Good news for the homeowners of the City of Des Moines with a sump pump rebate program. Des Moines’s home owners have had their fair share of home water entry into the basements these last few years. Des Moines has had a very dry fall 2011, however, winter is just about here, and Iowans know we can get socked with snow. Heavy snowfall and spring rains can equal wet basements. See my previous blog on sump pumps. Get proactive now.
Have you checked your home for radon? It is the leading cause of lung cancer. The test cost is about $150.00 with a professional (always a good idea) or you may purchase a DIY radon kit at big box stores. I had a terrific townhome listed in West Des Moines recently. The buyer elected to have a radon test as part of the inspection process. Radon test results came in at 17. The acceptable EPA level is 4.0. The seller/owner is responsible to have a radon mitigation system installed. The seller took swift action, within 24 hours of radon results the system was installed and the level began to lower immediately. This cost was an additional expense for the home owner/seller of $1,200.00 paid at time of install. Iowa runs very high in radon positive test results. See my previous blog on radon. Get proactive now.
It is apple season in Iowa; all the orchards are full of ripe selections. Grab the family and go get yourself some fresh picked apples, apple cider and apple butter. Have you ever tried to make an apple pie, take the plunge? My favorite is with the crumb topping. Just today I made a batch of applesauce (recipe below). Macintosh was 88 cents a lb at Hy-Vee this past week. OK, I was not at the orchard, but someone had to pick them from a tree.
Des Moines real estate market is picking up according to some stats. I must admit, it is sweet to see sale pending signs attached to the for sale signs on seller’s lawns. Congrats to the happy seller and the happy buyer. By the way there are over 5200 houses listed in the Des Moines multiple listing areas. Are you in need of buying a house, or selling yours? Give me a call at 515-453-7428. Always check us out too at www.donandpatlutz.com Get proactive now.
Applesauce recipe
4 medium cooking apples, pared, cored and diced
1 cup water
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
¼ t cinnamon
¼ t nutmeg
Heat apples and water over med. heat to boiling. Turn down heat; simmer, stirring every now and then, for 5 to 10 minutes until tender. Drop in brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg; heat to boiling. Remove from heat, cool before serving. Keep in frig for several days, it freezes well too. I use as foodie gifts.
