Air Conditioning
Your air conditioner gets a workout over the summer, so proper maintenance and inspections in the spring are very important!  First, make sure that the vents are clean of any lint or debris that may have accumulated over the winter months. If any debris is present and you choose to clean it yourself, be very careful not to damage the “fins” that surround the exterior walls. Even if no debris is visible, it’s a great idea to have your system checked and cleaned by a professional every couple of years. A professional can also tune your system so that it will run more efficiently.  In regards to the system and its use inside the home, consider installing a programmable thermostat.  If you have a central air system this can help save considerable money on energy use!

If you use an air conditioner window-unit, now is the time to re-install it. Clean the unit before install and remove the dust and dirt from the filter.  Don’t forget to clean the filter  regularly during the cooling season also.  Once a month should be fine, but check more frequently if you use the unit every day. Be sure when you install the unit that the seals are tight and that it is properly fastened.

Plumbing
Winters in the Coulee Region can be brutal on your plumbing and pipes. Check your outdoor faucets for any drips or leaks and either repair them or call a professional to do the job.  Also run water through your garden hose to check for any cracks or holes that may have developed during the cold winter, even if it was stored in a garage or shed.

Please come back next week for our next installment of the Spring Series for Homeowners.

A day of biking and music, Freedom Fest has been held since 2008, specifically to honor U. S. Veterans and their inestimable contributions to our national security, our well-being and our way of life. Like a giant Veterans Day party, Freedom Fest involves motorcycles and rock music. Freedom Fest puts all the glory back into the very flag our veterans have so bravely defended, mixing sheer exhilaration with a worthy purpose and a healthy dose of gratitude.

This June 15^th at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, enjoy the legendary music group Chicago, Daughtry and The Remainders. A whole day of festivities, beginning with a motorcycle rally, ends with an evening of amazing music beneath the pristine summer sky. There will be refreshments, friends and tons of thrills just outside the Veterans Memorial Field.

After the unlocking of the stadium gates, the army band will defend its reputation as the preeminent military band in the world. The Opening Ceremony is not to be missed - the Joint Forces color guard will lead the singing of the National Anthem. A “Fallen Heroes” Presentation will succeed sets from both The Remainders and Daughtry, and then the evening culminates with Chicago and a fireworks display.

This day is the ideal way to set aside time for reminding oneself of our millions of Service members. They defend our right to freedom and protect us while we enjoy those freedoms. Too often, freedom is taken for granted, or those who make it possible for the rest of us to be free feel forgotten or ignored. Part of freedom's promise is the right to celebrate as one sees fit, to assemble and cheer on any given cause.

What better cause could there be than our veterans and active-duty Service members? Without them we wouldn't be able to openly celebrate anything. For all patrons who love a great party, Freedom Fest is the ideal opportunity to come together, share, have fun and let veterans know how vital and appreciated their service is.

Stadium gates open at 3:00 p.m. Prerequisite activities abound in La Crosse. Enjoy a mini boat tour on the La Crosse Queen. Or whet your whistle properly before the evening's festivities at the Bodega Brew Pub. Kill time and prepare thrill-seeking bones at the Riverside Amusement Park. All attractions are located within La Crosse and are convenient to the Veterans Memorial Field.

Spacious quad level offers a huge kitchen with updated oak cabinets and appliances. New roof in 2011 and new gas boiler in 2009 with 3 zones on heating system. A flagstone fireplace highlights the large living room, open to the dining area. 4 bedrooms on one floor, cedar closet, electrical updated in 2004, family room is a walkout. Garage is 26x32.

Custom built walkout ranch offers quality materials and features with a private setting and 5 minutes to the interstate or mall. Awesome kitchen with solid surface counter, raised breakfast bar, stainless appliances, gas range and oak hardwood floors. 2 great rooms, both with fireplace and vaulted ceilings. Private master bedroom with bath. Covered deck is 12x24. Pella replacement windows, addition added in 2006 and new garage and private well also. Finished walkout lower level, full bath, bedroom with walk-in closet. Wooded lot with survey on file from 2006.

Great location on cul-de-sac street. New flooring throughout and freshly painted. New lighting also. Nice floor plan offers eat-in kitchen and formal dining. 3 full baths. Private master bath, spacious lower level family room with built-in storage. Nice deck, newer roof, new patio door. Move-in condition. Pre-approval letter required with offer.

Freddie Mac foreclosure. $500 toward home warranty of buyers choice for owner occupied. Pre- approval letter and certified funds for earnest money required with offer. All disclosures are posted online in MLS. Sold as is.

