The market is moving and homes are selling much faster then they have in years.
Want to get the most for your home? There are plenty of things that you can do
to spruce up your home and property in time for the big selling effort.
Tiny details that may not have occurred to you can make a big difference in
how your home fares on the market, which is absolutely critical in a market that
is overwhelmed by families trying to move. In order to shine through the housing
pool, you need to make sure that your property is as attractive as it can be for
someone looking for their next home.
Give your home an honest appraisal and start racking your brain for ways to
improve its overall appearance and value. Obviously, you’ll want to start the
process by addressing large issues that may be serious deal-breakers for
potential buyers. If there is trouble with important elements of the home, there
is no way that a scrupulous buyer will go forward with their consideration. Make
the necessary investments, or it could take a lot longer to sell your house.
If you feel as though you could benefit from a second opinion, contact a real
estate agent. These professionals are very well equipped to make the kinds of
judgment calls that you need. After seeing so many properties themselves, agents
are well-versed in the different ways sellers can go about making their
properties more appealing to customers. Once you take care of any structural
improvements that are high-priority, expand the scope of what you might work on
next. If you are at a loss as to how you might proceed, the tips below can help
you:
1. You’ll want to begin with what the buyer will see first, the exterior of
your home. This is the first impression that your potential buyer will have of
the property and you need to make sure that it is a sound one. Consider doing
some work on the exterior of your home by replacing any damaged shingles,
shutters, or ornamentation.
2. Your yard can be either a huge selling point or an absolute downer for
potential buyers. Make sure that you are cutting and watering you grass, as well
as keeping other landscaping in check.
3. As far as the interior of your home goes, there are some surprising things
you might not be considering. Make sure that your carpets and flooring are not
aged or worn-out, consider repainting in more popular and fashionable colors,
and make sure to replace any broken lighting or bathroom fixtures.
Ultimately, you want to make sure that your home is as vibrant as it can be,
so that someone looking for the new homes Tulsa has to offer will be impressed.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Save Energy This Winter!
Energy prices are on the rise across the nation. As a result, heating costs will consume an increasingly larger portion of a household's energy budget. That's why it's important to check your home to insure that your heating dollars aren't being wasted.
When cold weather approaches, use this checklist of simple ways to make your home more comfortable and keep those escalating energy bills at bay.
Check for Leaks
Weatherstripping and caulking is probably the least expensive, simplest, most effective way to cut down on energy waste in the winter. Improperly sealed homes can waste 10 to 15 percent of the homeowner's heating dollars. Take these steps:
Check around doors and windows for leaks and drafts. Add weather-stripping and caulk any holes you see that allow heat to escape. Make sure doors seal properly.
If your windows leak really badly, consider replacing them with newer, more efficient ones. Keep in mind, however, that replacing windows can be expensive - it could take you quite awhile to recover your costs from the energy savings alone. But new windows also provide other benefits, such as improved appearance and comfort.
Every duct, wire or pipe that penetrates the wall or ceiling or floor has the potential to waste energy. Plumbing vents can be especially bad, since they begin below the floor and go all the way through the roof. Seal them all with caulking or weather-stripping.
Electric wall plugs and switches can allow cold air in. Purchase simple-to-install, pre-cut foam gaskets that fit behind the switch plate and effectively prevent leaks.
Don't forget to close the damper on your fireplace. Of course the damper needs to be open if a fire is burning; but if the damper is open when you're not using the fireplace, your chimney functions as a large open window that draws warm air out of the room and creates a draft. Close that damper - it's an effective energy-saving tip that costs you nothing!
Examine your house's heating ducts for leaks. Think of your ductwork as huge hoses, bringing hot air instead of water into your house. Mostly out of sight, ducts can leak for years without you knowing it. They can become torn or crushed and flattened. Old duct tape - the worse thing to use to seal ductwork, by the way - will dry up and fall away over time, allowing junctions and splices to open, spilling heated air into your attic or under the house. It's wasteful. According to field research performed by the California Energy Commission, you can save roughly 10 percent of your heating bill by preventing leaky ducts.
