Well, it’s almost that time of year to start looking for that “perfect pumpkin” to carve and to start thinking about a costume to wear for trick or treating, or that Halloween party. Everyone wants to have a safe and happy Halloween for themselves, their guests and their children. Using a few safety tips and some common sense can help you make the most of your Halloween season, keeping it as enjoyable for your kids as it is for you! The excitement of children and adults at this time of year can sometimes make them not as careful as they would normally be.

Kids look forward to Halloween for many reasons. They like the dressing up in costumes but mostly they like it for the candy and treats! Even some adults still like to go out trick or treating. It makes them feel young and happy again. The best rule of safety for Halloween is to use common sense, accompany your children while they are out trick or treating and don’t eat any of the candy until you are back home, in the light and can see what you are eating. Be traffic wise, watch out for cars when cutting back and forth across the streets. If your kids are going out by themselves, have them follow a planned route and supply them with a cell phone in case of emergency. Have a set time for them to be home. Let them know that they should stay together as a group if going out to trick or treat without an adult. Let your children know not to cut through back alleys and fields if they are out alone. Make sure they know to stay in populated areas and not to go off the beaten track. Let them know to stay in well lighted areas with lots of people around. Know about any city curfews in your planned route of trick or treating.

Remember, children should always go out trick or treating accompanied by a responsible adult if possible. If you have a group of kids going, get two or three of the parents to help by going along to keep their eyes on what going on around them.

When we are getting ready to sell our El Segundo home, or even if we are just wanting to update our homes we need to know which improvement has the best return in value. Obviously some updates will bring in a better return in value than others. First and foremost is kitchen remodels which is always 100%. Doing high end kitchen remodeling is not always the best way to go either. Mid range or minor remodels of kitchens most often brings in best return in value according to Remodeling Magazine.

Most potential buyers don’t care if the new refrigerator is a built in Sub Zero type or something less. The same is true with having the 8 burner stoves, under mount sink or travertine floors. Granite counters are not necessary. Simple laminates, newer faucets and sparkling sinks sell. Buyers don’t want leaky faucets or stained sinks. With regards to the cabinets; resurfacing is the best option and replacing the doors and/or hardware is the best way to go.

The national average of recouped cost is more than 100% for bathrooms. New floors, fixtures and lights payoff. Buyers will shy away from buying a home if the roof needs to be replaced. Some other suggestions: Patch cement cracks in the sidewalks, resurface asphalt driveways, plant some flowers, caulk the windows and doors, replace doorknobs and locks, repair and paint broken fences. Overall, buyers want to buy a home that has no deferred maintenance, newer appliances, updated plumbing, electrical and heating (including a/c), modern conveniences and is ready to occupy.