10 Tips for Container Gardening

Looking to brighten up your outdoor space? Want to have some fresh vegetables and herbs? Space can be short in apartment and condominium complexes, so container gardening might be for you! Check out these tips from Hudson Valley Seed Library and start growing you own container garden this weekend:

1. The bigger the plant, the bigger the pot should be.

2. The longer the plant takes to mature, the bigger the pot.

3. Fruiting plants (tomatoes, peppers etc.) need more soil and more nutrients than greens (lettuce, Tatsoi etc)

4. Don’t over crowd. You can plant varieties a bit closer than normal in a pot, but crowding leads to weak spindly plants. One tomato plant in a big pot will actually produce more tomatoes than 4 tomato plants in the same size pot.

5. Pots are thirsty. They dry out quickly. Keep pots evenly moist, trying not to let them dry out between watering or get too saturated.

6. Make sure there are drainage holes. (Some folks say gravel or sand at the bottom helps as well.)

7. Container plants still need lots of sun. If you have part shade stick to herbs and greens.

8. Rooftops can be windy. If you’re growing containers on the roof, consider setting up some kind of windbreak, like lattice, that won’t cast shade.

9. Use a light potting mix but make sure you have nutrient rich compost mixed in.

10. Succession sow. Since you are growing in a small space, plant some seeds, let them grow, eat your harvest, and plant some more. Just make sure to add compost and nutrients between sowings

Summer Maintenance Checklist

Now that summer’s here, you’ll want to prepare your condominium or apartment for the onslaught of summer heat. These simple chores will help keep your home happy and healthy.

Check detectors. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re functioning properly. Change all batteries.

Inspect air-conditioners. Remove and clean the filters before turning on the AC. If you have central air-conditioning, consider a professional servicing.

Clean ceiling fans. Wipe ceiling fans with a damp rag. If you have high ceilings, a ceiling-fan duster can help you de-grime hard-to-reach blades.

Clean your outdoor cooker.* For gas grills, turn the heat up to high and let the grill cook with the lid closed for about half an hour. Allow the grill to cool, then brush it off with a grill brush. Wipe down the exterior with a damp sponge and a gentle cleanser. Clean the grill’s drip pans.

Analyze your deck. Look over your deck for signs of rotting and nails that are poking up. Report any unsafe conditions to your management company. Consider brightening up your deck with some large pots filled with flowers or herbs. Wipe down patio furniture.

Wash your windows. If you didn’t tackle window washing in the spring, now’s the time to get your glass clean.

Stop dirt at the door. Keep summer’s mud and muck outside with not one, but two doormats at your main entry door. Place a coarse mat at the outside and a softer, cloth one on the inside to catch the most dirt. Better still, instruct family members to remove their shoes upon entering.

Now that your home is ready for summer, go out and enjoy the beautiful weather!

* Check your condominium maintenance standards for rules about grills and outdoor cookers. You can also check with your local Fire Marshall.

Join Us in Welcoming Our Newest Manager

We are pleased to announce that Melissa Odelius has joined Premier's staff as a Property Manager.

Melissa has over 13 years in the administrative/customer service field, and was most recently employed with a CPA firm, assisting with accounting and tax preparation.

She is very excited about working with Premier because it will give her an opportunity to be an active member of the community, working daily to make people's lives a little easier. As a renter herself, she understands how frustrating it can be when things are not taken care of properly, and she hopes to ease others' frustrations as much as possible.

During her training period, Melissa will be working on Premier's rental side, advertising properties available for rent and showing units at Park Street in Manchester, May Street in Hartford, Stanley Street in New Britain and West Street in Bristol. 

We are very happy to have Melissa on our team, and are excited about the energy and enthusiasm she brings to the position.

