After the recent storm and power outages it’s clear that many people, especially those new to the Island and country living, need some help and advice. During the storm I was out checking on an empty house that I just sold, and met the new owner who had come over from Seattle to assess the damage. As we talked, she said, “I think we need a class in Country Living 101.”

I thought about that and realized that there are many things most folks don’t know about what to do in a power outage, or how to prepare their home for a storm. I decided to put together some information to help people prepare for bad weather and also as a reminder to all of us about those things that should be done in a weather emergency.

We have this in the form of a brochure that you can view and print by clicking here, or drop by the office for a copy. It’s a start, at least, at “Country Living 101”, and I hope it will be helpful.

In the meantime, remember to reach out to those in need if you’re doing OK, and ask for help if you need it. This is a wonderful, caring community as we rediscovered last week in the big storm.

I wish you all a safe, happy, and healthy New Year and thank you for your business, referrals, and continued support.

Q: My wife has been bugging me about painting our house.

I like the color it is and the paint is in good shape. She says we need the house to be one of those modern colors to look good for re-sale. We don't plan on selling in the near future, so I don't see the point. Besides, I hate those new colors. They all look like baby food colors to me. You know, sort of mashed up spinach green, predigested squash orange, and baby oatmeal gray. Is it really important to have your house ready for resale at all times?

A: I'm guessing that you're close to my age and went through avocado green and harvest gold. It's dejavu, isn't it? I also don't personally care for the muddy colors (painting professionals call it chalky) that are so popular now, and I suspect they will become unpopular quickly. However, that's a personal prejudice rather than a professional opinion. I also believe that in the hands of really good decorators there are always good, long-lasting color choices.
As to your question, I can't think of any reason to paint a house if the paint is in good shape and you like it. I do advise people to always think of resale when they buy or remodel because everyone will sell someday. However, unless you foresee a sale in the near future, repainting now serves no purpose.
It is important to acknowledge that paint should be kept in good condition. Most modern siding is seriously damaged by water and needs good paint to protect it. Cracking paint is not just ugly; it's a major problem for your siding.
I hesitate to sound like a marriage counselor instead of a real estate broker, but it's possible that your wife is feeling that the house is just dated and she wants a change. You might look for colors together and see if there is one you can both live with. It's better to paint the house than have an unhappy mate, so you might consider painting just to keep a happy home.