Thursday, May 28, 2015

Top 4 Possible Hidden Dangers in a Carillon Lakes Community Home

Top 4 Possible Hidden Dangers in a Carillon Lakes Community Home


Danger is just around the corner. In fact, they can even be right inside your Carillon Lakes community home. Sometimes they are obvious, but most of the time, they can be perfectly hidden in plain sight that you won’t even suspect they are there. The good thing is that many of the hidden dangers of our homes can actually be prevented if dealt with at once.

Make your Carillon Lakes community home safe! Check out this list of possible hidden risks in your home and find ways to avoid them!

Statistics have shown that thousands of people get affected and even get killed because of residential fires. The number of people poisoned by carbon monoxide is also significant. Prevention is key to decreasing these numbers. Here are other hazards you can find in the home and how you avoid them.

1. Carbon Monoxide

Known as a silent killer, this poisonous gas is colorless, tasteless, and more importantly, odorless. It can potentially kill both animals and humans who might be exposed to it indoors. It generally comes from fumes of stoves, fireplaces, gas ranges, grills, and cars. It can be so common that about 400 Americans are killed by this gas yearly.

What you can do is proper maintenance. Regularly check your systems and appliances that can potentially produce carbon monoxide. Make sure everything is working fine and replace or repair as needed. Installing a carbon monoxide detector is also a great prevention step. But the most important thing is to remember to immediately go to the doctor if you feel light headed and suspect that you have been exposed to the harmful gas.

2. Molds

You might think that an ordinary mold build up you see in Carillon Lakes community homes for sale is harmless. But you have to be aware that there are kinds of molds which can be toxic. They can be causes for several lung problems, headaches, depression, and even cancer. The worse thing about molds is that they can grow from 24-48 hours when there’s moisture and sources for food. They can feed on your wood, paper, paint, dust, oil, or cotton. They can multiply even more because of your cooling or heating system.

Maintaining your home’s humidity level below 50% is an effective way to stop molds from thriving. You can use humidifiers for this. Cleaning is also one of the most effective way to prevent them from forming. Pay attention to your bathroom, tub, and shower surfaces. Include your roof gutters and windows. Generally, keeping rooms clean and well ventilated to avoid moisture build up could keep them away. 

3. Chemicals and cleaning products

I’m pretty sure that a lot of you have chemicals at home which you use to keep it looking spotless and clean, much like those homes you see in http://www.LakelandFloridaLiving.com. But have you ever thought how deadly these chemicals can be to your family? Little children are most commonly affected by these health hazards. The lovely smell and bright colors of your cleaners make them irresistible to those little hands.

The best way to keep children from ingesting your kitchen and bathroom cleaners is to place them high and away from children’s reach, instead of keeping them in usual places like under the kitchen sink. Baby proofing your home is also important if you have an infant in the home. Lastly, educating your toddlers and putting labels or danger marks on your cleaning products reduces the risk of poisoning through these chemicals.

4. Causes of house fires

According to the American Red Cross, about 7 people die each day due to house fires. The common causes of house fires are cooking, smoking, decorative lighting, and electrical wiring. Sometimes, the cause is as simple as leaving a kitchen unattended while something is cooking. It can also be leaving your beloved holiday decorations even after the holidays. Other times, the problem is caused by a more complicated power related problem. Overuse of outlets or faulty wiring may cause unimaginable damages when left unresolved.

Safety must be our first priority when we are at our homes in Carillon Lakes community. For most of these cases, being reminded of safety precautions is necessary. For instance, we all know smoking indoors is dangerous so we have to be conscious in avoiding it. But for some cases, like electrical problems we can’t solve on our own, calling an expert immediately can make all the difference.

Even the most perfect looking Carillon Lakes community home for sale can have one of these hidden dangers. But it doesn’t mean they can’t be spotted or avoided. Most of the time, awareness and prevention are the two main protection of homeowners in keeping their families safe. 

