10 FUN(?) FACTS ABOUT MOLD!

1. Outdoors, mold exists nearly everywhere.

2. There are over 10,000 species of mold.

3. Mold helps break down, or decompose, organic material.

4. Every home has mold, somewhere.

5. Not all mold is harmfully toxic but it can certainly cause allergy problems.

6. Stachybotrys, a form of toxic mold, is actually uncommon and usually found only in homes that have been flooded or have other severe, prolonged water damage.

7. One common antibiotic is actually a purified mold - penicillium notatum, or penicillin.

8. Mold growth in a home is not limited to those with flooding and water damage - any prolonged exposure to moisture such as a lawn sprinkler, condensation, steam (as from an unvented shower in the bathroom) or periodic leaking left to itself will also encourage mold growth.

9. It is possible, maybe even probable, that your homeowner insurance may specifically exclude coverage for damage directly related to mold.

10. Mold spores can not be eliminated from indoor environments; BUT they will only grow in the presence of moisture.

Outside, mold is an important and helpful part of the environmnet. Mold destroys what it comes in contact with; just as penicillin kills the bacteria that crosses its path. Mold helps to break down decaying organic matter, such as dead leaves, timber, etc. Once mold comes indoors to roost, however, the friendly benefits cease and the problems begin. Mold will ruin clothing, paint, wood, carpeting, furniture, and books, infiltrating and snaking through porous surfaces like a clinging, parasitic vine.

Why is there such a surge of problems related to mold, when until recently the terms "toxic mold" and "sick building syndrome" were virtually unheard of? One suggestion is that building standards have changed so much in recent years.

In an effort to make our homes more energy effecient, more stringent air circulation guidelines cause our homes to retain more moisture. We are exchanging one problem for another...though the mold can certainly be dealt with if caught in time.

Mold presence does not have to be the end of the world. Several key factors in controlling mold in the home include eliminating the moisture problem that cause the mold in the first place, thoroughly cleaning the affected surface, and if necessary, replacing the materials infected.

Disposable N95 respirators, goggles (without vents), and gloves should be part of the cleaning attire no matter how small the area. Mold spores are released into the air when disturbed, and can cause any number of reactions if inhaled. People with weak immune systems or respiratory problems should NOT attempt to remediate mold themselves.

If your home has had a leaky roof, any plumbing problems, loose or damaged grout in the bathroom or shower area, windows with a constant presence of condensation, or any other recurring or prolonged instance of moisture, you should expect to find mold.

The EPA recommends that affected areas larger than 10 square feet be remediated by a specialist.

Part 2: The Humongous Fungus Previously Amongus - My Moldy Past

Sources & Further Reading:
EPA Mold Course
Moisture Control in Your Home
Conditions that Promote Mold Growth
Indoor Mold Characteristics

WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Paupack Group Independently Owned and Operated

 

Do you have a home in Pike or Wayne County PA to sell? Visit My Seller Website and learn about my innovative marketing plan which will be personalized specifically for your home. Are you interested in Pike or Wayne County PA homes for sale? Visit my real estate website to see all the property for sale in Hawley, Honesdale, Greentown, Lackawaxen, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and the entire Lake Wallenpaupack region of Northeast PA's Pocono Mountains.

Please become a Fan of Wallenpaupack Real Estate on Facebook

Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Poconos. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.

Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate - Home Sales ©Copyright by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.

Some of my readers know, but many do not, that I previously schooled two of my children at home.

The first early years at home with them was precious and I think highly beneficial for them both; my daughter had a voracious appetite for reading and all things art.  She loved science and history as well.

My son, well..he preferred when school for the day was done. At some point, we decided that they were ready (as was I!) to be enrolled at our local school district, Wallenpaupack Area. It's an excellent school district with wonderful programs and dedicated teachers.  I really have nothing but positive things to say about my alma mater's education.

BUT, for reasons I won't go into, our youngest daughter needs a change. She was enrolled right away in public school and my husband and I believe we made a mistake by pushing her out of the nest so early, so we're bringing her back home to school.

Everyone it seems has heard of home schooling - some people think it's nuts, other people think it's the cat's pajamas. I think it's a wonderful choice and I'm so thankful to be able to choose it.

