January 2023

ISSUE 15

News Bites

Upcoming Drawings

Know anyone looking to purchase a home? Drawings for homes in Milo-Grogan, Franklinton, Hilltop, and Linden have been scheduled for February 2, 2023. The first step is to register for an orientation class. More information can be found HERE.

Planting Roots Tree Program

Additional tree plantings will take place in 2023. Look for more information in the February newsletter.

Welcome Home

Please join COCLT in welcoming homeowners who recently closed

on their new home.

Every Little Tip Helps

Whether you have been a homeowner for a month or for years, you might find some of these tips helpful.

Do not go on a massive spending spree to improve everything all at once. Staying in your new home is just as important as purchasing it to begin with. As nice as a brand-new deck might sound, it is not worth missing a mortgage payment to have it.

When it comes to repairs and maintenance, you should not neglect any problem that puts you in danger or could worsen over time. Delay can turn a relatively small problem into a much larger and costlier one.

Do not try to save money by making repairs and improvements you are not qualified to make. Painting the walls yourself is one thing, but cutting a hole in the ceiling and playing with copper wiring to install a ceiling fan, if you do not know what you are doing, is another. Hiring professionals to do work you do not know how to do is the best way to avoid getting hurt and ensure the work is done correctly.

Hire a tax preparer to make certain you complete your tax return correctly and maximize your refund. Homeownership can significantly change tax situations and the eligible deductions that can be taken. You will benefit even if you only do it the first year to give yourself a template to use in future years.

Grab Your Sled

If you are one of those crazy people that actually enjoys being outside in the bitterly cold weather, you might want to check out some of these sledding hills around Central Ohio.

Big Run Park - 4201 Clime Road

Fryer Park - 3899 Orders Road

Schiller Park - 1069 Jaeger Street

Goodale Park - 120 W. Goodale Street

Scioto Audubon - 400 W. Whittier Street

Blacklick Woods - 6975 E. Livingston Avenue

Whitehall Community Park - 402 N. Hamilton Road

(Fryer Park, Grove City - photo credit Grove City Parks and Recreation)

Homeowner Tips

Winter

Tips

The minutes of daylight are increasing, but we are still a long way off from Spring. So, here are a few tips for winter weather:

Service Furnace - Since your heating system will probably be running constantly throughout the winter, you should have it inspected annually to help it run efficiently and prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home. Also remember to change your HVAC filters every month.

Insulate Pipes - Pipes located in attics, crawl spaces, basements and near outer walls can be susceptible to freezing in extreme temperatures. Insulate to help prevent your pipes from freezing.

Winter Tool Check - Purchase or inspect your snow shovel. Tune-up your snow blower.

Outside Furniture - Cover or move outside furniture that would be damaged by snow or ice.

To Use or

Not to Use

We are used to checking expiration dates on lots of food items. But who knew the items below have a shelf life as well?

Sunscreen - Three years after purchase if no date is listed.

Fire extinguishers - Replace after 12 years, if disposable. If rechargeable, do so every 6 years.

Latex paint - If stored appropriately, could last up to 10 years.

Bleach - After 6 months, bleach starts to degrade. Smelling it will help determine how strong it still is.

Smoke alarms - Replace 10 years after the manufacturing date listed.

Car seat - Depending upon manufacturer, replace after 6 years or after a car accident.

Bright

Ideas

Here are a few hacks to help make life easier.

Remove candle wax from furniture with ice cubes. And remove candle wax from carpet using a steam iron and a paper bag.

Use a hairdryer and a soft cloth to remove crayon from the wall.

Remove a price tag with cooking oil and a cotton pad.

Place a bowl of vinegar in the microwave for 5 minutes to help it smell fresh - especially after something burned in it.

Clean the toilet bowl with a capful of mouthwash after letting it sit for 30 minutes.

Clean the blender by adding a little dish soap, warm water, and blend.

Fix a hole in a window screen with clear nail polish.

Ohio Department of Insurance

Homeowner's Insurance Guide

The Ohio Department of Insurance has valuable information related to Homeowners Insurance on its website, along with a 22-page guide for homeowners. If you decide to shop around, make sure the company is aware you do not own the land and covers a leasehold interest loan. And the COCLT must be named on the policy.

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