianeturton.com/blog/fireplace-safety-cleaning-and-maintenance.html</link>
            <author>info@dianeturton.com (Dawn Fetherston)</author>
            <title>Fireplace Safety - Cleaning and Maintenance</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
With cooler weather, many people use their fireplaces to heat their homes. Whether you have a wood burning stove, or a gas fireplace, yearly cleaning is recommended by the National Fire Protection  Association for fireplaces that are used frequently.


Get Your Chimney Cleaned and Inspected


It's really important to have your fireplace flashing and chimney cleaned and inspected by a chimney sweep that is CSIA Certified and  experienced.  Chimney caps should be installed and will help to keep your chimney and fireplace clean.  The chimney sweep  should ensure your fireplace damper functions correctly, that there are no cracks in the flue liner, and that the chimney is waterproof. They will also sweep the flue to remove creosote and debris that could start a fire.


Wood Burning Fireplaces


To help keep your wood burning fireplace clean, check the wood you burn. It should be dry and seasoned hardwood. Wood such as fir or pine burns hotter than hardwood and deposits creosote in the chimney. Painted wood, construction material, and plastics should never be burned in a fireplace. The toxic fumes can easily enter the living area. Avoid burning large amounts of paper, especially wrapping paper since it is a common cause of chimney fires.


Before starting your fire, it's good practice to clean out ashes from previous fires. Always use a fire grate and the proper fire tools to attend the fire.  Once the fire is started, close the fire screen and keep glass doors open.


Gas Fireplaces


Gas fireplaces require regular maintenance as well. A service technician can adjust the millivolt output, clean, and place embers and  logs, clean the glass, check batteries in CO2 monitor, and ensure vents are clean, unobstructed and doing their job.


If the flame goes out, wait five to ten minutes to allow the gas to clear out of the fireplace before attempting to relight it. Call the dealer or a technician if you notice odd smells or unusually colored  flames. If you smell gas when the unit is off, call the gas company immediately. 


General Safety Tips




Keep children away from fireplaces. Serious burns can be caused from children touching hot surfaces and from flammable clothing catching fire. Material such as polyester melts quickly and a warm woodstove can be all it takes for polyester clothing to start melting and cause a burn.


Install a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, and check the batteries regularly.


Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.


Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear  of paper, furniture, books and other flammable materials. There should not be  anything flammable within two feet of your fireplace.


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:17:35 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.dianeturton.com/blog/trees-for-troops.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.dianeturton.com/blog/trees-for-troops.html</link>
            <author>cvetovick@dianeturton.com (Cheryl Vetovick)</author>
            <title>Trees for Troops</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

Most people wonder what they can do to boost the morale of our troops who can't be home for the holidays. In addition to sending your  messages of support, perhaps you might consider sending something a little larger - say a Christmas Tree? 


Trees for Troops is a program founded through the Christmas Spirit Foundation, National Christmas Tree Growers' Association and FedEx Corp. that enables thousands of Christmas trees to be sent to troops locally and overseas. Dozens of small businesses, including Allentown's own Keris Tree Farm and Christmas Shop are selling trees at reduced prices ($35), along with a note offering your own best wishes to one of our soldiers. 


Since 2005, 84,000 trees have been sent to over 60 U.S. military bases all over the world. This program wouldn't be successful without assistance from all the growers, Fed Ex and even local organizations such as the Girl Scout Troops who donate handmade ornaments for the trees. Anyone interested in providing financial support of $10 or more, can text the work, "SPIRIT" to 50555 on their phones. For more information about the Trees for Troops program, go online to   www.treesfortroops.org, or follow Trees for Troops on Twitter   (www.twitter.com/trees4troops) or Facebook   (www.facebook.com/trees4troops).
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:45:02 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.dianeturton.com/blog/asbury-park-then-now.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.dianeturton.com/blog/asbury-park-then-now.html</link>
            <author>cvetovick@dianeturton.com (Cheryl Vetovick)</author>
            <title>Asbury Park - Then &amp; Now </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Destined to be  a resort town, Asbury Park was developed in 1871 by James A. Bradley, just for that purpose. Using the beach as his canvas, he added the boardwalk, then the pavilion for musical acts, beachfront public change rooms, and finally the pier.


Soon outside investors began to take notice and the seed was planted for Palace Amusements when Ernest Schnitzler installed the Palace Merry-Go Round. Several hotels were also built, and Asbury Park was known to attract over 600,000 people a year during the summer season. 


In the years following World War II, Asbury Park underwent a transformation as several large farms were sold and subdivisions started popping up, encouraging more permanent residents.


Today, Asbury Park is still a popular choice for homebuyers. With a location close to both New York City and Philadelphia, many residents can easily commute, but are happy to return  home each night to their coastal paradise.


 Asbury Park real estate includes a lovely selection of revitalized Victorian treasures on quiet streets, along with contemporary homes and some condominiums. Most residences are situated just a short walk to the boardwalk, where a wide range of dining and entertainment venues await. In addition, the town offers a  a non-stop event calendar that includes, street fairs, festivals, concerts and beach bonfires, to name a few. 


Asbury Park is a treasured ocean destination that combines friendly neighborhoods, world-class music and great cuisine, all set among a lively beachfront atmosphere.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 26 Nov 2011 09:56:48 -0600</pubDate>
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