COMING HOME TO SCHOOL 

However, I was not and am not a traditional home schooler - I actually utilize a "public school at home" program by way of a virtual charter school. Currently, Pennsylvania residents have several virtual charter schools to choose from. Homeschoolers generally prefer to be categorized separately from cyber-charter users. We will be "schooling at home" but we're NOT "homeschoolers" in the truest definition.

Some home school "purists" do not like it when people using VA's (Virtual Academies) say they are "home schooling." We need to remember that traditional homeschoolers are our pioneers and heroes who paved the way to educating the public about the legality of home school. Many homeschoolers want OUT of the public system.

A virtual charter school is a public school; the lessons and curricula are usually provided over the computer.

The school will supply enrolled students with everything they need - most things are loaned, some things are "for keeps."  Your child's progress will be monitored by a certified teacher, and you will need to send in portfolio samples and communicate with the teacher on a regular basis. 

(The parent, or adult in charge of the child such as a grandparent or babysitter, depending on the family situation...is the one responsible for teaching the lesson and making sure the child meets the lesson objectives.) 

A virtual charter is another option for those who just can't find the perfect fit elsewhere, either because they're not happy with their school, or their child just needs different attention than what is available in the traditional school.

It is also a great middle ground for parents who want to homeschool for whatever reason, and just do not have the confidence that they really can teach their children themselves.

Cyber charters generally provide well-rounded curriculum.  The school our family has chosen is one we used before: PAVCS (Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School.)  PAVCS uses the K12® Curriculum, originally developed under the supervision of William J. Bennett, the author of The Book of Virtues and former Secretary of Education.  K12® is a robust and very interesting & enjoyable curriculum, with flexibility to customize the program to suit your child's needs.  Indeed, one of the hardest parts of putting my older child in regular school was saying "goodbye" to K12®!  The lessons were fun and engaging, and always interesting.  (My daughter just really needed the traditional school setting.)

Not all cyber charters offer the same grade levels and curricula, and not all of them are state wide. 

A Few Virtual Charters in PA accepting Statewide Enrollment:

21st Century Cyber Charter School - Grades 6-12

Agora Cyber Charter School - Grades K-12

Central PA Digital Charter School - Grades K-12

Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School - Grades K-10

Commonwealth Connections Academy - Grades K-11

The PA Cyber Charter School - Grades K-12

PA Distance & Electronic Learning Academy - Grades K-12

Sus-Q Cyber Charter - Grades 9-12

The best part of schooling at home - be it as a traditional home schooler or a "public school at home" family like ours, is that there is SO much flexibility. You won't be married to the computer.

I can still give my real estate clients my full attention, while ensuring that my daughter is getting what's best for her at this point in time. I am not dissatisfied with our wonderful school district - but it's just not working for her NOW. And that's okay.

WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Paupack Group Independently Owned and Operated

 

Do you have a home in Pike or Wayne County PA to sell? Visit My Seller Website and learn about my innovative marketing plan which will be personalized specifically for your home. Are you interested in Pike or Wayne County PA homes for sale? Visit my real estate website to see all the property for sale in Hawley, Honesdale, Greentown, Lackawaxen, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and the entire Lake Wallenpaupack region of Northeast PA's Pocono Mountains.

Please become a Fan of Wallenpaupack Real Estate on Facebook

Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Poconos. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.

Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate - Home Sales ©Copyright by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.

If you've been thinking about buying a home in Masthope, this weekend will be a great opportunity to see what's available!

There are going to be at least three Open Houses in Masthope on Saturday, January 19, 2008 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Watch for the festive balloons and bright yellow signs!

Masthope is a full amenity community/development in Lackawaxen, a small village in Pike County PA - located not far from the Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers. In Masthope, you will find the expected amenities - plus an 18 trail ski mountain (Ski Big Bear).

Masthope Amenities include:

• Powerboat lake - 250 acre Lake Westcolang, with beach area. Motorboats & personal watercraft welcome!
  