 Exterior:  Decks and Patios

Inspecting your deck and/or patio every spring can help extend it’s lifespan exponentially.  Finding and repairing trouble areas now can really save you money in future replacement costs.  It can also catch potential safety hazards to keep you and your family safe

Heavy snow and ice over the winter months can cause stress damage to decks and patios, so start by doing a visual inspection.  For wood decks, do you see any loose or damaged boards, posts, steps or guardrails?  If so, repair or replace loose boards and reset any protruding nails by gently tapping them back into place.  Next, clean your deck to remove debris that may have accumulated over the winter.  Power washers are a great tool to use.  If you don’t own a power washer, keep in mind that many local hardware stores rent them by the hour or day.  After your deck has been cleaned and is dry, resealing or staining is always a good idea to protect the wood.  If you choose to refinish or apply new decking stain, keep in mind that outdoor temperatures should be above 70 degrees before you do so and make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Next, check your outdoor furniture.  Inspect tables, chairs and umbrellas for any damage and repair or replace if necessary.   If no damage is found, then now is a great time to clean and air them out.  Chair pads and umbrellas can be washed with warm soapy water and then air dried.  Keeping them clean not only looks nicer, it will help them last longer as well!

Finally, pull out your grill for a good cleaning.  Clean any dust or dirt that may have accumulated over the winter.  Instructions on cleaning the inside of your grill will vary depending on the type of grill you have and also by manufacturer.  Refer to the manufacturer’s booklet for details.  Remove the grates to clean them.  They can be scrubbed with steel wool (using hot soapy water) or with oven cleaner.  If you choose to use oven cleaner, follow the instructions on the can for safety.  If you cook on the grill a lot during the summer, cleaning it now will save you the hassle of doing it before your first grilled dinner of the season.

We hope this information has been helpful.  Check back soon for the next entry in the At Home with Judy Spring Checklist Series for Homeowners.

Freddie Mac first look initiative for owner occupied buyers for first 15 days of listing, expires 05/17/2013. Being sold as is. Needs roof and cosmetic work. New furnace installed in February 2013. Pre-approval letter required and certified funds for earnest money. All disclosures are posted online. $500 toward home warranty of buyers choice if owner occupied. Nice lot.

Carbon monoxide poisoning alone accounts for between 200-700 deaths annually in the U.S. These deaths, as well, can be prevented with a functioning carbon monoxide detector in place.

Here are just a few important issues to bear in mind before and after installing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors:

• Depending upon one's purpose, any number of different types of carbon monoxide or smoke detectors might be most feasible. For smoke alarms, go with dual sensor. These are both ionization and smoke sensitive, and are able to detect different types of fires—smoldering versus lapping flames. That being said, no one brand of dual sensor smoke detector picks up every possible kind of fire.
• Since it's best to install several detectors scattered throughout the levels of one's home, purchasing multiple brands amounts to extra safety. Each brand has its unique strengths at detecting one fire over another fire, for example.
• Test smoke detectors monthly. Change batteries yearly - designate a single day so all detectors get fresh batteries simultaneously. Some detectors come with ten year lithium batteries. Since a home owner should replace the entire smoke detector every ten years, those with lithium batteries are best discarded completely.
• Place smoke detectors on every level of one's home and in every bedroom. Photoelectric detectors are best for kitchens and bathrooms to prevent false alarms. Dual sensor detectors are best for all other spots.
• Mount detectors at least four inches from walls and corners, and away from windows, fans and vents.
• Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are slightly more costly than smoke alarms, but certainly not more costly than a human life. Starting at roughly $35, CO alarms that meet UL Standard 2034 are preferable. CO detectors are so sensitive that they are almost perishable - the fresher they are the better they work.
• Check the manufacture date on backs of CO detectors at time of purchase. Test CO detectors weekly and vacuum them monthly. Remember to change the batteries annually, and as with smoke detectors, mount CO detectors on every level of the home, especially the basement.

Open concept great room with floor to ceiling windows, open staircase to 2nd floor, natural fireplace, great kitchen with tons of cabinets and counter space. Formal dining, main floor laundry and office. Master suite with private bath, double sinks, walk-in closet, whirlpool tub, separate shower, vaulted ceiling. Finished lower level with daylight and egress windows. Full bath, popcorn kitchen, 4th bedroom with walk-in closet, window seat, egress window and family room.