Call me, Petra Norris, at (863) 619-6918 or send me an email at petra@petranorris.com if you’re looking for a Lakeland Florida real estate agent with superior local knowledge, experience, professionalism, integrity, and personal service to help you sell or buy Carillon Lakes Community homes for sale.


Petra Norris, REALTOR®…
Going The Extra Mile For You! 

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

5 Cheap Summer Projects for Your Carillon Lakes Community Home

5 Cheap Summer Projects for Your Carillon Lakes Community Home


In Carillon Lakes community, as well as in other areas where summer is about to begin, people start thinking of quick and easy projects which could increase the value of their homes. Summer is the best time for these things since the weather is warm and breezy.

Make your home in Carillon Lakes community more beautiful this summer! Here's how.

It is of course important to plan every single change we would make in our home. Accomplishing projects which would require minimal cost but would result to a great deal of positive impact on your home’s overall appeal and value. If you are excited about making changes around your home but haven’t quite decided yet on where to start or what to do, here’s a list that’s certainly going to help you.

1. Groom the lawn

Carillon Lakes community homes for sale with lovely lawns always attract home buyers everywhere. It is simply the best way to make a great first impression. So this summer, give your lawn some much needed TLC by mowing more often, filling in bald spots, and nourishing your grass. Remember not to do this though when the sun is high up. Schedule it on cooler hours of the day so you get more things done.

2. Inspect and clean those gutters

Cleaning your gutter should be done twice a year to keep it working perfectly. As you clean, inspect for possible leaks and cracks that should be addressed as soon as possible. This is summer project costs nothing more than your time and effort. Additionally, it can ensure your home is ready for the next season.

3. Make over your front door

Have you seen lovely front doors of homes in http://www.LakelandFloridaLiving.com? Don’t they just look inviting? Now is the time to get your paint brush ready and give your front door a new coat of paint. Doing so will not just prettify your home but will also help protect your front door from harmful rays.

4. Give windows a lovely shine

I’m sure that just like in most people’s homes, windows are not often prioritized in a Carillon Lakes Community home. However, you have to consider that your windows will be very important this coming summer. So to keep it lovely and functioning well, clean it up with natural cleaning solution of water and vinegar. Afterwards, wipe it off with a newspaper.

5. Consider insulating your water pipes

Your water pipes can actually be insulated so that it doesn’t waste heat as it carries hot water. You can check out hardware stores and spend around $10 - $15 dollars on flexible pipe sleeves which are pre-slit. If you have a small home, you will need about 3 hours to finish insulating. The good news is that it can save you up to $12 per year in your energy consumption cost.

Take advantage of this season to improve your Carillon Lakes community home for sale. Prioritize the changes your home needs the most and consider these smart ideas for your next home project. 

Call me, Petra Norris, at (863) 619-6918 or send me an email at petra@petranorris.com if you’re looking for a Lakeland Florida real estate agent with superior local knowledge, experience, professionalism, integrity, and personal service to help you sell or buy Carillon Lakes Community homes for sale.


Petra Norris, REALTOR®…

Going The Extra Mile For You! 

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

4 Ways to Simplify Your Home at Carillon Lakes Community

4 Ways to Simplify Your Home at Carillon Lakes Community


Most of us would just put off trying to eliminate clutter and freeing up our home in Carillon Lakes community with space. We get too familiar of everything that we sometimes don’t see the need to simplify things unless it becomes a pressing concern.

Too much clutter in your Carillon Lakes community home? Here are simple and effective ways to simplify your home.

For most people, it’s all about how to prepare mentally when you are sorting through your things. For others, strict schedule and guidelines are necessary. Let me share with you some of the most effective ways I have found on how to simplify my home.

1. Start with a goal

The whole idea of simplifying is to be able to achieve a certain goal. You may want to change your home for yourself and your family, or you may want to change it since your Carillon Lakes community homes for sale need to look more inviting for buyers. Whatever the case may be, it is imperative that you have a clear purpose and you understand why you need to do this. Otherwise, it would be hard to finish it since you can easily just give up or decide to delay things.

