Monthly Archives: October 2018

Days are getting shorter and nights are getting cooler. The leaves are starting to turn and fall off the trees. Fall weather is officially upon us! Check out these tips for doing some chores around your home this fall to avoid problems later on.

Clean out the gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to drainage issues and even cause water to come into your basement. It’s best to take the time in the fall to clean out leaves and debris to avoid drainage issues when all the snow melts in the spring. While cleaning out your gutters, take some time to evaluate your roof. Check for missing shingles or any weak sealing to be addressed before your heat is turned on to avoid wasting energy.

Turn off outdoor plumbing and sprinkler systems

When temperatures plunge below freezing, pipes can freeze and burst. Be sure to disconnect water hoses and sprinkler systems. Open outdoor faucets and run your sprinkler system to drain any remaining water.

Fertilize your lawn

Applying fall lawn fertilizer will help prevent winter damage and spring weeds. Fertilizing your lawn now will help repair the damage from the summer and get your lawn healthy before the cold temperatures come.

Have your furnace inspected

Before shutting off your air conditioning for the season, be sure to clean the coils. Also, install a new filter. While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to clean out air ducts and make sure all the heat vents are open.

Preventative maintenance now will save money on expensive emergency repairs and wasted energy costs. Properly maintaining your home also enhances its value and appeal and is less effort than managing a crisis later. […]

A home appraisal is a report of your home’s value in the market. A real estate appraiser is brought in as an outsider to evaluate your home and determine how much it is worth. Your home’s value is based on factors such as location, other home prices in your area, features and condition.

While you’ll never have the last say to voice what you think your home’s value is, there are things you can prepare for in order to put your home’s best first impression forward before the appraiser does their report. Here are some tips to prepare for a home appraisal:

Keep Track of Home Improvements

Be sure to mention any significant improvements you’ve made to your home to the appraiser. Things like updated bathrooms, new siding, replaced HVAC units, new roof or additions are worth mentioning and could be a major perk in your final appraisal.

Tidy Up Your Home

This is your one shot for the appraiser to see your home and you if want to put your best foot forward, having a clean and clutter free home is one of the easiest things you can do to prepare for an appraisal. Do a deep clean a few days before the scheduled appraisal. The day of, make sure everything is in its place and looks good. Make beds, sweep the carpet, and pick up kids toys. Keep in mind, the appraiser will likely be taking photos of both the exterior and interior of your home and who wants their cluttered home to be documented?

Research Other Homes in Your Area

Be sure to get an idea […]