Check Your Insulation
Insulate your attic. In an older home, that can be the most cost-efficient way to cut home heating costs. Before energy efficiency standards, homes were often built with little or no insulation. As a result, large amounts of heat can be lost through walls, floors and - since heat rises - especially ceilings.
How much insulation should you install? Typical framed homes now being built in California's Central Valley must meet insulation requirements of R-38 insulation in ceilings and R-19 for walls and floors.
Weather-strip and insulate your attic hatch or door to prevent warm air from escaping out the top of your house.
Seal holes in the attic that lead down into the house, such as open wall tops and duct, plumbing, or electrical runs. Any hole that leads from a basement or crawlspace to an attic is a big energy waster. Cover and seal them with spray foam and rigid foam board if necessary.
Check Your Heating System
Get a routine maintenance and inspection of your heating system each autumn to make sure it is in good working order.
Replace your heater's air filter monthly. Your heating system will work less hard, use less energy and last longer as a result. Most homeowners can replace filters and do such simple tasks as cleaning and removing dust from vents or along baseboard heaters.
If your heating system is old, you might consider updating it. A pre-1977 gas furnace is probably 50 percent to 60 percent efficient today. That means only half of the fuel used by the furnace actually reaches your home as heat. Modern gas furnaces, on the other hand, achieve efficiency ratings as high as 97 percent. By replacing an old heating system with one of the most efficient models, you can cut your natural gas use nearly in half!
Use your set-back thermostat. California houses built today must have them. If you have an older home, consider installing one. A set-back thermostat allows you to automatically turn down the heat when you're away at work or when you're sleeping at night, and then boost the temperature to a comfortable level when you need it. Remember - it takes less energy to warm a cool home than to maintain a warm temperature all day long. Properly using your set-back thermostat could cut your heating costs from 20 to 75 percent.
Reverse the switch on your ceiling fans so they blow upward, toward the ceiling. Ceiling fans are a great idea in the summer, when air blowing downward can improve circulation and make a room feel four degrees cooler. A cooling draft is a poor idea when it's cold, however. By reversing the fan's direction, the blades move air upward in winter. This is especially valuable in high ceiling rooms, where heat that naturally rises is forced back down into the room.
Make sure all hearing vents are opened and unblocked by furniture or other items. This will ensure that the air is evenly distributed through the home.
Change a Light Bulb
Lighting our homes can represent 20 percent of home electricity bills and is one of the easiest places to start saving energy. If every household changed a light to an ENERGY STAR® one, together we'd save enough energy to light 7 million homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that of 1 million cars.
When cold weather approaches, use this checklist of simple ways to make your home more comfortable and keep those escalating energy bills at bay.
Check for Leaks
Weatherstripping and caulking is probably the least expensive, simplest, most effective way to cut down on energy waste in the winter. Improperly sealed homes can waste 10 to 15 percent of the homeowner's heating dollars. Take these steps:
Check around doors and windows for leaks and drafts. Add weather-stripping and caulk any holes you see that allow heat to escape. Make sure doors seal properly.
If your windows leak really badly, consider replacing them with newer, more efficient ones. Keep in mind, however, that replacing windows can be expensive - it could take you quite awhile to recover your costs from the energy savings alone. But new windows also provide other benefits, such as improved appearance and comfort.
Every duct, wire or pipe that penetrates the wall or ceiling or floor has the potential to waste energy. Plumbing vents can be especially bad, since they begin below the floor and go all the way through the roof. Seal them all with caulking or weather-stripping.
Electric wall plugs and switches can allow cold air in. Purchase simple-to-install, pre-cut foam gaskets that fit behind the switch plate and effectively prevent leaks.
Don't forget to close the damper on your fireplace. Of course the damper needs to be open if a fire is burning; but if the damper is open when you're not using the fireplace, your chimney functions as a large open window that draws warm air out of the room and creates a draft. Close that damper - it's an effective energy-saving tip that costs you nothing!
Examine your house's heating ducts for leaks. Think of your ductwork as huge hoses, bringing hot air instead of water into your house. Mostly out of sight, ducts can leak for years without you knowing it. They can become torn or crushed and flattened. Old duct tape - the worse thing to use to seal ductwork, by the way - will dry up and fall away over time, allowing junctions and splices to open, spilling heated air into your attic or under the house. It's wasteful. According to field research performed by the California Energy Commission, you can save roughly 10 percent of your heating bill by preventing leaky ducts.
