January 2015 - Checking In With You

“Checking InWith You” January 2015

BrownAndLande.comJanet Brown: 321.806.9121 Jason Lande: 321.356.6419

“Checking In With You”

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

TIP OF THE MONTHTop 10 Home Improvement Tips for the New Year

JANUARY 1, 2015 VOL. 1 ISSUE 4

Janet Brown &Jason Lande

RECIPE OF THE MONTHYA MON CHICKENINGREDIENTS1 (ABOUT 6 OZ) SWEET POTATO1 (ABOUT 5 OZ) BONELESS, SKINLESS, CHICKEN BREAST HALF1/2 TEASPOON VEGETABLE OIL

New Year If you are ready to start the New Year off with home improvement ideas in mind, you are not alone. The New Year is an excellent time to consider adding on to your home before the spring, as well as completing indoor projects while the weather is cold. Home improvements can range from upgrading existing 1/2 TEASPOON VEGETABLE OIL

1 TEASPOON JERK SEASONING1/3 CUP CANNED BLACK BEANS, RINSED AND DRAINED1/2 CUP SEEDED AND CHOPPED TOMATO 1/4 CUP CHICKEN BROTH, LOW SODIUM1 TABLESPOON SLICED GREEN ONION

improvements can range from upgrading existing fixtures and finishes to knocking down walls and adding on square footage. Whichever improvements you have in mind, use these 10 tips to guide you throughout the planning process.Assess your home: Determine the current state of

h d h t id t t i l t 1 TABLESPOON SLICED GREEN ONION 1/2 TEASPOON BUTTER OR MARGARINE

DirectionsScrub potato. Trim ends. Prick skin with fork. Place in shallow dish. Microwave, loosely covered, high for 4 to 5 minutes 

your home and what ideas you want to implement. Walk through your home and decide what are wish list items and what are necessity. A wish list item could be upgrading to granite countertops, while a necessity item could be leaky plumbing pipes that have to be replaced as soon as possible.

y , guntil very tender, turning every 2 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Brush chicken with oil. Rub jerk seasoning on both sides of chicken. Cook chicken over medium‐low heat about 6 minutes or until lightly browned, turning

How long do you plan to be in your home: If you are planning on selling your home this year, your budget for improvements may be different from your neighbor that only lived in their home for a year. If you want to get your return on investment (ROI), upgrade the parts of your home that interest buyers. minutes or until lightly browned, turning 

once. Add tomato, beans and broth to skillet. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, about 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Stir onion into bean mixture. Scoop pulp from potato and slightly mash Stir in butter

Seek out inspiration now: From magazines to color swatches from your favorite paint store, seek out inspiration ideas now. Don’t wait until the DIY nudge strikes and then you are trying to get ideas, pay for materials and complete the project. The more you do ahead of time, the more stress free your project will be. potato and slightly mash. Stir in butter. 

Microwave, loosely covered, at high about 1 minute or until heated through. Top with chicken and vegetables. 

, y p jKnow your budget: After the holidays, money is often tight for many home owners. Instead of getting discouraged, use the first few months of the New Year to plan your project and budget without stress. Often

times money actually makes you more anxious and delaying the money portion might help you price out materials, labor and the time it will take to complete the project.Ask for help early: How many do it yourself reality television shows do you see that the friends or family

b d t t h f th h i tmember do not stay or show up for the home improvement project? Start early in asking for help and what expertise your help can provide. Seek out several “back up” friends, for the off chance that your help isn’t so helpful!Seek out the proper permits: If you are doing a home improvement project which requires electricity,

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plumbing, structural or other trades that may involve permits, seek these out in advance. Hire a professional general contractor or trades person if you are unclear of what permits are required.Be flexible: Even though you would like your new kitchen remodel done in 8 weeks, the reality is it may take 12. The same is true for budget and resources. Try and become more flexible with your planning and factor in extra buffer time and money for your own sanity.Communicate with your partner(s): Have a clear idea of what the project entails with your partners in the beginning. Ensure each person knows their roles and ask them to choose what they are good at, rather than only assigning duties. This will free up finger pointing throughout the project and take pressure off of you.Use safety precautions: Every home improvement project involves a level of safety to ensure you and your home do not get hurt. Follow instructions on power tools and

Janet Brown: 321.806.9121g p

seek out tutorials or advice from tool rental store associates for help… before you start your project.Have a good time: Even though there is a serious side to home improvement, it should also be fun and rewarding. If you aren’t going to enjoy your hard work and effort, hire a professional and leave the hard work to them.

Jason Lande: 321.356.6419

pHome improvement projects can be a great way to kick off the New Year and get your home in order for the upcoming months. Follow these 10 tips to help you plan your project gaining inspiration and budgeting ideas. Believe it or not, home improvement is easier than you think with patience and fact finding before you get into your project. Happy

EXIT 1ST CLASS REALTY

g y g y j yhome improving into the New Year!

Warmest Wishes,

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Let’s StayLet’s Stayin Touch!in Touch!in Touch!in Touch!

J t BJanet Brown: 321.806.9121

Jason Lande: 321.356.6419