Property Management Blog

Labor Day~

Did you ever wonder what Labor Day was actually about? I did. So I googled it and I found out and it is about ME and YOU and any hard working individual. Here are some important facts about Labor Day for you.

 

1)      It is celebrated the first Monday of September  

2)      It was originally celebrated on May 4 back in 1886 but they moved it to September in 1887.

3)      It became a Federal Holiday in 1894

4)      It is known to a lot of people as the end of summer and the start of football.

 

Most families celebrate by having a cookout. Brats, burgers, hotdogs, potato salad, baked beans and lots of other good stuff. Others go camping and enjoy the peacefulness of Mother Nature.

Whichever you prefer I hope that you have a restful week.

Back to School

 

I can’t think of anyone more excited right now than parents. It is that time again. BACK TO SCHOOL. Do you have all your kids’ pencils, papers, crayons, markers, binders, folders, colored pencils, paints, so on and so forth???? It all seems so overwhelming doesn’t it? Luckily for me I waited, like a lot of parents, until the last minute. We were all scrambling around looking for things and we would hear someone say “Where are the red pens” and someone would kindly point them out. Eventually we were all shopping together calling out what we needed and when we found something the other needed. The hardest thing to find was multicolored highlighters. Which by the way were nowhere near the school supplies.

 

The night before school….kids are fed, showered, and ready for bed and you crash into your bed waiting for the alarm to sound in just a few short hours. It only like you shut your eyes when the alarm sounds and you are rushing around to make sure they kids are up, dressed, eating breakfast, have all their school stuff, get a couple of pictures, and out the door to make sure that you don’t miss the bus. You wait and wait and wait…….still no bus. Then it goes by and you are like WHAT?????? So you hop in your car and chase the bus down and get your kid off to school only to find out that your kids was at the wrong bus stop. Which isn’t too bad since I had some friends put their kids on the wrong bus that took them to the wrong school OOPs!

 

Now that your kids are at school you have some kind of relief throughout the day knowing that they are learning but worried and wondering if they are doing okay? If they made any new friends? If they are being bullied? If they are missing you as much as you are missing them? You have waited all summer long to get rid of them just to want to hear from them long enough to know they are okay.

 

So the night before school I always say a little prayer and I would like to share it with all of you.

Dear Bus Driver, Please make sure that you get plenty of sleep tonight as I am depending on you to take my children to and from school safely. Please protect them as if they were your own. I know that your job is extremely hard and I am very thankful for you.

 Dear Teachers, Please make sure that you remember that my kids are nervous, scared, and excited all rolled into one. I am trusting you to fill my kids’ minds with knowledge and to keep them safe. I am entrusting you with my kids and know that your job is extremely hard and couldn't imagine doing it myself. I very thankful for you.

                To all other drivers, Remember that there are innocent children at the bus stop eagerly waiting for that big yellow bus to come pick them up and carry them to school. There are kids super excited because Mom and Dad said they were finally old enough to ride their bike to school. There are moms/dads on their way to drop their kids off on their first day of school. Please be careful, take your time, and drive safely. Remember to slow down in the school zones and keep your eyes out for children.

It is that time again. Indiana’s 2^nd largest racing event the Indianapolis Brickyard 400. It is also the 2^nd largest racing event in Nascar Racing (Daytona holds the #1 spot). The event was first held in Indianapolis in 1994 bringing in over 250,000 spectators. The Brickyard is a 400 Mile race which consist of 160 laps.

 

The term "Brickyard" is a reference to the nickname historically used for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. When the race course opened in 1909, the track surface was crushed stone and tar. That surface was the cause of numerous and sometimes fatal accidents, so the track was repaved with 3.2 million bricks in time for the inaugural Indy 500 in 1911, giving rise to the name Brickyard. Over time the bricks have been covered with asphalt, and now only a one-yard strip of brick at the start/finish line remains exposed.

 

Racing legends like Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Jimmy Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, Dale Jarrett, Ricky Rudd, Bobby Labonte, Bill Elliot, Kevin Harvick, Jamie McMurray, Paul Menard, and Ryan Newman have all had the pleasure of winning at the Brickyard 400 over the past 20 years.