• Ski Big Bear with ski lifts (including Magic Carpet lift) and ski shop
• Snow tubing & boarding
  
• 2 heated swimming pools
• Clubhouse/lodge
• Arcade/game room
  
• Equestrian Center/ Horseback Riding Stables & Trail rides
  
• "Masthope Marketplace" - community store
• "The Summit" full service restaurant & bar
  
• Fitness center
• Playing courts: tennis, basketball, bocce ball, shuffleboard, paddle ball
• Horseshoes court
• River Park & Delaware River Access
• Central Water & Sewer
  

Find out more about the scheduled open houses below. If you can not attend the Open Houses, please feel free to contact me for a private showing of these or any home in Pike (or Wayne) County - at YOUR convenience!

124 Paul Revere Drive - (map)

This home has a lot of room and is on a full acre of land! I will be your agent for this Open House - please be sure to stop in and say hi!

Price: $199,900

• 4 bedrooms
• 2 baths
• Family room
• Wrap around deck
  
• Finished basement
• Workshop
• 2 car garage
  

145 Liberty Lane - (map)

Brand- new construction traditional home offers over 2,000 square feet of living space.

Price: $199,000

• 4 Bedrooms
• Master Suite w/ double closets
• Jacuzzi soaker tub in master bath
• One car garage
• Family room
• 2.5 bathrooms total
• Covered front porch
  

168 Karl Hope Blvd. - (map)

Walk to the ski slope, lodge, and swimming pools! This prow front cedar chalet is "big" on a lot of things - windows & sunlight, room, convenience.

• 3 bedrooms
• Loft
• 3 baths
• Fireplace
• Screened porch
• Cedar sun room
• Cathedral ceilings
• Lots of light
• 2 pellet stoves
• Hardwood floors
• Family room

WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Paupack Group Independently Owned and Operated

 

Do you have a home in Pike or Wayne County PA to sell? Visit My Seller Website and learn about my innovative marketing plan which will be personalized specifically for your home. Are you interested in Pike or Wayne County PA homes for sale? Visit my real estate website to see all the property for sale in Hawley, Honesdale, Greentown, Lackawaxen, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and the entire Lake Wallenpaupack region of Northeast PA's Pocono Mountains.

Please become a Fan of Wallenpaupack Real Estate on Facebook

Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Poconos. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.

Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate - Home Sales ©Copyright by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.

I have been meaning to post this ever since last Wednesday, but I was bombarded with work! Unbelievably, I am in the midst of four deals all at once.

OPEN HOUSE: Sunday January 13, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Address: 189 Falling Waters Blvd. Very very easy to find.

View Larger Map

This home for sale in Masthope is very affordable and actually, quite cute. I know, REALTORS say that all the time, but this home has a nice warm feel. It does have some handyman opportunities, and will need some work, but overall, I think it's a cute house and worth a look-see. It is being sold furnished, too!

Masthope is one of Pike County's hot spots - there are a ton of amenities, not the least of which is Ski Big Bear, their 18 slope ski mountain. Property owners in Masthope get to ski FREE. There is a beautiful new lodge for hanging out after a day on the slopes.

Masthope also has an equestrian center, fitness center, a Olympic sized swimming pool, three parks, lake rights & beach on power-boat friendly Lake Westcolang, tennis court, basketball court, bocce ball court, shuffleboard, horseshoes - it's just full of year round opportunities for fun!

Let's not forget The Summit - a beautiful mountain top restaurant.

After you view the show below (created by the listing agents, not me) for the open house, be sure to check out the virtual tour Masthope created for their community. Don't take my word for how nice Masthope is. View the tour - or better yet, stop by the open house tomorrow and see for yourself!

Click the picture to view the virtual tour of 189 Falling Waters Blvd.  Hope to see you then!

 

Do you have a home in Pike or Wayne County PA to sell? Visit My Seller Website and learn about my innovative marketing plan which will be personalized specifically for your home. Are you interested in Pike or Wayne County PA homes for sale? Visit my real estate website to see all the property for sale in Hawley, Honesdale, Greentown, Lackawaxen, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and the entire Lake Wallenpaupack region of Northeast PA's Pocono Mountains.

Please become a Fan of Wallenpaupack Real Estate on Facebook

Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Poconos. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.

Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate - Home Sales ©Copyright by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.

I'm sure my readers have all been exposed to the "You Know You're From ______________ When..." email, that circulates around inboxes throughout cyberspace. You can fill in the blank with your home state. The one from Pennsylvania includes:

You know you're from Pennsylvania when "they call for snow" and everyone rushes to the store to buy bread and milk...