Check Your Insulation
Insulate your attic. In an older home, that can be the most cost-efficient way to cut home heating costs. Before energy efficiency standards, homes were often built with little or no insulation. As a result, large amounts of heat can be lost through walls, floors and - since heat rises - especially ceilings.
How much insulation should you install? Typical framed homes now being built in California's Central Valley must meet insulation requirements of R-38 insulation in ceilings and R-19 for walls and floors.
Weather-strip and insulate your attic hatch or door to prevent warm air from escaping out the top of your house.
Seal holes in the attic that lead down into the house, such as open wall tops and duct, plumbing, or electrical runs. Any hole that leads from a basement or crawlspace to an attic is a big energy waster. Cover and seal them with spray foam and rigid foam board if necessary.
Check Your Heating System
Get a routine maintenance and inspection of your heating system each autumn to make sure it is in good working order.
Replace your heater's air filter monthly. Your heating system will work less hard, use less energy and last longer as a result. Most homeowners can replace filters and do such simple tasks as cleaning and removing dust from vents or along baseboard heaters.
If your heating system is old, you might consider updating it. A pre-1977 gas furnace is probably 50 percent to 60 percent efficient today. That means only half of the fuel used by the furnace actually reaches your home as heat. Modern gas furnaces, on the other hand, achieve efficiency ratings as high as 97 percent. By replacing an old heating system with one of the most efficient models, you can cut your natural gas use nearly in half!
Use your set-back thermostat. California houses built today must have them. If you have an older home, consider installing one. A set-back thermostat allows you to automatically turn down the heat when you're away at work or when you're sleeping at night, and then boost the temperature to a comfortable level when you need it. Remember - it takes less energy to warm a cool home than to maintain a warm temperature all day long. Properly using your set-back thermostat could cut your heating costs from 20 to 75 percent.
Reverse the switch on your ceiling fans so they blow upward, toward the ceiling. Ceiling fans are a great idea in the summer, when air blowing downward can improve circulation and make a room feel four degrees cooler. A cooling draft is a poor idea when it's cold, however. By reversing the fan's direction, the blades move air upward in winter. This is especially valuable in high ceiling rooms, where heat that naturally rises is forced back down into the room.
Make sure all hearing vents are opened and unblocked by furniture or other items. This will ensure that the air is evenly distributed through the home.
Change a Light Bulb
Lighting our homes can represent 20 percent of home electricity bills and is one of the easiest places to start saving energy. If every household changed a light to an ENERGY STAR® one, together we'd save enough energy to light 7 million homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that of 1 million cars.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Get Your Home Winter Ready!
So you've pulled your sweaters out of mothballs and found your mittens at the bottom of the coat closet. But what about your house -- is it prepared for the cold months ahead?
You'll be a lot less comfortable in the coming months if you haven't girded Home Sweet Home for Old Man Winter.
With the help of several experts, we've boiled down your autumn to-do list to 10 easy tips:
1. Clean those gutters
Once the leaves fall, remove them and other debris from your home's gutters -- by hand, by scraper or spatula, and finally by a good hose rinse -- so that winter's rain and melting snow can drain. Clogged drains can form ice dams, in which water backs up, freezes and causes water to seep into the house, the Insurance Information Institute says.
As you're hosing out your gutters, look for leaks and misaligned pipes. Also, make sure the downspouts are carrying water away from the house's foundation, where it could cause flooding or other water damage.
"The rule of thumb is that water should be at least 10 feet away from the house," says Michael Broili, the director of the Well Home Program for the Phinney Neighborhood Association, a nationally recognized neighborhood group in Seattle.
2. Block those leaks
One of the best ways to winterize your home is to simply block obvious leaks around your house, both inside and out, experts say. The average American home has leaks that amount to a nine-square-foot hole in the wall, according to EarthWorks Group.
Professional Services
Find local plumbers, electricians, contractors and more.