Tony Stewart and Dale Jarrett have each won the race twice and Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Johnson have both won the race 4 times each. Jimmy Johnson is the only winner to have back to back wins in 2008 and 2009.

 

The names of the winners of the Brickyard 400 are inscribed on the PPG Trophy, which is permanently housed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum. Jeff Gordon won the inaugural Brickyard 400 on August 6, 1994. Since 2012 the Brickyard 400 and Crown Royal have teamed together and have named the race in honor of a U.S. armed forces or first responders.

 

Hope you all enjoy the Brickyard 400

 

 

Happy 4^th of July.

 

Here is a little history lesson on the wonderful holiday that is filled with a bunch of Friends, Family, Fun, and Fireworks.

 

Fourth of July is a federal holiday in United States of America commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 declaring independence from Great Britain.

Some cool information about the Declaration of Independence:
~John Adams and Thomas Jefferson the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as Presidents of the United States

 

~John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration

~ Edward Rutledge (age 26), was the youngest signer, and Benjamin Franklin (age 70) was the oldest signer.

 

~ The first and most famous signature on the copy was that of John Hancock. (This is also where the phrase “Please sign your John Hancock”)

 

Fourth of July at my house consist of going to the parade and a festival afterwards. It is really awesome seeing all the people that come out to celebrate. After we spend the morning and afternoon riding rides and eat “fair” food till we pop we head of to our friend’s house for a pool party and BBQ with all of our friends. We continue to stuff our faces and complain about the weight we are putting on but don’t care cause it just taste OH SO GOOD. When it starts to get dark we hand all the kids sparklers and watch as they run around spelling their names in the air and hearing them laugh. There is nothing more precious than a child’s laughter. Once the sun as went to sleep for the night and the only thing you can see is those big beautiful bright white stars we all gather around in our chairs and watch as the loud scary booms turn into big, bright, and beautiful colors. It is amazing the different shapes and colors the fireworks take on. I love it when the Patriotic songs are playing in the background and you hold your love one’s hand as you are singing along to “God Bless America”.

 

Then as soon as it began it is over. You stand around talking about how awesome the firework show was and how you are so thankful for your friends for inviting you over. You drag yourself to the car and drive home. Excited to finally be in bed after a very long day. As you lay there with a smile on your face you remember how blessed you are to have a great family and wonderful friends.

 

 

Until next time……….

When you think of May in Indiana there is normally a few things that pop in your mind but I bet the biggest thing most people are thinking of is the INDIANAPOLIS 500. It’s only The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. It is considered one of the three most prestigious motorsports events in the world. The Indianapolis 500 is met by people all over the United States. Famous actors and actresses, singers, professional athletes and everyday people come to Indiana just to watch the race. Whether it is rain or shine you are sure to have a blast. The Indianapolis 500 falls over Memorial Day weekend every year but the events last all month long. One of the BIGGEST traditions with the Indy 500 is Carb Day. It is held the Friday before the race and is the final practice session before the race on Sunday. There is a lot going on that day as well as the final practice laps the speedway holds a concert each year. It also has been turned into one of the biggest drinking days of the year. Lots of people spend the whole weekend (Friday to Sunday) at the track camping, grilling out and parting with their friends.

 

A little History of the Indy 500

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was built in 1909 as a gravel and tar track. This was host to many small events like motorcycle racing. During the first two events there were two fatal accidents because of the breakup of asphalt. This gathering brought 15,000 people to the track.

 

Carl G Fisher who was the principal owner decided to spend $155,000 on repaving the track with 3.2 Million bricks and added a concrete wall 2ft 9 inches high. The newly remolded track drew in 60,000 spectators in on Memorial Day weekend 1910. Throughout the rest of the year the track’s crowds grew progressively smaller. Carl decided to do a 24 hour contest with the winner would be awarded $25,000.