1. Create a plan of attack. Spring cleaning can seem a tad overwhelming to even the most domestic of home owners. Prepare a list of everything that needs cleaning (don’t forget the oven and the windows!), and break it up by area. Spread the chores out over the course of a few days, and try to clean just one room at a time.
2. Get ready. Get out the wood polisher, dusting spray, oven cleaner, glass cleaner, floor polish, etc. Make sure everything is up to date and that you have enough of each to get the job done. Inspect your broom, mop, sponges, and toilet brushes for damage. Replace any parts that aren’t firmly attached. Pull out your lighter bed sheets, comforters, and/or curtains, and put them where they’ll be easy to reach when you need them.
3. De-clutter. Go through the attic, the basement, and your closets and toss, give away, or find a more permanent storage solution for anything you haven’t used or looked at in at least a year. Put away or get rid of the knickknacks you don’t like or that no longer match your décor. Clean out your medicine cabinets and kitchen pantries and throw out anything that’s expired or that you can no longer use.
4. Get cleaning! Scrub the kitchen, organize the garage, and polish the floors. Wash the cabinets, shelves, and door jams. Wipe the smudges and fingerprints off the walls. Dust the blinds and the ceiling fans. Don’t forget the woodwork!
5. Make final repairs. When you were cleaning, you likely came across places where the woodwork was chipped, the paint was faded or peeling, and the cabinets were misaligned. Take the time to correct those problems. You’ll be amazed at how much better a room looks when everything’s in good condition. You may also want to take this time to check the batteries in your smoke detectors, fire alarms, and security systems.

1. First and foremost, it’s time to clean and tune your home appliances. Most homeowners forget about their appliances until something breaks, but an annual tune up and thorough cleaning can greatly extend an appliance’s life and improve its efficiency. Start with your dishwasher. Clean off any food residue with a sponge or plastic-bristle brush. If your machine has one (refer to the user’s manual to find out), remove the filter basket and empty it. Then, carefully take out the filter itself and scrub it with a plastic-bristle brush. When you’ve put everything back together, run the dishwasher on empty to give it a thorough rinse.  Next, clean the coils underneath your refrigerator. (Make sure you unplug it first!) You should also check and clean your dryer vents. Finally, replace the filter and the bag (if you have one) on your vacuum cleaner.
2. As the weather warms, so will your need to stay cool. Get your fans in shape for the new season by changing the direction of your ceiling fans so they blow the air down and running the bathroom exhaust fans during showers to keep the humidity down and your AC working less. You may also want to consider installing an attic fan, if you don’t have one.
3. Spring also is one of the best times of year to inspect your air conditioning system, because it will be much cheaper to fix in April than in August. Stock up on new air filters for your AC or clean the one you have if it is a permanent filter. You should also take it for a test run to make sure everything is in working order. You may even want to consider planting a shade tree next to the outside unit to help it run more efficiently.

Getting your house in order for spring doesn’t have to take long. Most of these steps can be completed in just a few minutes each, and they’ll save you time, money, and frustration in the coming months.

Next week, we'll wrap up the series in part 4, covering interior spring cleaning tips.

Nice ranch style home with main floor laundry close to Omni Center. New carpet, new appliances and freshly painted. Fenced back yard and patio. Master bath, large family room in lower level. Eat-in kitchen and formal dining. Freddie Mac first look initiative for owner occupied buyers for first 15 days expires 05-02-13. $500 toward home warranty buyer’s choice.

1. First and foremost, make a plan. What flowers worked really well last year? Which didn’t? Would a fresh color scheme make your front door pop? Do you want to add a new vegetable or herb garden? Think about what you want and what it will take to accomplish it, and write it down. Make sure to note any places where you’ll need to increase or decrease the spacing between plants, and make a shopping list of all the bulbs, seeds, and containers you’ll need for this year.
2. Get ready for spring planting. Examine your irrigation system and replace worn or broken garden hoses and sprinkler heads. Inspect the lights along your walkways and around your patio. Get your lawn mower serviced. Rake the leaves, remove debris, and trim trees, shrubs, hedges, and bushes. Make sure you remove any dead, damaged, or infected limbs and branches, and remove or significantly trim down any winter foliage. Weed, fertilize if necessary, and re-mulch the gardens. Test the soil pH and adjust if necessary. If it’s a pale tan color, make sure to enrich it by mixing in the right amount of manure and/or compost. You also may want to power wash the walkways and patio and remove any weeds or unwanted plants from between the cracks.
3. Inspect your lawn. Check for new insect beds, rodent holes, or abnormalities in the grass. Apply pre- and post-emergent weed control. Mow and trim as needed, and make sure to water just the right amount. (Too much or too little both spell disaster for a lush lawn.) If you see problem areas you can’t seem to fix, you may want to consult a professional.
4. As soon as the last frost of the year ends, start planting. Get your annuals, perennials, herbs, and vegetables in place. Remember: Establishment best takes place after the temperatures begin to rise and the rain begins to fall, usually around mid-May.

Come back next week to read part 3 of the series as we look at interior system maintenance.

