Don't Forget to Winterize

Our neighbors in the Northern part of the country have been experiencing some snow and freezing temperatures already.  Around the Lake Travis  area we get to enjoy sunny 80 degree plus days still.  However, our temperatures have occasionally dipped into the forties and mid thirties for several hours at night.   Not enough to cause any damage to watercraft, hose spigots or your lawn irrigation system yet.  This is mother natures friendly reminder to put on those insulated hose spigot covers and winterize the watercraft and lawn irrigation system.  Don't wait till the forecast predicts freezing weather and hope the boat mechanic has times to get out to your dock to winterize your boat.  Chances are he's already booked winterizing everyone else's watercraft that didn't plan ahead.   Some of you are thinking it won't get as cold as it did last year and will opt not to winterize your boat.  This will make you think twice.  I spoke with an Owner of a local boat dealership / service center and he indicate they had at least 15 boats with cracked engine blocks this last winter.  Those repairs ranged from 3-7 thousand dollars each.

If you're not sure what needs winterizing or need help winterizing contact Casa Watchers:  (888) 619-2272 or e-mail us at Info@casawatchers.com

Lago Vista's fourth National Night Out

The Lago Vista Police Department has invited all area residents to Lago Vista's fourth National Night Out and Open House, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011, 4:00pm - 7:00pm, at the new LVPD Headquarters. For more information  Click Here

Meet Our New Property Manager

Sharlayne L. Maloney - Property Manager

Sharlayne is a versatile and valuable member of Casa Watchers as she brings more than 25 years of experience including interior design/decorating, staging, home decor visual display, merchandising and personal shopping. Additionally, she has been a real estate agent for the past seven years.

As a Property Manager for Casa Watchers, Sharlayne finds great satisfaction in helping others more thoroughly enjoy their time at their "home away from home"! She recalls having four small children and a weekend home and how much she would have appreciated the types of services Casa Watchers offers! Sharlayne looks forward to using her background, knowledge and creativity to provide you with valuable and impeccable service.

Education/Certification

State of Texas licensed Real Estate Agent

State of Illinois licensed Real Estate Agent

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and Marketing
American Intercontinental University, Atlanta, Georgia

Associate Degree in Fashion Design

Miami-Dade Community College, Miami, Florida

Click the link to see the rest of the Casa Watchers team:Casa Watchers Team

Water Heaters

Hot water heaters tend to be reliable, but they do wear out (life expectancy is typically 10-15 years) It's a good idea to periodically  check around the base of your water heater for evidence of leaks. If your water heater is over 6 years old, it should be checked monthly for any leakage or rusting at the bottom. If water leakage or rust is found, the water heater should be replaced.   This can prevent costly water damage caused by water heater failures.

Eliminate Hiding Places For Burglars

Home security does not stop the minute you step outside the front door. The quality of your yard maintenance also affects your family‘s safety. You do not have to have a green thumb to realize that home security involves your entire property.

If you have hedges, bushes, gardens or trees in your lawn, it is important to keep them trimmed and neat. You want to eliminate places that a burglar might be able to hide while trying to break into your home.  The path from your yard to the house must also be kept clear and open. There should be no place for a burglar to jump out from and surprise you on your way into the house. Any bushes or gardens that border the path should be kept low enough so that you can see the other side clearly.

By keeping the soil and grass in your yard fresh and taken care of, it is much easier to notice disturbances like footprints made by trespassers. When there is no place for a burglar to hide they are forced out into the open. This increases the likelihood that you or a neighbor might see them, and visibility is a significant deterrent to burglars

Check with you local Police Department Crime Prevention Officer to see if they over a free Home Security Evaluation.

Building Permits

A building permit protects the current homeowner and the future occupants of the home. If a contractor suggests that you do not need one, check with the building department yourself; you probably do, and it is to your advantage to get one.  A permit ensures oversight of your contractor's work (or yours). The scrutiny of an inspector can guard against mistakes and shoddy workmanship and ensure that the work adheres to building codes. Should a situation arise requiring you to file a claim with your insurance company on work that required a permit, you will quickly learn that your insurance company won't cover it.  Always get a permit when one is required, you'll  sleep better knowing your project meets safety standards for materials/construction techniques and avoid any issues when selling the home in the future.

Landscaping in The Hollows Phase 1 of 3 Complete