The first 500 was held on Memorial Day, May 30, 1911 and it had 40 starters. This race was host to the first car ever to have a rear view mirror. This race drew in crowds of 80,000 people. Carl was so happy that he decided to establish an annual tradition. In 1912 the winnings was raised to $50,000 and the field was limited to only 33 drivers. 1912 was the first time an American driver won with an American car. This gave the European car makers incentive to build better, faster and stronger cars.

 

The Indianapolis 500 attracts more than 300,000 people.   

 

 Cool Information

In 1927 the Purdue All-American Marching Band began performing on the track near the finish line and has been the host band ever since.

 

1946 American Operatic tenor and car enthusiast James Melton started the tradition of singing “Back Home Again in Indiana” with the Purdue Band. It was then taken over by Jim Nabors in 1972. Sadly Mr. Nabors will be retiring from singing the song at this year’s Indianapolis 500.

 

Female Participation of any sort were banned from the Indianapolis 500. Even women reports were not allowed in the “Pit” until 1971.

 

The first woman to ever qualify for the Indianapolis 500 was Janet Guthrie in 1977.

 

Sarah Fisher has competed 8 times.

Danica Patrick led the race in 2005 for 19 laps which is the first time a woman has ever led in laps and her 3^rd place finish in 2009 is the best finish for a woman ever.

 

Milk was introduced in the 1933 Indy 500 when Louis Meyers requested a glass of buttermilk after his win. A local dairy company saw that the winner was drinking milk and decided to offer a bottle of milk to the winner for all future races. Milk has been presented at all of the races.

 

At the 1993 Indy 500 the winner Emerson Fittipaldi who owns and operates and orange grove drank orange juice instead of milk and was booed by the fans.

 

 

Don’t forget to wish your Mother(s) a Happy Mother’s Day

 

Until next time………….

 

 

 

It is finally here.....Spring is finally here. Well maybe. I know that Mother Nature has been playing some very mean tricks on us here lately. How can it be 60 and sunny then go to a thunderstorm and into a snow storm all in 12 hours??? Well hopefully we will be getting warmer weather sooner rather than later. I am surely sick and tired of the snow and cold. This weekend we are suppose to get some warm weather mixed with rain. All I know is that I am ready for warmer weather, cookouts, campfires, and being able to air out my house. I always purge in the Spring time. I open all my windows and I clean. When I clean I mean I CLEAN!!!! I start in one room and work my way through all the rooms until I am finished. Closets get cleaned and organized, winter clothes get washed, dried and stored. I move beds, dressers, and tvs to make sure that I dust and vacuum under and around everything. It takes me pretty much all day. My kids and husband know that they MUST stay out of my way. Don't try and help me cause I have a way of doing things and they will more than likely just get in my way. Now while I am doing everything inside the house my husband and kids can do the yard work. Picking up doggie doo doo, branches, and mowing the lawn. I will stay out of their way. My husband also has to clean out the garage cause that is his man cave. So since I am gearing up to get in my cleaning mode I thought that I would share some MUST dos.

 

 1) Orangize~You will save so much space if you do this. Check out pintrest on some amazing cool everyday things you can use to organize your cabinets, pantry, and closets.

 

2) Purge~Get rid of things that are to small or big. Toys you know your kid(s) haven't played with in months. Old damage socks with holes in them. I was once told that you should put all your clothes in your closet backwards. So the hanger is facing out not in. When you do your next load of laundry you will hang your clothes the normal way. Then after one month you can go through your closet and anything that is on backwards hanger is not important enough to wear so get rid of it. (If they are still in good condition donate to your local shelters)

 

3) Focus~Don't get distracted. Make sure you stay on task. Don't overwhelm yourself. One room at a time. Believe me you will get it all done but you will have to realize that you will make a mess in another room while cleaning the other. However, once you are finished you can move on to the next one.

 

4) Music~ Make sure you create a playlist of your favorite upbeat music so that you can dance while you clean. It makes for a good workout as well. Make sure that you have positive, up beat music. You don't want to be in the zone and the next thing you hear is some slow love song that makes you want to weep.

 

5) List~Making a list of things you want to keep and want to throw away before you start cleaning so that you can pre-organize is extremely helpful.

