Tag Archives: home owners

Fall & Winter Seasonal Maintenance Guide

Certain home maintenance tasks should be completed each season to prevent structural damage, save energy, and keep all your home’s systems running properly. These maintenance tasks are most important for the South in fall and winter.

Fall and winter conditions in the South vary dramatically from the northern part of the region to the southern coastline. But basic maintenance tips apply no matter where you live.

Key maintenance tasks to perform

• Get your heating system in order. Heating systems in the South vary—there are generally more gas furnaces in the northern areas, and more electric heat pump systems toward the coastal South. Programmable thermostats are important for both kinds of heating systems, as they can help save around $180 a year on your energy bills.

If you have a heat pump, make sure you install a programmable thermostat especially designed for heat pumps, says home inspector Bill Loden of Insight Home Inspection in Madison, Ala. Programmable thermostats for heat pumps are specially designed to keep these systems working at peak efficiency.

Schedule your fall HVAC checkup promptly; you can expect to pay $50 to $100 for a heating tune-up. Make sure your HVAC professional checks all electrical connections, lubricates any moving parts if necessary, and inspects the condensate drain and trap. If you have a gas furnace, make sure he also checks gas connections and pressure, burner combustion, and the heat exchanger.

Inspect your furnace filters monthly and change them whenever they are dirty. Inspect floor grates and return ducts regularly and clean them out with a vacuum cleaner brush.

• Clean your gutters. In the South, you’re less likely to have ice form in your gutters than in other parts of the country. Nevertheless, debris in your gutters can easily divert water onto the roof or siding, setting the stage for mold and rot and dramatically shortening the lifespan of shingles and paint. Inspect and clean your gutters in the late fall after leaves have dropped.

• Put away lawn and garden equipment. Pick up anything in the yard that could be damaged by cold or snow, such as garden tools, hoses and nozzles, and patio furniture and accessories. Run your lawn mower until it’s out of gas, if possible; if you leave gas in the tank over the winter, it can degrade and lose some of its combustion ability. Worse, gas can react with the air in the tank and oxidize, forming deposits that affect the machine’s performance; worse still, moisture can condense inside the tank and cause rust that blocks the fuel lines.

If you know you’re going to leave gas in the tank over the winter, add a stabilizer to the last gallon of gas you put in (mix it in the gas can, not the mower tank, so that you get the mixing ratio correct).

• Trim back vegetation. In some areas of the South plants grow year-round, so it’s important to keep an eye on whether they’re encroaching on the roof and walls. Trim trees so that branches don’t hang over the roof, and keep heavy, dense growth away from siding. A good rule of thumb is to trim back bushes and shrubs so that there’s enough room to walk easily between plantings and your house.

• Pick up a paintbrush. Fall is a great time to paint your house’s exterior if necessary, sealing all surfaces before winter’s moisture has a chance to do damage. It’s possible to touch up small areas only, but note two things: 1) odds are you’ll end up with a slightly different color than the rest of the house, so don’t do it in a prominent spot; and 2) if you have a small area that’s consistently peeling or losing paint, you likely have a moisture issue that needs to be addressed first. Look for signs of leaky gutters, crumbling caulk, and loose siding that can trap moisture underneath.

• Check weatherstripping and caulk. Open all your exterior doors and check the weatherstripping; if yours is crumbly or has gaps, replace it. Remove the old weatherstripping with a utility knife and clean the surface with household cleaner, getting as much of the old debris and adhesive off as possible. When the surface is dry, apply peel-and-stick foam weatherstripping. Start at the top of the door frame and work your way down, being careful not to stretch the foam strip, which can weaken the adhesive.

Inspect windows and doors for any gaps between the trim and the exterior siding that allow air to penetrate from the outside; these gaps should be caulked. Be sure to scrape out any crumbling old caulk or paint — applying new caulk over old is fine, but first get rid of loose chunks and remove any grit with household cleaner.

Spending a few hours here and there on home maintenance tasks helps you spot developing problems quickly and prevent costly repairs.

Heating: An Alternative Treatment for Bedbug Infestations

Don’t let the bed bugs bite. Prior to the mid-twentieth century, bedbugs were a common household nuisance, but the widespread use of DDT in the 1940s and 1950s pretty much eradicated them. But… now they’re back, and more resistant than ever. The traditional treatment is a barrage of chemical sprays and dusting performed by a professional exterminator. But there is another option that is gaining popularity for its effectiveness and non-toxic cred: heating!