Premier Helps Residents After Fire Destroys Several Units

This photo by Patrick Dooley of Squad Fire Photos shows the fire and smoke that poured out of the building. See more of Patrick's photos HERE

On May 9, 2015, a 4-alarm fire ripped through one of our properties in Meriden, CT. Twenty-two units were damaged, and around 100 residents were left homeless. Three were injured in the fire, but luckily everyone inside made it to safety.

Representatives from Premier were on the scene for several hours that day, offering comfort to residents and working with the Red Cross to help ensure all the victims had housing and daily necessities. They also worked closely with the Fire Marshall to help communicate information to owners and residents.

Since the fire, we've been assisting the Board in working with fire inspectors and finding contractors to begin the cleanup and repair process.

Kevin Wilson, Premier's Director of Operations, promises to continue to stay on top of the project until the building is restored to its original specs and everyone has returned to their homes.

Looking for a management company that you can count on in any situation? Call us at (877) 208-4570 or visit our website.

The Importance of Dryer Vent Cleaning

Have you noticed that your clothes dryer takes a longer than usual time to dry, although it seems to be getting very hot to the touch? Before you buy a new dryer, consider a dryer vent cleaning.

Dryer vent piping can be as long as 40 feet with several bends and turns, and in many cases goes neglected for years. Professionals use a sturdy snake or power brush and a strong vacuum to clear out pipes.

An average dryer vent cleaning costs around $95, but can save you around $20 per month on your energy bill.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, blocked dryer vents cause more than 15,000 fires annually.

As your Manager, Premier Property Management can help you located a reliable dryer vent cleaner. Contact us today at (877) 208-4570 or visit our website.

Tips for Preparing Your Condo to Sell

In today’s buyers market, it is more important than ever to make your condo unit more attractive to potential buyers – it’s very important to present it at its best!

Here are a few no and low cost things you can do to make your condo more appealing to potential buyers. Some are DIY projects and others require the help of a professional. Either way, these upgrades can help you get top dollar for your condo unit.
 
De-clutter and De-personalize: This is probably the easiest, most effective change you can make. When it comes to showing your condo, less is more. Put away gadgets, small appliances, knickknacks, personal photographs and religious items. Keep in mind that you want the buyer to remember the condo unit, not your “stuff”!
 
Clean It Up: Dust, vacuum, clean the glass, wash the floors and counter-tops. People cannot envision themselves living in a dirty home.
 
Upgrade Hardware: Changing the cabinet hardware is a simple and cost effective way to give a new, modern look to an old cupboard door.
 
Upgrade Light Fixtures: Replace old, outdated light fixtures and switch/outlet cover plates. Make sure there are no burned out bulbs.
 
Paint: Freshen the interior of your condo unit with a new coat of paint. Use neutral colors (white, gray, beige) to make the space appear larger than it is and allow the buyer to envision their own furniture in the space.
 
Upgrade Flooring: Replace worn or stained carpet with a neutral berber style. Cracked linoleum can be replaced with vinyl tiles or laminate.
 
Kitchens: If it’s not in your budget to renovate the whole kitchen, consider replacing old appliances with stainless steel. Stainless steel appliances are sleek and will give your home that modern touch. Cabinet refacing or even painting can also bring new life into an old kitchen. A new laminate counter-top is also an inexpensive way to freshen up the kitchen.

Baths: Update the vanity cabinet and replace old fixtures. Make sure mirrors and glass doors are spotless. Clean grout and or ever consider painting outdated colored grout with a more modern, neutral color.

Your potential buyers only get a few minutes in your home, make them count!

Premier is Hiring!

Premier Property Management Services, LLC of Enfield, CT, is looking for a Full Time Property Manager. Individual must be reliable and have condo association knowledge or some type of prior, related property management experience. We are willing to train the right individual on the condo portion of the position. Candidate must be highly organized and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Interpersonal communication skills are a must, as our managers work directly with contractors and clients. This is a full time position, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening meetings and/or property walk-throughs. To apply, please send a resume to Kevin Wilson at Kwilson@ppmgmtonline.com or call our office at 860-523-0157.