5 Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market

Winter is a beautiful and also potentially dangerous time of the year.  If you plan on traveling during the winter, it pays to be prepared for the unexpected.  Using common sense and developing a few simple driving habits like planning ahead, driving at a safe and legal speed, driving alert and sober and buckling up could ensure that you safely make it to your destination.  We've put together the following tips to help you stay safe and minimize the potential hazards posed by cold weather, winter storms and icy roads...

Prepare for winter driving BEFORE a storm hits:

• Have a mechanic check your car's battery, brakes, fluid levels (antifreeze, winshield washer fluid and oil,) as well as the heating and exhaust systems to ensure that your car is in good, safe working condition.
• Try to keep your gas tank full during the winter months.  Don't allow the gas to go below half a tank.  Not only will this prevent damage from freezing, you'll avoid running out of gas if you're stuck in a traffic jam in the dead of winter.
• Install snow tires or all-weather radials with adequate treads.
• An adequate supply of windshield washing liquid is critical to wash away the mud and melted snow that can severely limit visibility.
• Prepare for an emergency.  Keep blankets, flares, a sack of sand for traction, shovel, windshield scraper and brush, tool kit, towrope, booster cables and a flashlight with extra batteries in your trunk.  You should also stock your car with material for survival, such as waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water, a first aid kit, dry clothing and a brightly colored cloth (to tie to the antenna.)

When driving under adverse winter conditions:

• Take care pulling out of streets blocked by mountains of snow.  It's often difficult to see who or what is coming.
• Back your car into the driveway so you have better vision when pulling out.
• Be aware of joggers on the street.  Often sidewalks are impassable and die-hard joggers venture onto the street for a clearer path.  Unfortunately they may not see icy spots or other hazards hidden below the slush.
• Don't turn corners too tightly.
• If your car DOES NOT have anti-lock brakes and you start skidding on the ice, try not to slam on your brakes.  Gently pump your brakes to maintain better control and prevent your wheels from locking. 
• If your car DOES have anti-lock brakes, slam on your brakes when skidding on the ice.  Pumping your brakes prevents the acti-lock system from taking over.

Traveling during a severe storm.  Travel only if necessary during a blizzard or severe storm.  If you must travel:

• Don't travel alone.  Notify someone of your estimated time of arrival as well as your primary and alternate travel routes.
• If STUCK, stay in your car and wait for help.  Run the engine and heater sparingly.  Also make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow and ventilate your car so that carbon monoxide fumes won't poison you.
• Keep your energy.  Eat food that provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.  Replenish your body with fludis to prevent dehydration.  Don't eat snow; it will lower your body temperature.  Melt it first.

Tips and information provided by Julie Brandao with BB&T Huffaker and Trimble.  Contact Julie Brandao for all of your insurance needs at jbrandao@bbandt.com or 423-756-0711

There are two additional remakes that standout in my opinion…first, the version by Old and in the Way, a bluegrass supergroup in the 1970s with frontman Jerry Garcia.  Their debut album Old and in the Way was released in 1975 and in 2002 a reunion album was released, Old and in the Gray, minus original members Jerry Garcia and John Kahn.  The second, a version recorded by The Sundays may likely be one of the more currently well known versions as it faired well on mid '90s pop charts.

Having been covered multiple times over by artists from Molly Hatchett to Susan Boyle and everything in between (Neil Young, The Cranberries, Dave Matthews, Sheryl Crow, Bush, Jewel,Alicia Keys, Tori Amos, and Guns N' Roses to name a few), it translates in a pleasing way across many different genres.  What version is your favorite?

In this week's edition of Tuesday Morning Coffee Jay Robinson talks about Chattanooga real estate in 2010 and introduces the launch of Robinson Real Estate's new and improved website.

    This week's music pick is a holiday classic

Jay Robinson

and details covering tax credit changes and frequently asked questions.

For additional information about buying a new homes or selling your current home in today's market please call us at 423.304.6114 or check out more about Robinson Real Estate.

Jay Robinson

Jay Robinson

For more information about Chattanooga real estate and an analysis of our local market call us 423-304-6114 or e-mail info@robinsonteam.com.