First, find the leaks: On a breezy day, walk around inside holding a lit incense stick to the most common drafty areas: recessed lighting, window and door frames, electrical outlets.
Then, buy door sweeps to close spaces under exterior doors, and caulk or apply tacky rope caulk to those drafty spots, says Danny Lipford, host of the nationally syndicated TV show "Today's Homeowner." Outlet gaskets can easily be installed in electrical outlets that share a home's outer walls, where cold air often enters.
Outside, seal leaks with weather-resistant caulk. For brick areas, use masonry sealer, which will better stand up to freezing and thawing. "Even if it's a small crack, it's worth sealing up," Lipford says. "It also discourages any insects from entering your home."
3. Insulate yourself
"Another thing that does cost a little money -- but boy, you do get the money back quick -- is adding insulation to the existing insulation in the attic," says Lipford. "Regardless of the climate conditions you live in, in the (U.S.) you need a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in your attic."
Don't clutter your brain with R-values or measuring tape, though. Here's Lipford's rule of thumb on whether you need to add insulation: "If you go into the attic and you can see the ceiling joists you know you don't have enough, because a ceiling joist is at most 10 or 11 inches."
A related tip: If you're layering insulation atop other insulation, don't use the kind that has "kraft face" finish (i.e., a paper backing). It acts as a vapor barrier, Lipford explains, and therefore can cause moisture problems in the insulation.
4. Check the furnace
First, turn your furnace on now, to make sure it's even working, before the coldest weather descends. A strong, odd, short-lasting smell is natural when firing up the furnace in the autumn; simply open windows to dissipate it. But if the smell lasts a long time, shut down the furnace and call a professional.
It's a good idea to have furnaces cleaned and tuned annually. Costs will often run about $100-$125. An inspector should do the following, among other things:
Throughout the winter you should change the furnace filters regularly (check them monthly). A dirty filter impedes air flow, reduces efficiency and could even cause a fire in an extreme case. Toss out the dirty fiberglass filters; reusable electrostatic or electronic filters can be washed.
5. Get your ducts in a row
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a home with central heating can lose up to 60% of its heated air before that air reaches the vents if ductwork is not well-connected and insulated, or if it must travel through unheated spaces. That's a huge amount of wasted money, not to mention a chilly house. (Check out this audit tool for other ideas on how to save on your energy bills this winter.)
What's your home worth?
Ducts aren't always easy to see, but you can often find them exposed in the attic, the basement and crawlspaces. Repair places where pipes are pinched, which impedes flow of heated air to the house, and fix gaps with a metal-backed tape (duct tape actually doesn't stand up to the job over time).
Ducts also should be vacuumed once every few years, to clean out the abundant dust, animal hair and other gunk that can gather in them and cause respiratory problems.
6. Face your windows
Now, of course, is the time to take down the window screens and put up storm windows, which provide an extra layer of protection and warmth for the home. Storm windows are particularly helpful if you have old, single-pane glass windows. But if you don't have storm windows, and your windows are leaky or drafty, "They need to be updated to a more efficient window," says Lipford.
Of course, windows are pricey. Budget to replace them a few at a time, and in the meantime, buy a window insulator kit, Lipford and Broili recommend. Basically, the kit is plastic sheeting that's affixed to a window’s interior with double-stick tape. A hair dryer is then used to shrink-wrap the sheeting onto the window. (It can be removed in the spring.) "It's temporary and it's not pretty, but it's inexpensive (about $4 a window) and it's extremely effective," says Lipford.
7. Don't forget the chimney
Ideally, spring is the time to think about your chimney, because "chimney sweeps are going crazy right now, as you might have guessed," says Ashley Eldridge, director of education for the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
That said, don't put off your chimney needs before using your fireplace, Eldridge advises. "A common myth is that a chimney needs to be swept every year," says Eldridge. Not true. But a chimney should at least be inspected before use each year, he adds. "I've seen tennis balls and ducks in chimneys," he says.
Ask for a Level 1 inspection, in which the professional examines the readily accessible portions of the chimney, Eldridge says. "Most certified chimney sweeps include a Level 1 service with a sweep," he adds.