How does heating work? Well, while bedbugs may be ubiquitous little creatures, they’re very sensitive to heat and die rapidly when exposed to temperatures over 113 degrees.

For more on how this heat treatment works, check out these resources:

• Thermal Remediation Pest Control
• Bringing The Heat To Battle Bedbugs
• ThermaPure Heat Pest Service
• Thermal Remediation from Preferred Pest Control

Protecting your home for sale: NBC 33 News Interview with Janet Anderson

This month is National Realtor Safety Week. In light of a recent arrest in the Baton Rouge area, NBC 33 interviewed Janet Anderson about how sellers can keep their home safe when showing it to the general public. Click the link below for the video and article.

NBC 33 News – Consumer Alert: Protect your “for sale” home from theft

Tips to Keep Your Home Safe During Showings and Open House

As real estate agents we take special precaution to make sure that while showing a home we are looking out for both the interests of the person looking, as well as the homeowner and their valuables. However, we are only human and professional criminals have devised tricks that even the most experienced agents may not realize are putting the home in jeopardy. For Sale by Owners are especially vulnerable as they are left with the responsibility of showing their own home without turning off the potential buyer by smothering them with attention. If you are a For Sale by Owner, here are some tips to make sure that you and your home are safe when opening your home to strangers.

1. It goes without saying, lock up all of your valuables in a safe or a cabinet. Keep expensive jewelry, money, or keepsakes out of view and while showing the home try to avoid wearing flashy jewelry. Never tell anyone that you have recently had surgery or anything that would indicate you have medication in the house. Criminals will ask to use your restroom and then steal them from your medicine cabinet.

2. Have an “escape” route from your home. Make sure all deadbolt locks are unlocked to facilitate a faster exit.

3. When prospects begin to arrive, jot down their car description, license number and physical description.

4. DO NOT, under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, allow a stranger to tour your open house BY THEMSELVES! Stay alongside them at all times. Direct them, by gesturing for them to lead and saying things like, “the kitchen is on your left.” Keep a watchful eye on how they act and what they touch. Especially note anyone who opens and closes cabinets. This could indicate they are looking for things that may be hidden such as medications or jewelry. You don’t want any of your possessions walking out the door.

5. Never show people through your open house on your own. However, if that is unavoidable then consider these options:

– Make appointments and open your house by appointment only.
– Let your spouse, friend or neighbor know when you have open house appointments.
– Arrange to ring your spouse, friend or neighbor as soon as the open house appointment is finished.
– Have a prearranged time for your spouse, friend or neighbor to phone you
if you haven’t already phoned them back.
– Have a prearranged PASSWORD you can use on the phone if you are in any way uncomfortable with the situation. The password code might be something as simple as “don’t forget the birthday cake.”

6. Never tell a stranger that you can’t show them the house because you won’t be home. That is an open invitation to any criminal. Simply say something like “I’ll be busy then… how about 10:30 instead?”

7. While showing the home, try to avoid answering distractions like children or phones. These provide great opportunities for criminals to steal things while you aren’t paying attention.

8. After showing the home, check every window and door to make sure they are locked. Sometimes criminals will unlock windows and break back into the house later.

Go with your gut instinct. If you feel anything is suspicious try to coax them out as calmly as possible or call the police. Remember, your life is more valuable than your belongings so if something does go wrong, get out immediately!

Tips to Help Owners Spot Foreclosure Scams

According to an article by the REALTOR Daily Real Estate News, “Last year, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission identified 71 companies running suspicious foreclosure rescue ads. This year, the Better Business Bureau named foreclosure rescue rip-offs among its top 10 scams.

Here are just two common scams identified in the September “Foreclosure Resource Guide” now available at the REALTOR® Content Resource:

1. A representative of a so-called foreclosure rescue company promises to negotiate a deal with your lender, instructing you not to contact your lender, lawyer, or credit counselor during the supposed negotiations. Once you pay an up-front fee or a few months of mortgage payments, the scam artist will disappear.

2. A scam artist promises to fend off foreclosure in exchange for an up-front fee. Instead of getting you legitimate relief, the fraudster will pocket the fee and secretly file a bankruptcy case in your name.

Losing your home is hard enough, make sure you don’t get caught in a foreclosure scam. When looking for options to avoid foreclosure you should always contact a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) like Janet Anderson. She is professionally trained and certified in dealing with foreclosures and short sales. If you or someone you know is possibly facing foreclosure, you can’t afford to wait another minute. Contact Janet today and let her get your life back on track. Go to our contact page here to send an email requesting information or call 225-368-3237. And for more information visit our CDPE website at www.BatonRougeForeclosureHelpNow.com

Quick Tips for Boosting Curb Appeal

Many homebuyers will drive through a neighborhood to catch a glimpse of a home for sale and decide on the spot whether it’s worth touring. This “curb appeal,” or first impression, is very important to attracting qualified buyers who are more interested in what they see now as opposed to the home’s potential.