This home is dressed for success with fresh paint and new flooring throughout. Open design with vaulted ceiling and open staircase. Private master bath and walk in closet. Finished lower level features a large family room with a beautiful corner gas fireplace, surround sound system, full bath, 2 bedrooms and storage. Kitchen appliances included, swing set can stay or go. Radon abatement system installed.

Freddie Mac first look initiative for owner occupied buyers for 1st 15 days of listing. Home warranty for owner occupied buyers up to $500, buyer’s choice. Preapproval and certified earnest money required with offer. Disclosures filed online. Two natural fireplaces, large deck, walkout basement. First look expires on 4-18-2013. Being sold as is, zoned r-2.

1. Winter storms can wreak havoc on a house’s exterior. Carefully walk the perimeter of your house and look for any problem areas that may have come up during those harsh winter months. Check the weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors, and look for any loose or broken shingles. Replace or fix anything that needs tending.
2. Get primed for the beauty of spring by ensuring you have a landscape you can work with. First, clean out your gutters and downspouts. Then, if you no longer have snow on the ground in your area, rake the leaves, remove debris, and trim any fallen tree limbs. You might also consider power washing concrete, paved areas, vinyl siding, and brick walls to rinse away winter’s dirt.
3. Nothing says spring quite like relaxing outdoors. Help potential buyers imagine themselves enjoying the warm months ahead by sprucing up your patio. Uncover or unpack your furniture. Scrub the cushions, wash the tables and chairs, and remove any rust that may have accumulated on metal services. Clean your rugs, replace any busted patio lights, and give your grill a thorough scrubbing.
4. Revitalize your lawn and gardens. Trim overgrown shrubs and bushes, and pull out any late winter weeds. You should also protect your plants from upcoming spring storms (and give your gardens an updated look) by spreading fresh mulch around any flower beds and landscaped areas.
5. You may also want to make your walkway more inviting by placing a few potted pansies (or another of your favorite spring flowers) near the front steps. Fresh buds and bright colors will catch a potential buyer’s eye from the moment they pull up to your drive. Make the most of that first impression!

And, if you still can’t see your lawn through the mounds of snow, don’t despair. Use this time to get organized. Nothing gets you ready for spring faster than planning your spring gardens!

Location, Location, Location....Windows, Windows, Windows.... let the light shine in and enjoy the great valley views. The great room will be the center for entertaining and daily living. A natural fireplace, wet bar, built-in bookcase, tons of windows with access to the wrap around deck and open concept to the huge kitchen. Private master bath, walk-in closet. Walkout lower level is finished. New flooring, freshly painted interior and updated lighting throughout. Recent updates include roof, furnace, driveway, siding deck patio doors. Main floor laundry,.$2,400 allowance for oven, cook top and dishwasher.

• Keep your house warm. In the winter people tend to turn the thermostat down to save money, however a warmer house is more welcoming to a potential buyer.
• Clear your walkways and driveways of any snow or ice. Make it easy for buyers to get to your home.
• Clean the windows and blinds. Letting in the natural light can brighten up a room and cheer up the home. This also brings attention to the windows and blinds so make sure they are clean even during winter. Dirty windows will make the home appear neglected.
• Background music played softly can completely change the atmosphere, which will make the home feel cozy and keep potential buyers around longer. Select classical music to appeal to anyone.
• Leave the light on. Before showing a home, make sure it's well lit. A well lit home is more inviting. If you're not home, consider setting up timers.

Following these simple tips can give your house that added boost in today's competitive market. For information on selling in our local market, please feel free to contact us and ask for a market analysis of our recent neighborhood activity. We are more than happy to answer any questions you might have!

See Gull For All Your Real Estate Needs!

The Children’s Museum is a hands-on learning environment where kids can ask questions and have them answered by participating in experiments and activities. Knowledgeable staff members are also there to help and to answer any questions kids and parents alike may have.

The exhibits in the museum are constantly changing, bringing in new and exciting experiences for families to enjoy. Currently you can take your kids on a Mr. Potato Head journey. The classic, beloved toy takes children on adventures in space, under the sea, through the jungle and on an archeological dig. Special demonstrations and classes are given several times a week at the Children’s Museum. They cover a range of subjects from science experiments to pet therapy to simple hands-on fun.

While main attractions may vary from season to season, there are plenty of fun exhibits that remain at the museum to be loved again and again. Kids can try their hands at bridge building, or operate a “kid crane.” You will learn about airflow, dinosaurs, police officers, fire fighters and nature, all in one fantastic museum.

The Children’s Museum of La Crosse is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays noon to 5. Admission is only six dollars and the museum has a membership program where you can pay a low, yearly fee and get free entry for the rest of the year.

So what are you waiting for? Grab the kids and bring your curiosity, The Children’s Museum of La Crosse awaits your wide-eyed and smiling explorers for hours of educational fun.