Home Improvement Tips You Should Watch out for This Fall

Homeowners are often on the lookout for ways to improve their homes throughout the year. Fall is one of these times because homeowners can repair exterior surfaces like painting and repairing roof shingles. Below are tips to help you stay safe while doing these projects around your property this fall season.

Fixing the Roof

There are two types of roofs: asphalt shingles and clay tiles. Many people choose an asphalt shingle roof because it is cheaper than a clay tile roof, but there can be problems with them since they can easily crack and develop leaks if not maintained properly. It is essential to scrap the shingle's surface occasionally to remove dirt and other debris that accumulates on…

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When you buy a home, there are more expenses than the price you agree to buy it for from the seller. Awareness of the additional fees associated with the purchase of a home helps you avoid unexpected surprises. Here are some of the fees that you need to budget for when determining how much cash you need to have on hand or in your checking account when buying a home.

 

Mortgage Fees

 

There are many fees associated with securing a mortgage for a home. The application fees typically range from $500 to $1,000. You will also pay a fee for the bank to get your credit report. Some of the other fees you will pay include an origination fee and an underwriting fee. There are additional optional fees, including discount points on the loan's interest…

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Is there anything as emotionally enriching as moving into a new living space specially designed just for you? From the décor and floors to the kitchen countertops, you get to be in charge of customizing some aspects to fit your taste in your newly acquired home. While it’s relatively easy to be taken away by the ambiance of a new home, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons.

 

Advantages



• Advanced building standards: New building codes are being set up every other day in line with the recommended construction etiquette. It’s relatively easy to come across old homes that lack basic attics and safety measures. You can be assured of proper insulation and modern protective gear with any new home, though.

• Home warranties: Many…

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When you are preparing to sell your home, your real estate agent may advise you to hire a home staging professional or to depersonalize the space. If you thought about storing all of your extra stuff in your closets, garage or basement, this is not a wise decision. A storage unit is a great idea for sellers, and here are four reasons why.

 

Remove Clutter

 

Clutter makes a space look smaller. If every one of your drawers, cupboards, shelves and closets is packed full, this gives prospective buyers an idea that your house is not big enough. Clutter also makes it difficult for buyers to imagine how they would decorate and live in the space. A good rule of thumb is to remove enough items so that drawers, closets and cabinets are only…

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There’s a lot to consider when you’re looking to purchase your forever home. It’s an exciting time, but it can also be somewhat nerve-wracking because you want to make the best possible decision. Below are several considerations that should be made to ensure you find a home that you’ll love for years to come.

Preferred Location

In real estate, location will always be the number one priority. Where you choose to purchase a home will depend on where you work, the types of schools you want your children to attend, housing prices in the neighborhood and crime statistics. There are other factors, but these are some of the most important considerations. You’ll need to narrow down your priorities. This is something that can and should take time.

Great…

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Given the advancements in technology, you might find it interesting to know that many home buyers remain interested in features that have been popular for decades. While there are some tech-focused features, other trends are for the purpose of convenience. Let’s delve a bit deeper into home buying trends.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Energy efficiency is a big deal when buying a home. It’s something that can save you money every single month. Buyers understand this fact and want a smart home that contains energy-efficient appliances. This includes Energy Star certified heating and cooling systems. An energy-efficient home will likely do well on the market. Although windows are not considered an appliance, buyers are often interested in making sure…

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Homes for sale are surprisingly common targets for thieves. While they may seem empty to some, experienced thieves know that they are easy targets that can still be full of valuables. If you are putting your home on the market, you need to know how to keep it safe from intruders. 

Why Empty Homes are a Tempting Target

Empty homes are a tempting target for thieves because most home robberies are crimes of opportunity. Thieves may plan to come rob a home, but they are not concocting elaborate plans to circumvent security systems. Instead, they tend to look for homes that are easy targets - and no target is more tempting than an easy home. After all, there's no chance that a person will be home to call the police, and the odds of being interrupted in…

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Social media marketing is one of the most effective tools that you can use to sell anything, including your home. However, it requires more than just a few posts if you want to truly expand your reach. Below are a few tips that can help with using various social media platforms to sell your home.

Make an Announcement

One of the first steps that you’ll need to take is making an announcement so that everyone is aware that your home is for sale. You can use Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and any other social media platform. However, Facebook is likely where you’ll receive the most attention because you can get all of your friends to share your posts. You should also update your status so that everyone is clear on what’s happening. 

If…

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Preparing to sell your home is a lot of work, and you can forget about one important issue, security. Open houses are an ideal target for thieves to get a nice payday if you are not careful. Take the necessary steps to keep your home protected during your open house.

Put Away Expensive Items

Even honest people can be tempted to steal if opportunities present themselves. Remove all items that are tempting, such as jewelry, cash, and electronics. Store these items in a hidden location that is accessible only for you and your family members.

Get a Trustworthy Agent

Do lots of research before you hire a real estate agent. Not all agents are trustworthy and responsible, so rely heavily on word of mouth and internet reviews before moving forward. If…

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If you are planning on putting your home up for sale sometime soon, you might be hoping to sell it as quickly as possible. These are a few upgrades that are sure to help you achieve that goal.

1. Painting

Painting is an affordable project that makes a big difference in the look of your home. Consider going with fresh, neutral colors so that your home will appeal to more buyers.

2. Replacing Flooring

If the flooring in your home is worn out, stained or outdated, it might be time to replace it. Look into hardwood and other popular options.

3. Replacing Light Fixtures

Sometimes, all it takes to freshen up a room is to add new light fixtures. New light fixtures can also be added outdoors to give your home more curb appeal. Consider looking…

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