 

Well I hope these tips are helpful to you and HAPPY SPRING CLEANING

 

Until next time...........

 

Well HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! How about 14 inches of snow to start our year off right? I have lived in Indiana for a long time and it has been forever since I have seen so much snow. Sometimes I wish I was a kid again so that I could go sledding and make snowmen but to be honest it is just too dang cold. I had to put blankets up everywhere in my house to try to keep it warmth inside with the -13 degree weather. I did however get cabin fever. Stuck inside with 2 kids for 72 hrs straight is enough to drive any parent crazy. When we were finally able to get out and drive I went to the grocery store, gas station, walked around Meijer. I have never been so happy to be out of the house.

How many of you have already taken down your Christmas decorations? I must admit that mine were down the Friday after Christmas. I couldn’t wait. I loved how the Christmas tree made my house smell so good but I just couldn’t stand the needles falling off and the glistening of the lights. I would have to vacuum twice a day. To say I was ready for the New Year was an understatement. My house is finally put back to normal and I couldn’t be happier.

With the New Year bring New Year Resolutions. What are your New Year Resolutions? Do you try for a little and give up or do you see it through the whole year?

So what kind of advice can I give to the renters this month? How about with all this snow melting the big issue we are going to face are flooding sump pump.

As more than a foot of snow melts across central Indiana, it’s setting the stages for potential flooding problems.

 

“It’s going to cause traffic problems. It’s going to cause problems for people in neighborhoods. It’s going to cause ponds to form in yards,” said Stephanie Wilson with the Department of Public Works.

 

Most importantly, you should check the storm drains on your street or in your neighborhood. Those drains should be shoveled and cleared of snow, so that they are not blocked. Keep taking steps to prevent frozen pipes and don’t drive through flooded streets. Keep an eye on the sump pumps and make sure that they’re running. If you think you have an issue with your sump pump call your landlord so they can come out to verify before you have a big mess on your hands.

 

Until next time………….

Well, all those beautiful yellow, orange and red leaves have fallen. They are most likely covered by the snow. Have you ever just stood back and looked at the snow? The way it lays softly on the ground with a little bit of shimmer to make it look so peaceful. Yes, it is cold and yes, it does stink to drive in but by the time December rolls around when we think of snow we think of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the fresh start to a New Year.  People begin to make New Year’s Resolutions, which a majority of people will not keep. Some will try to lose weight, eat healthier, save more money, move, or just be happier. The start of a New Year can be somewhat scary. Maybe you had a great year and don’t want it to end. Maybe you have had a horrible year and can’t wait for it to end.

All of those beautiful colors of fall have been replaced by greens, reds, whites, and blue lights, Santa Claus, Rudolph, and many other Christmas decorations. Some houses have the smell of a beautiful Christmas Trees as others have beautiful less messy artificial Christmas Trees. People have put away the shorts, flip-flops, and tank tops and replaced them with jeans, snow boots, and big warm jackets.

Tips to help keep your house warm:

1)      Close all of your windows properly. This includes making sure storm windows are closed in place if you have them. Windows should be latched. Keep your windows air-tight. You may want to purchase removable window-caulk to better seal them. At a minimum, stuff a towel or shirt in front of any noticeable leaks.

2)      Use cheap clear shower curtains over the windows that receive sun light. This will keep the cold air out, and the warmth from the sun will heat your house without cold air coming in.

3)      Put up curtains. A set of heavy curtains can block heavy drafts of air. Open them when the sun is shining and close them when it's not.

4)      Seal your doors. Check around the door frame and also under the door. You may want to buy weather stripping or a door sweep. Again, at minimum, make a draft dodger or stuff a towel at the bottom of the door.

We want to wish all of you a Happy Holiday and a Blessed New Year.

While residents want to rent a nice looking home, they often have no interest, time, or knowledge on how to maintain the property. They may agree to landscape maintenance in the rental contract but it can be difficult for a property manager or owner to enforce. The owner can charge the tenant for maintenance or include landscape maintenance but it is not always practical to increase the rent with the full cost, particularly if the landscaping on the property is extensive.