2. In the kitchen:

The kitchen may be one of the most crowded places in your home. And no, we are not talking about dirty dishes here. To simplify your kitchen, dedicate storage places for things you don’t use on a daily or weekly basis. On the other hand, keep needed things nearby so you can quickly access them. Look at other homes in the market when you visit http://www.LakelandFloridaLiving.com/.

3. On clothes:

Everybody finds it hard to get rid of clothes, especially when we get all sentimental and don’t want to part with memories our clothes bring to us. That’s just like selling your Carillon Lakes community home. Once again, you need to understand your purpose in doing this. Once you have recognized that making your home more appealing is a far more important than keeping a sentimental shirt or two, things will be easier. Prepare a box for donation and have the opportunity to help those in need.

4. In the bedroom or living room:

Aside from clothes, there are surely other items in your home which you could probably donate or give away. Usually, we have tons of clutter hidden under the bed, on cupboards and other open spaces which are magnet for clutter. Enter the room with a box and with fresh eyes so you see how many things you could actually live without. It is also worth it to invest in storage solutions which could at least help you manage your time better.

I urge all owners of homes for sale in Carillon Lakes community to try to simplify their lives by using these tips. Having a free, open, and clutter-free space is truly worthwhile. 

Call me, Petra Norris, at (863) 619-6918 or send me an email at petra@petranorris.com if you’re looking for a Lakeland Florida real estate agent with superior local knowledge, experience, professionalism, integrity, and personal service to help you sell or buy Carillon Lakes Community homes for sale.


Petra Norris, REALTOR®…
Going The Extra Mile For You! 

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Top 4 Energy Efficient Upgrades for Your Home in Carillon Lakes

Top 4 Energy Efficient Upgrades for Your Home in Carillon Lakes


It’s never too early to prepare your Carillon Lakes community home for summer. Since it is expected that your electric bills would shoot up, it would be wise to make upgrades which could help you save on cost and at the same time increase your home’s level of efficiency. Here are a few things you can do.

Be prepared for summer and check out the top energy efficient upgrades for your Carillon Lakes community home!

1. Install Ceiling Fans

If you frequently browse homes online, you probably have seen that most of them have ceiling fans. If your home for sale in Carillon Lakes community doesn’t have fans yet, it’s probably the best time to get and install them. Fans can greatly reduce your bills by about $15 per year since you can lessen the use of air conditioner and just rely on it when the air gets humid and hot.

2. Clear air filters

The filters of your air conditioner will work double time if they are dirty. Since grime and dirt piles up, it becomes more difficult for the cold air to come out. Changing filters at least twice a year is a good way to keep your AC working more efficiently.

3. Replace windows

Houses in Carillon Lakes community have great windows. But some windows with aluminum frames can easily allow air to get through. Air leaks make up about 60-70 percent of the reasons for cooling and heating loss. So to make them more energy efficient, change them into wooden frames. Moreover, consider using double panes. These types of windows are better because they insulate the home and reflect light more effectively.

4. Upgrade lighting

Have you seen gorgeous homes in http://www.LakelandFloridaLiving.com/ with splendid light fixtures? Too often, we focus more on aesthetics rather than function. If you want a more energy efficient home, always look for alternatives that could help you cut costs without compromising quality. So instead of fluorescent and incandescent bulbs, go for CFL and LED ones. They may cost a little more but you definitely won’t regret buying because of how much these bulbs can take off of your electric bills monthly.

Beat the summer heat without breaking the bank for expensive home improvements. Try these simple tips on your Carillon Lakes community home for sale soon. 

Call me, Petra Norris, at (863) 619-6918 or send me an email at petra@petranorris.com if you’re looking for a Lakeland Florida real estate agent with superior local knowledge, experience, professionalism, integrity, and personal service to help you sell or buy Carillon Lakes Community homes for sale.


Petra Norris, REALTOR®…
Going The Extra Mile For You!