June Home Tips

Hello, Everyone, Except for a few odd days, I think it is safe to assume that summer is here… Consumer Reports gives Sawyer Fisherman’s Formula Picaridin ($8.25) insect repellent a rating of 96, considerably higher than the Repel brands just below it, which are rated 87 and 82 and cost a bit less. Interestingly, the California Baby Natural Bug Blend at $15.50, which has the highest price on the list, is rated only 22. Pls remember that if you see English Ivy on your trees or on the trees of anyone you know, it kills trees by strangling and dehydrating them. English Ivy is pernicious and is not a native plant. For those of you without central air conditioning, Consumer Reports rates these window ac’s best: 100-300 square feet—GE AEMO5LS @$210; 250-400 square feet—GE AEMO8LT @$300; 350-650 square feet—LG LW1214ER @$350; Friedrich Chill CP10G10A @$400; GE AER10AT @$250. Enjoy your weekend! Best, Bonny

April Home Tips

If you’re considering the purchase of an extended warranty, do confirm that the extension begins after the end of the initial warranty. Consumer Reports discovered that most extended warranties overlap with the original. Gentle Giant is offering “Free and Clear Storage” in the Boston area to help Sellers declutter their houses in preparation for selling. Gentle Giant will provide 2 storage vaults free for 3 months. And if any of your items need restoration, their “Store and Restore” policy will give you $150 off any project costing $450 or more. This week is Boston Design Week and Jodi and Alex Robbins will be hosting an event at their lovely furniture store at 357 Huron Ave, in Huron Village in Cambridge. The topic for the evening, with answers to any of your questions, will be “De-mystifying Custom and Made-to-Order Furniture and Cabinetry.” Snacks and drinks will be served; 6-8 pm, on Thursday, March 26th. If you haven’t visited their store yet, it’s a must! Best, Bonny

March Home Tips

Hello, Everyone! If you’re considering the purchase of an extended warranty, do confirm that the extension begins after the end of the initial warranty. Consumer Reports discovered that most extended warranties overlap with the original. Gentle Giant is offering “Free and Clear Storage” in the Boston area to help Sellers declutter their houses in preparation for selling. Gentle Giant will provide 2 storage vaults free for 3 months. And if any of your items need restoration, their “Store and Restore” policy will give you $150 off any project costing $450 or more. This week is Boston Design Week and Jodi and Alex Robbins will be hosting an event at their lovely furniture store at 357 Huron Ave, in Huron Village in Cambridge. The topic for the evening, with answers to any of your questions, will be “De-mystifying Custom and Made-to-Order Furniture and Cabinetry.” Snacks and drinks will be served; 6-8 pm, on Thursday, March 26th. If you haven’t visited their store yet, it’s a must! Best, Bonny

February Home Tips

Hello, Everyone, In this season of snow and more snow, the following seemed in order… According to Consumer Reports, the best rated snow blowers are Cub Cadet 31AH57S @ $1,500 and Troy-Bilt Vortex 2890 31AH55Q @ $1,300. The Cub Cadet 930SWE 31AH95SU @ $1,600 is close-behind second, but considerably more expensive. The top-rated Lithium AA battery is the Energizer Ultimate @ $2.50 (scored 96); the top-rated Alkaline AA is the Duracell Quantum @ $1.00 (scored 91). However, the Kirkland Signature from Costco receives a score of 84 but costs only 27 cents, so is considered the “CR best buy.” In the past week I have received several emails from clients, asking for names of people to remove snow and take care of ice dams. Most contractors seem to be busy 2 weeks in advance. J. Murray & Sons is very good about sending real estate agents emails about its snow removal/ice dam services, adding that it has 30 people on its staff; but I never have used them nor do I know anyone who has. With the hope that their service is both timely and good, here is their contact information for you to connect with them, if you like, to assess their qualifications: call 781-414-0605 or john@jmurrayandsons.com. Very best, Bonny