blog/web-journal

There are occasions when reports of banging in the home walls are being noticed.  The following could be the culprit…

Banging or rattling noises associated with water pipes is often due to a condition called water hammer. Water hammer is caused by lack of air in the pipes (not the presence of air). The banging usually occurs when faucets or valves are quickly closed. The pressure of the water, with no air in the pipes to cushion it, makes noise when it slams against a closed valve. Loose piping also contributes to the noise as the vibrations created in the pipe by the sudden stoppage can also cause pipes to knock against structural elements. In addition to noise, the water pressure can cause premature damage to sensitive valves in appliances and fixtures.

Water hammer can sometimes be stopped by introducing some air into the pipes. In many homes, this can be done by closing the main water valve and opening the lowest faucet in the house (usually a basement or outdoor faucet) and several other faucets. Let the water drain out for about five minutes, until water stops coming from the faucets. Then close all the faucets and reopen the main valve. As the pipes refill, air pockets may form at points in the system to provide the cushion needed.

If the noise persists, one or more devices called water-hammer arresters might need to be installed. An arrester maintains the air cushion that is needed to prevent the noise.

- HouseMaster, 2009 -

Providence

On a swing through this golf course community just recently,  we found another ‘new start’ on the way out of the ground in one of Meritage phases of this large development.

With prices better than they have been in nearly six years, buyers for new homes in good locations are coming back into the market slowly.

Is this important?  Absolutely…

Tip 4:  Staging the home for sale is a bit different than simply de-cluttering.  If you have a good eye, and the knowledge of how to achieve this, then it can be a do-it-yourself project.  For an investment in the range of $848 to $1,850 or so, the expectation of a price increase of the property should fall somewhere between $1,600 and $2,880.  Return on investment – approximately 66%.

While the return isn’t quite as high as the earlier home improvement suggestions, every bit counts.

No, we’re not reporting on the latest bar/restaurant to open in the resort area.  We recently spent a few hours “mucking about” on a small sailing boat on Lake Toho. Here we are preparing to set off.

 Under way at last, this really is a relaxing way to pass the time.

 Our captain kept firm control of the ship……….

 ………… as we navigated the more over-grown areas at the north end of the lake.

 Didn’t see any alligators that day but did see several varieties of bird life.

 Of course, if this is all too tame for you, you can always take the airboat ride.

WORLD FAMOUS HANG GLIDING FLIGHT PARK

For those with a thirst for life, and the confidence to live life to the fullest, Wallaby Ranch is for you. Beautifully secluded and surrounded by natural Florida woodlands, Wallaby Ranch, the world’s premier Aerotow Hang Gliding Flight Park, is only a short drive from the Orlando attractions area.  Its location just off of I-4 and Hwy #27 makes the park easy and quick to find. 

WILLS WING 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION – 2009

Experience a first time discovery tandem flight or consider learning to fly.  Highly certified instructors, combined with state-of-the-art training techniques guarantee the experience will be both safe and fun.

The ‘Tug’

Open 365 days a year, flights take place virtually every day beginning at 8:00AM; weather permitting. Reservations are not needed, however it is recommended: 1-800-WALLABY.  Thousands of people, from all walks of life have learned to fly hang gliders at Wallaby Ranch, including a 74 year old man (who is still flying in his 80′s), a paraplegic woman, and a 12 year old boy. 

INTO THE BLUE

 “Once you’ve tried it, the sky will never look the same again…”

A recent survey finds that nearly eighty-seven percent of home buyers did their initial search for the home via the Internet.  This is significantly up from the 71 percent that used the Web five years ago.

The frequency of the search has increased as well.  In 2003 forty-two percent of buyers were found to use the Internet regularly, while in 2008 the number was up to 69%.

What is surprising, and is of real importance to sellers, is that nearly 77% of the buyers doing Internet searches then either drove by, or viewed their homes of choice.  (This is why it is important to keep the curb appeal looking good.)

- NAR Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, 2008 -

Poinciana Boulevard & Oren Brown Road

For those of you on the Poinciana corridor and in the Lake Berkley Resort area, this little fresh produce market is now open and well worth a visit.  Pricing is very good, and the quality of the produce is higher than you can find in any of the area’s big box stores.  Horse supplies are also available.

If they don’t have quite what you’re after, simply let them know and they will secure it for you.  These are friendly native Floridian’s operating the business on their own ranch lands.  Stop in and see for yourself…

…unless you can walk on air that is.

RONALD REAGAN PARKWAY & I-4

Here’s a sign that truly means what it says.  For now that is…

Construction is in full swing on the final sections of Hwy #54 between Lake Wilson Road and Hwy #27.  A large number of compete crews are making good progress on this project, and weather permitting, the road may even be completed ahead of schedule. 

California Boulevard & Hwy #27

Interesting to see how this project has developed for many.  Our last look at it was on March 4, 2009.

This will be a nice addition to the entrance of Westridge, serving a number of the immediate communities along the southern Hwy #27 corridor as well as the Westside area.

Key points to note:

*  The tax credit is for first-time home buyers only.  For the tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.

*  The tax credit does not need to be repaid.

*  The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000

*  The tax credit is available for homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

*  Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

Source:  National Association Of Home Builders.