More festive candles are used in your Thomasville Georgia condo during the holidays than at any other time of year, so it’s important to review the safety rules. Here are few tips to keep your condo safe:

Candle Placement Preparation
It may sound silly, but you need to prepare before you light that candle. First figure out where you want to place the candle in your Thomasville Georgia condo.
• Find a heat resistant surface.
• Make sure there aren’t any books, papers, curtains, or bedding nearby.
• Watch out for flammable holiday decorations.
• Keep the candle away from windows and vents, and check for signs of a draft.
• Place the candle where children and pets can’t reach and where it isn’t likely to be bumped into.

Getting Ready to Light the Candle
• Before burning the candle, review the manufacturer’s instructions. Most recommend that the wick be trimmed to ¼ inch before lighting.
• Make sure to use only approved candle holders. Using an unapproved glass holder could cause it to burst and send glass everywhere.
• Place candles at least three inches apart so the additional heat doesn't cause them to melt improperly.

Burning the Candle
Now that the candle is lit, make sure to never leave it unattended.
• Watch the candle to see if it smokes or flickers a lot. This could be a sign that the candle isn't burning properly.
• Leave about two inches of wax when you extinguish the candle. Most manufacturers recommend that you don't burn the candle all the way down.

Putting the Candle Out Safely
The safest way to put out a candle is with a candle snuffer.
• Don’t use your fingers or blow out the candle; the flame may travel and cause a fire.
• Never use water to put out a candle; the wax may splatter and burn you.
• Wait until the wax is cooled before you move the candle.

Candles are a beautiful way to decorate for the holidays in your Thomasville Georgia condo. By following these simple safety suggestions, you can help to ensure that your holidays are happy and safe.

If you’d like to be in a new condo before the next holiday rolls around, First Thomasville Realty can help. Call us at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com for more information.

Winter is almost here and few things are as comforting as the smell of wood burning in the fireplace of you Thomasville GA home. Before you light the first fire of the year, there are a few things you need to do. Here is the short list for fireplace safety:

Clean Out the Chimney
Everyone wants to get out of the cold weather, including birds and squirrels. Have a chimney cap installed at the top of the chimney to keep out small animals looking for shelter. The cap will also keep debris from clogging the chimney.

Have a professional clean out any creosote residue. Creosote is the build up of carbon from burning wood. It is flammable and needs to be removed every year.

Creosote is hazardous to your health. It can cause respiratory problems, so don’t try to clean it out on your own. Some home improvement stores sell a creosote removal log that you burn in your fireplace, it may clean your fireplace incompletely, so it’s best to go with a professional chimney cleaning company.

Prepare the Surrounding Area
Before you light the fireplace in your Thomasville GA home, make sure that the area around it is clear of clutter. You’ll want to make sure there is at least two to three feet of cleared space around the fireplace.

Invest in a fireplace screen so that nothing is accidentally knocked into the fireplace. It will also help to prevent burning embers from flying out.

Each time you get ready use the fireplace, clean out the ashes from the previous fire.

Light the Fire
First, open the fireplace damper so the proper airflow can occur. Then, start with paper or kindling placed on top of the fireplace grate. Use seasoned firewood cut to the right length for your fireplace. A couple of logs will be enough; you don’t want to add too many or the fire will suffocate.

Following these fireplace safety instructions can help you enjoy this winter season without worry. So, feel free to light that fireplace and soon the aroma of burning wood will fill your Thomasville GA home.

You may be wondering how to get the best price for your Thomasville Georgia real estate. Good preparation and a little hard work is the key to getting the most money when selling your home. Here are a few tried and true improvements you should make before you list your home:

• Revamp the exterior of your Thomasville Georgia real estate. Pretend that you're a potential buyer and take a critical look at the outside of your home. Could it use a new coat of paint? Perhaps the current paint scheme makes it look out-dated and old-fashioned. Painting and adding new light fixtures and railings can immediately improve your home's value.

• Look to the landscaping. Trim any trees or bushes that obscure the view of your home from the curb. Highlight the best view of your home, making sure the lawn is mowed and any flowerbeds are neat and tidy.

• Update the home’s interior. A light neutral paint color will make your home look bigger and more inviting to a buyer. Remove unnecessary furniture to help open up the rooms. Take down any personal photos you have up. You want the buyer to be able to picture themselves living there.

• De-clutter and organize. Clear off every flat surface in your home. Sort through all of your belongings. Pack away what you don’t use often; consider it pre-moving. Neatly stack and arrange your storage items, buyers prefer clean and orderly homes. You’ll want to remember to include the kitchen and bathrooms in the process. An entire house can be dismissed because of cluttered, out-dated kitchens and bathrooms.

• Do some light remodeling. The number one place that you’ll recoup your investment is the kitchen, followed closely by the bathroom. New kitchen cabinets, fixtures, and appliances can improve the value of your home quickly. In the bathroom, new tiling and fixtures can add a completely new dimension.

You can quickly improve the value of your Thomasville Georgia real estate by using these suggestions.

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