It is important to attract as many qualified buyers as possible. One way to do this is by boosting the curb appeal. In preparing your home for sale, it is necessary to envision your home through the buyers’ eyes. There are many ways to freshen up the appearance of your home that doesn’t require remodeling the kitchen or finishing the basement. Below are some helpful suggestions that can make a big difference in how your home is presented to qualified buyers.

  • Mow the lawn; trim trees and shrubs away from the house.
  • Clean and repair all gutters and downspouts.
  • Take out window screens and wash all windows.
  • Remove dead plants, flowers and shrubs.
  • Clean or repaint outdoor furniture.
  • Put away tools, garbage cans, hoses, toys and building materials.
  • Keep patios and decks clear of planters, flower pots, charcoal and barbecues.
  • Power wash the home’s siding or brick to remove any excess debris.
  • Repaint or refinish trim around windows and doors.
  • Check for broken roof shingles.
  • Seal or resurface driveway.
  • Clean or repaint the mailbox.
  • Dress up front yard shrubs & flower beds with fresh mulch.

Tips for Merging Two Households

First time home buyers may find themselves with the tricky task of combining all of the household items accumulated through the years of being on their own. Here are a few tips to keep your special items, decide what goes, and maintain your relationship once the dust settles!

Reposted from ApartmentTherapy.com

• Talk: Seems simple, but it’s seriously overlooked. Make sure you’re on the same page about your expectations. You’ll need to know what each other are planning on bringing — especially the big stuff such as furniture.

• Plan: Make a plan. Sit down together and figure out a layout for each room (communal areas for roommates, each room for significant others). If you figure out where things will be placed ahead of time, it will save a lot of arguing and headaches. It’ll also help save your wallet because you might not run out to purchase something if you know you already have a full room.

• Expect the Unexpected: You may be surprised by the extensive troll collection your significant other had tucked away before you decided to move in together. That new built-in shelving in the living room seems like the perfect place to them. Know how to roll with the punches and handle the situation accordingly.

• Compromise: There will be the few things that you will not see eye-to-eye on and that’s okay.

• Mix & Match: Maybe your roommate moved in with some really great curtains, but you have a set as well. Switch them out periodically to let each voice be heard in the communal spaces! This also works really well for throw pillows and blankets — just throw them all on the couch and see what works and what doesn’t.

What advice do you have for merging two households?

Reasons Why You're Crazy Not to Buy

• Property taxes and qualified home interest are deductible on an individual’s federal income tax return.

• Many times, a home is the largest asset an individual has and is considered one of the safest investments available.

• A homeowner can exclude up to $500,000 of capital gain if married filing jointly or up to $250,000 if single or married filing separately. The home must have been the taxpayer’s principal residence for the previous two years.

• A portion of each amortized mortgage payment goes toward the principal, which is an investment.

• A home is one of the few investments you can enjoy by living in it!

• The majority of the time, a REALTOR® can show you any home, whether it is listed with a company or a builder or is even a For Sale By Owner.

• Working with a REALTOR to purchase a For Sale By Owner property is very advantageous, because someone will be looking out for your best interests.

• A real estate professional who can provide you financial information with a computer will give you a distinct advantage in making the right decisions.

• A pre-approved program will actually approve you for a specific loan amount subject to the property.

• Your real estate professional can provide you with a list of items that you’ll need to make a loan application, so you’ll be ready when the time comes.

• The right to conduct a property inspection, included in your purchase agreement, gives you the ability to negotiate with the seller once you know all the facts about the property’s condition.

• A Home Protection Plan can provide coverage for selected items, such as central heat and interior plumbing, built-in appliances, water heaters, etc. If the seller is not providing this coverage, you can purchase it yourself.

• Ask your real estate professional if he or she is familiar with the neighborhoods you want to live in. Ask how many homes he or she has sold in those areas in the past year.

• Working with a REALTOR who has an office “team” helps assure the buyer that the transaction will be handled smoothly.

• In a “seller’s market,” don’t go looking for a deal. Set your sights on the right house for you, and then let your REALTOR help you negotiate the best price and terms.

