Date Archives: April 2020

Stainless steel appliances are a top choice for many kitchens because of the sleek, modern look they offer. Their tone coordinates with multiple color schemes, and steel is one of the most durable materials available to homeowners. Plus, stainless steel comes in multiple finishes, and some appliances mix finish types so that you can maintain aesthetic consistency without too much uniformity. While the name says stainless, let's be honest, fingerprints and smudges happen, and cleaning these appliances can leave some homeowners stumped!

Whether you're tackling your spring cleaning or getting ready to take real estate photos of your Augusta home for sale, these tips will get your stainless steel appliances looking like new.

1. Rub the Right Way
   Few things can ruin the look of stainless steel worse than scratches. A brushed finish may hide smaller abrasions, but all finishes require gentle care. Avoid abrasive cleaning products or tools when cleaning stainless steel. Use a soft cloth or paper towels to clean stainless steel. There are non-abrasive household cleaners that will remove grime and messes. If you're not sure about the abrasive quality of a cleaning product, test it on a small, inconspicuous area. For sticky or dried-on messes such as splattered sauces, try warm water to dissolve the mess into something easily wiped away with a microfiber cloth. Use dish soap to remove grease spatters after frying, then rinse with water to prevent residue buildup. 

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There's a mystique about Maine that those of us "from away" are intrigued by. It's beautiful, and it's located way up there by Canada, with open spaces and a small population. Many newcomers find Maine, and especially Augusta, the capital city, a great place to live, especially if you're looking for a family-friendly city with lots of other bonuses.

While you're pondering Augusta's fine points, you might want to go online and take a virtual tour of some exceptional Augusta homes for sale. Be sure to contact our REALTORS® and let us help you find the right home for you and your family.

Being family-friendly is just one of the great things about Augusta. Here are some others.

1. Public Institutions
   Augusta has many public institutions that help to enrich local culture while also furthering education beyond the high school level. There's the University of Maine, which not only educates but promotes valuable research by faculty and students. Other resources are the Lithgow Library, the Children's Discovery Museum, and the Maine State Museum. 
   
   
2. Location
   Augusta is located in central Maine, conveniently near Portland to the south and Bangor to the north. It's an easy drive to the woods to the west or to the coast to the east. Feel like venturing to Canada? Augusta is not far away.
   
   
3. Affordability
   The cost of living in Augusta is very affordable, with a median home price of $142,500 and relatively low property taxes. Recent studies show Augusta's cost of living is 18.5 percent lower than the rest of the country. Recently, the University of Maine architecture students joined in a project to design more affordable housing for Maine.
   
   
4. Jobs
   Augusta has an unemployment rate of 3 percent. There are jobs available locally, including state jobs, since Augusta is the capital city. Healthcare jobs are also prevalent, as are jobs in the service industry. The median income is $38,263.
   
   

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