Farmers Markets

Framers Market

Spring has finally sprung in the Pacific North West and who doesn’t love to walk around a really good farmers market on a really nice day.  It’s a great way to support your local farmers, artists and creative entrepreneurs.  There are quite a few nice framers markets in Thurston County.

Yelm Farmers Market: Open Sundays 10AM to 3PM starting May 22^nd.  The Yelm farmers market is all about community.  They have a tent called taste the place maned by volunteers were you can taste the fresh fruit and produce of the farmers selling at the market and then go buy from the ones you enjoy.  They also have a program for kids called POP.  It’s for kids ages 5-12 and it helps them to learn about and engage with the local business in their community.  Yelm framers market support local artist and entrepreneurs as well.  It’s a great way to meet new people and make some healthy choices. Come and check them out at Nisqually Springs Farm.  yelmfarmersmarket.com

 

Olympia Framers Market:  Open all year round on Saturday’s 10AM to 3PM but starting April 7th till October they are open Thursday thru Sunday 10AM to 3PM.  The Olympia farmers market has been around for 41 years.  They have an abundance of local farmers and artisans.  There are also quite a few restaurants and cafes as well as live entertainment and events throughout the year.  They are located at 700 N Capital way in Olympia so come spend the day discovering this gem.  olympiafarmersmarket.com

West Olympia Farmers Market:  Open on Tuesdays from 4PM till 7PM.  This is your neighborhood market supporting small and beginning vendors.  They are located at west central park on the corner of Division and Harrison streets.  Even though this is one of the newer markets it is worth the visit.  wolympiafarmersmarket.com

Going to check out your local farmers market is not only a good way to get to know your neighborhood and support local businesses but it is just a really fun way to spend the day. If you are looking for farmers markets in Washington go to wafarmersmarkets.com.  Get out, get healthy and have fun.

 

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com

Are You Really Ready to Sell

Spring Has Sprung.

Now that the weather is getting warmer lots of buyers are out looking for their next home.  There are some things you can and should do to make it easier to sell your weather you want to sell now or in the future you should do these things every spring.

Clean your gutters

Gutters do their job best when clean.  The raint season is a prime time to ensure all drainage areas remain unblocked by leaves and/or debris.  Trapped moisture can leave a house susceptible to mold and mildew and cause major damage to your roof and walls.   

Check Your Roof

Be diligent about roof maintenance.  Ask a licensed professional to inspect your roof for wear and tear.  If the shingles are curling, buckling or crackling, it’s time to replace the roof. 

Check your Paint

The worst thing you can do is leave wood exposed, because that’s when it will begin to rot.  Sand it down so there are no rough edges, prime the bare wood surface and paint it with high quality paint product.  Don’t wait until siding accumulates too much dirt.  Brighten up the house with a good power washing.

Cut Overgrowth

Trim overgrown trees and hedges away from your home to discourage the growth of mildew and moisture.  Branches should be at least 7 feet away from  the exterior of the house.  Get rid of out-of –control vines, as they can help crack siding and allow moisture and pests entry into your home.

Love Your Lawn

Rake up leaves, Pull up weeds, and remove foliage from the lawn, shrubs and any plants.  Pull up dead flowers and replace them with a low maintenance variety such as pansies, begonias or mums.

Keep the Air Fresh

You should be changing air filters monthly, but if not start now.  A unit free of dust and dirt runs more efficiently saving you money on your energy bill.  Also check hose connections for leaks. 

Watch for Leaks

Investigate all doors and windows for leaks and drafts, which can signal water intrusion.  Seal any open areas between the frame and the wall to keep out water which can deteriorate building materials. 

Control Pests

Keep garbage and debris under control around the exterior of your home.  Do what you would inside, and get rid of junk.  Seal cracks, even if you just did so in the winter.  Mulching the yard this spring? Use a liner underneath. 

Peek at the Plumbing

Check for leaking faucets or sweating pipes, clogged drains and faulty water drainage systems.  On laundry day, look at the washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks or dampness. Check under the kitchen sink for leaks and make note of wetness around dishwasher, Inspect your water heater for leaks and corrosion.

Clean Decks, Driveways and Fences

A pressure washer makes this job easier.  While cleaning inspect for damage and make repairs before they become big jobs.

Clean Coils

Coils on your fridge conduct the hot air from outside the unit.  If they are coated with dust they do the job less efficiently coasting you more money.

Smoke Detectors

Test and change batteries in your smoke detectors.  Also find outa if you need and were to put Carbon monoxide detectors.

 

  

Drain Your Water Heater

By doing so you will prolong its life and reduce your electric bill.

By doing all these things now before you put your home on the market you will save yourself a lot of time, money and headaches as well as making the your house look great for potential buyers. 

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com

Your Home - Fall Tune-Up Checklist

Home-ownership comes with its share of routine seasonal tasks and chores.  But keeping track of what needs to be done - and when - can be a challenge.  To help homeowners stay on top of their maintenance projects, home improvement retailer Lowe's offers easy-to-follow checklists for each season of the year and covers both inside and outside chores.  Get your home ready for fall and winter with these tasks:

Indoor Tasks:

ü  When you turn your clocks back, change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

ü  Install weather stripping where needed around the windows.

ü  Have the furnace professionally inspected.

ü  If needed, set traps for rodents.

ü  Dust blinds and vacuum curtains throughout the house.

ü  Clean kitchen and bathroom cabinets and throw away outdates food, medicine and cosmetics.

ü  Change or clean furnace filters.  Consult the manufacturer's instructions to determine how frequently the filters should be replaced.

ü  Clean kitchen appliances inside and out, including refrigerator coils.

ü  Maintain clean drains by adding one-half cup of baking soda followed by on-half cup white vinegar.  After 10 minutes, flush with boiling water.

Outdoor Tasks:

ü  Clean gutters and downspouts.

ü  Inspect the roof and chimney for cracks and damage, and have them repaired.

ü  Rake and shred leaves to use as mulch or dispose of them.

ü  Close or install storm windows.

ü  Remove hoses from spigots and drain, store indoors, coiled and flat.

ü  Store outdoor furniture and cushions.

ü  Walk around the house and check for open crawl space vents and close them before cooler temperatures set in.

ü  Cover your central air conditioning unit, and remove and store window air conditioners.

ü  Clean and store garden tools.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com

(360) 400-3475

www.cynthia-online.com