10 Things to Check Before You Buy a Home

Reposted from ApartmentTherapy.com – 10 Things to Check Before You Buy a Home

We’ve learned the hard way that there’s some very important things that should be checked before signing the papers to buy a new home. Sure you can have someone do an inspection and look over the place to make sure you’re termite and flood damage free, but these things fall into a different category — the immediate honey-do list!

Even though there will always be cosmetic changes to make to a new home, trying to avoid costly repairs upon first moving in is always a bonus. Being able to save that money for the dining table of your dreams, or even just for gas and groceries can be extra beneficial. Here’s a few things we suggest checking before you sign the papers and inherit all of the previous tenants past problems.

1. Check The Drains: This might sound silly, but we’ve had two homes with the same issues in the last several years. Somewhere between the house and the sewer line, there’s a backup. Usually tree branches or a collapsed pipe, but either way, it’s hard to spot unless you run a load of laundry, fill up the tub and sinks and let them all attempt to drain at the same time.

2. Open All The Windows: Replacing windows isn’t fun and it isn’t cheap either. Open them all to find out if they stick, are stuck or just plain old won’t open.

3. Turn On All The Faucets: Although changing out faucets isn’t exactly rocket science it’s always a pain to lay under a cabinet and reach for the sky with funny tools to get things removed. Just check to make sure they all work before buying to eliminate the back ache.

4. Light A Fire In The Fireplace: Even though chimneys are usually installed by professionals, that doesn’t mean they’re always in pristine shape. Cleaning them is as simple as a phone call to a local chimney sweep, but finding out if all the fireplaces in the home draft correctly is another.

5. Taste The Water: This lesson is always learned the hard way. Even if your city has great water, your pipes might be old enough that they’ll send a little extra something out of the tap and into your glass. Knowing up front if you’ll need to install a whole house filter or invest in a few Brita pitchers is always helpful.

6. Flush The Toilets: Knowing that all the toilets in the home can handle toilet paper is a bonus. Although they’re easy enough to replace or fix, finding ones that flush well are a bonus. If you’re dissatisfied they could issue you money back to make the replacement in order to get you to sign on the dotted line!

7. Open The Electrical Panel: A clean and labeled panel is a happy panel. Something that looks like squirrels got up inside can signal trouble. Look for loose wires or ones that simply don’t connect to anything. It could signal that there’s live wires inside the walls!

8. Turn On The Heat/Air: Knowing that both of these things work prior to actually needing them can be a serious bonus. Check to make sure they blow their respective temperatures in addition to just turning on.

9. Pull The Carpet Back: Before you move in, you’ll want to find out if there’s hardwood floors and also any mold or mildew under the carpets. Look for the lowest side of the room and if possible pull a corner back. Many homeowners will have a section of carpet removed in a closet to allow you to see the condition of the floors below.

10. Moisture: Although most home inspectors will sniff this one out for you, look for signs of dampness. Even if the walls aren’t apparently wet, look for things like dehumidifiers, bucks of silica or other things that grab moisture from the air and keep it at bay. If the home owners are smart enough to move these things, look for places near outlets that look clean (or leave a dust ring) where something like this might have sat.

Do you have one to add to the list? Share your tip (and story behind it) in the comments below!

The Impact of Over-Pricing

•   Serious buyers look in the price range determined by their down payment and monthly payment ability. Unless your property is priced correctly, the down payment and monthly payment requirements will not be competitive.

•   A buyer who is seriously looking will soon become very knowledgeable in his or her price range. An unreasonable asking price only discourages the buyer from looking at and considering your property.

•   Buyers purchase by comparison and a property that is priced above the competition does not compare favorably. Inviting a buyer to make an offer can indicate that a fair price has not been established.

•   If you plan to adjust your price at the time of sale, it is better to adjust the price now and attract serious buyers from the beginning. This often places you in the favorable position of having more than one buyer interested in your property.

•   It is very difficult to obtain a reasonable offer on an overpriced property. The buyer feels he or she should be just as unreasonable as the seller, and so a very low offer, if any, will be written.

•   By contrast, multiple offers are much easier to obtain on a reasonably priced property. You can then choose which offer to accept, with no obligation to one that does not meet your requirements.

•   It is a mistake to believe that you will get more for a property by asking more. You usually get less because fewer buyers will consider it when it is placed on the market. The right buyers will not see it. The property usually stays on the market so long that it tends to become shopworn.

•   To obtain proper market exposure, it is an absolute necessity to be competitive in price, terms, and condition with similar properties so yours will sell faster. You will also have greater peace of mind and less frustration with selling your property.