You know the four seasons: Almost Winter, Winter, Still Winter, and Road Construction...

Northeast PA (affectionately known as NEPA) is known for long winters (that said, today it was 60 degrees....I digress.) This section of NEPA - Lake Wallenpaupack in the Poconos - is also known for vacation homes. We have a lot of vacant homes on the market.

Usually when you winterize your vacation home you don't have to think about it again until you get it ready for the big Memorial Day summer kick-off...but not when it's on the market. Not only must you be prepared to de-winterize should you accept an offer on your home and the buyer wants a home inspection, but you must be prepared for visitors while it's on the market. Believe it or not, there are buyers out looking during the winter months.

Have Your Driveway Plowed

It is important that buyers and their agents be able to safely access your home.

Granted, Mother Nature took care of your "plowing" for you yesterday and today; warm weather melted all of the snow making it possible once again to reach your summer domicile with potential buyers. However, last week I had to trudge through nearly a foot of the stuff with my buyers, uphill both ways...just kidding. Only one way was uphill, but it was difficult. One of my buyers has a bad knee.

Hire Someone To Shovel The Walkway & Clear the Steps

Ask a nearby neighbor - a teen perhaps? - to keep an eye on the sidewalk and porch steps after a snowfall. Having your walkway clean is important for the safety of your visitors.

Winter in NEPA is beautiful, but it can also be dangerous. Don't run the risk of someone getting hurt on your property. If you do not want to keep the driveway and sidewalks snow-free, it may be a good idea to withdraw your home from the market until spring.

Listing agents - please remind your sellers to have someone keep their property safe and accessible!

Birdhouse photo from MorgueFile, courtesy of Ladyheart.

WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Paupack Group Independently Owned and Operated

 

Do you have a home in Pike or Wayne County PA to sell? Visit My Seller Website and learn about my innovative marketing plan which will be personalized specifically for your home. Are you interested in Pike or Wayne County PA homes for sale? Visit my real estate website to see all the property for sale in Hawley, Honesdale, Greentown, Lackawaxen, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and the entire Lake Wallenpaupack region of Northeast PA's Pocono Mountains.

Please become a Fan of Wallenpaupack Real Estate on Facebook

Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Poconos. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.

Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate - Home Sales ©Copyright by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.

On New Year's Eve morning, I had to go to Blooming Grove, as a buyer was interested in a cabin I have listed for sale. The previous evening, about seven to eight inches of snow had fallen over this section of The Poconos, coating everything in sight and softening all the harshness of winter.

Even though I am no fan of winter and cold weather (then why do I live here??!), there is something about new snow that makes winter more tolerable. Though last winter was mild, comparatively speaking, the lack of snow made it depressing, for me at least.

With snow clinging to the bare tree limbs, the branches no longer look so bleak and forlorn. Covering up the roadways, though temporarily, snow hides the filth of salt and cinders.

Even this trailer, abandoned in Pike County for heaven knows how many years, doesn't look as blighted when the edges are softened with freshly fallen snow.

Every day is what you make of it. It can be bleak, or it can be an opportunity to find beauty, somewhere. I'll opt for the beauty.

Wishing you all the best in 2008, and in the beautiful years to come.

Since I don't believe in keeping all this beauty to myself, I thought I would share five of my favorite recent snow shots with you. These were all taken in Pike County - and even though I prefer to be warm (I'd like to be neighbors with Chris, as long as her possums are under control) you will see why I truly do love to call northeastern PA (NEPA) my home.

WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Paupack Group Independently Owned and Operated

 

Do you have a home in Pike or Wayne County PA to sell? Visit My Seller Website and learn about my innovative marketing plan which will be personalized specifically for your home. Are you interested in Pike or Wayne County PA homes for sale? Visit my real estate website to see all the property for sale in Hawley, Honesdale, Greentown, Lackawaxen, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and the entire Lake Wallenpaupack region of Northeast PA's Pocono Mountains.

Please become a Fan of Wallenpaupack Real Estate on Facebook

Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Poconos. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.

Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate - Home Sales ©Copyright by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.