Here are Six Things that you Should do in November

Oooo, the holidays are rolling at us fast. Only 12 more days until Thanksgiving and then Christmas will happen and then New Year’s Eve! Oh my! Make your home as cozy and fresh as possible before you get shut in for winter. Here are some tips.

• Wash your bed pillows. We all love snuggling into our bed pillows. But guess what comes with them, fungus, about 4 to 16 species of it. Yuck! The holidays are the height of guest season so take this time to freshen those pillows. Throw them into the washing machine and dryer after checking your manufacturer tag for instructions. But maybe you have a pillow that can’t be washed think about replacing it. Pillows are not meant to be kept forever.
• Clean your mattress. We all love to sleep but you will sleep better knowing your mattress is clean. As you sleep on it, skin cells and sweat drop down into the mattress that in turns attracts dust mites to a veritable feast. First vacuum the mattress, then pe it down with a cloth dampened with upholstery shampoo. Make sure it dries before putting sheets back on it or else you will get mold. Also, flipping your mattress will help kill dust mites.
• Insulate your windows. Drafts can be chilly, or they can chill you to the bone. Keep it cozy by hanging thermal backed drapes or insulated shades. You can also put some Velcro tabs on the drapes to keep them tacked up against the window cutting down on drafts. When you close the drapes, cross them over each other to further lock out cold drafts.
• Stock up on snow supplies. If you live in an area where snow is a thing, take advantage of any seasonal sales and stock up on snow supplies. Ice melt works well on sidewalks. If you have a snow blower, get it serviced now. Because once the first snow hits, prices will go up.
• Trim tree branches. Branches should be kept at least 3 feet from your house. You don’t want to invite pests to explore your roof and have excess water dripping onto your roof and seeking out cracks. Once the leaves have fallen, trimming will be easier.
• Get your fireplace inspected. Before you light that first fire, hire a chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney and fireplace. He will make sure there is no creosote left from previous years in your chimney and help to make sure your fireplace burns more efficiently. Also make sure that you still have a chimney cap. These keep out critters and can cut down on wild wind gusts running down and pushing fire into your living room.

Real Estate News

If you are unsure about selling, here is what kind of technology agents are implementing to insure a safe process. They are using virtual tours, accurate and detailed listing information, detailed neighborhood information, high-quality listing photos and agent-led video chats. Agents are leveraging tools that allow buyers to get an initial look at the home without having to step inside. This reduces the number of people entering your home so that only serious buyers are doing in-person showings. Agents are also limiting in-person activity, asking buyers to wash their hands or use alcohol-based sanitizer, removing shoes or providing shoe covers, and following the CDC regulations of social distancing and wearing face masks. The bottom line is that agents with major companies are being held accountable and are making sure their clients are kept safe during all aspects of the real estate transaction.

Local Greenville SC News

Several local organizations still need volunteers for the 2020 holiday season.

• Harvest Hope Food Bank needs both volunteers and donations for the upcoming season. Volunteer shifts are posted on their website – harvesthope.org. Choose “Get Involved.” They also have a running list of most needed items on their site.
• Salvation Army needs bell ringers for its red kettles. They launch November 13th with shifts ending Christmas Eve.
• Miracle Hill Ministries needs to fill its Christmastime “guest” bags. They have an online wish list.
• Tribune Mercy Center needs pantry items. They need Pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, canned tuna or chicken, Hamburger Helper, Jiffy Cornbread Mix, cereal. They also need warm coats, hand warmers and blankets.
• United Community Bank is sponsoring their Angel Tress in their branches. You can stop by and “Be an Angel” by buying one of their tags. Due to COVID they are only accepting gift cards and monetary donations. All gift cards should be returned to the bank lobby no later than Monday, November 30, 2020.
• Country Santa is limiting volunteers but having two toy drives. The Freedom Biker Church Foothills Toy Drive will be held on Nov. 14, with line up at 10 a.m. at Kendall's Grill, 1810 Blue Ridge Drive in Greenville. The Market at the Mill's first annual Toy Run will be on Nov. 22. The first bikes will ride out at 2 p.m. from the Market @ the Mill.
• Upstate SC Chapter of the American Red Cross needs trained volunteers for it mission services (disaster volunteers). Other opportunities include disaster response, office administration, preparedness education, service to the Armed Forces, health and safety training, international humanitarian services, fundraising, public affairs, and blood services. More information can be found on their website.
• North Greenville Food Crisis Ministry is conducting a “Spirit of Thanksgiving” toiletries and toilet paper drive through November 15th. Needed items include: deodorant, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, laundry detergent, dish detergent, and toilet paper
• Donations may be dropped off at Cooper Chapman Insurance, the drive's sponsor, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or directly to North Greenville Crisis Ministry on Tuesday/Wednesday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Monetary gifts can be given here.
• Greer Relief biggest need is for the Christmas Morning Shoppe. They also need volunteers for the Greer Christmas Parade – setting up line-up in the morning and helping during the parade in the afternoon. Also needed are donations of food are also needed for holiday boxes (Thanksgiving and Christmas) and as well as new, unwrapped Christmas presents for ages infant - 18. Check out www.greerrelief.org/wish-lists for items needed.

People are on the move and I am ready to help you buy or sell in the Greenville area. Please contact Victoria Cottle by email [email protected] or call (864) 275-3953 for your real estate needs in the Upstate of South Carolina!

Victoria Cottle is a Realtor? in the Greenville South Carolina area and if you, a friend, or a family member need assistance with selling or buying a home I can help. Referrals and people needing relocation assistance are welcome! Search Single Family homes in Greenville. Search Condos and Townhomes in Greenville.