Woodstoves are a different beast, however, cautions Eldridge. They should be swept more than once a year. A general rule of thumb is that a cleaning should be performed for every ¼ inch of creosote, "anywhere that it's found." Why? "If it's ash, then it's primarily lye -- the same stuff that was once used to make soap, and it's very acidic." It can cause mortar and the metal damper to rot, Eldridge says.
Another tip: Buy a protective cap for your chimney, with a screen, advises Eldridge. "It's probably the single easiest protection" because it keeps out foreign objects (birds, tennis balls) as well as rain that can mix with the ash and eat away at the fireplace's walls. He advises buying based on durability, not appearance.
One other reminder: To keep out cold air, fireplace owners should keep their chimney's damper closed when the fireplace isn't in use. And for the same reason, woodstove owners should have glass doors on their stoves, and keep them closed when the stove isn't in use.
Check out CSIA'S Web site for a list of certified chimney sweeps in your area.
8. Reverse that fan
"Reversing your ceiling fan is a small tip that people don't often think of," says Lipford. By reversing its direction from the summer operation, the fan will push warm air downward and force it to recirculate, keeping you more comfortable. (Here's how you know the fan is ready for winter: As you look up, the blades should be turning clockwise, says Lipford.)
9. Wrap those pipes
A burst pipe caused by a winter freeze is a nightmare. Prevent it before Jack Frost sets his grip: Before freezing nights hit, make certain that the water to your hose bibs is shut off inside your house (via a turnoff valve), and that the lines are drained, says Broili. In climes such as Portland, Ore., or Seattle, where freezing nights aren't commonplace, you can install Styrofoam cups with a screw attachment to help insulate spigots, says Broili.
Next, go looking for other pipes that aren't insulated, or that pass through unheated spaces -- pipes that run through crawlspaces, basements or garages. Wrap them with pre-molded foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation, available at hardware stores. If you're really worried about a pipe freezing, you can first wrap it with heating tape, which is basically an electrical cord that emits heat.
10. Finally, check those alarms
This is a great time to check the operation -- and change the batteries -- on your home's smoke detectors. Detectors should be replaced every 10 years, fire officials say. Test them -- older ones in particular -- with a small bit of actual smoke, and not just by pressing the "test" button. Check to see that your fire extinguisher is still where it should be, and still works.
Also, invest in a carbon-monoxide detector; every home should have at least one.
You'll be a lot less comfortable in the coming months if you haven't girded Home Sweet Home for Old Man Winter.
With the help of several experts, we've boiled down your autumn to-do list to 10 easy tips:
1. Clean those gutters
Once the leaves fall, remove them and other debris from your home's gutters -- by hand, by scraper or spatula, and finally by a good hose rinse -- so that winter's rain and melting snow can drain. Clogged drains can form ice dams, in which water backs up, freezes and causes water to seep into the house, the Insurance Information Institute says.
As you're hosing out your gutters, look for leaks and misaligned pipes. Also, make sure the downspouts are carrying water away from the house's foundation, where it could cause flooding or other water damage.
"The rule of thumb is that water should be at least 10 feet away from the house," says Michael Broili, the director of the Well Home Program for the Phinney Neighborhood Association, a nationally recognized neighborhood group in Seattle.
2. Block those leaks
One of the best ways to winterize your home is to simply block obvious leaks around your house, both inside and out, experts say. The average American home has leaks that amount to a nine-square-foot hole in the wall, according to EarthWorks Group.
Professional Services
Find local plumbers, electricians, contractors and more.
First, find the leaks: On a breezy day, walk around inside holding a lit incense stick to the most common drafty areas: recessed lighting, window and door frames, electrical outlets.
Then, buy door sweeps to close spaces under exterior doors, and caulk or apply tacky rope caulk to those drafty spots, says Danny Lipford, host of the nationally syndicated TV show "Today's Homeowner." Outlet gaskets can easily be installed in electrical outlets that share a home's outer walls, where cold air often enters.
Outside, seal leaks with weather-resistant caulk. For brick areas, use masonry sealer, which will better stand up to freezing and thawing. "Even if it's a small crack, it's worth sealing up," Lipford says. "It also discourages any insects from entering your home."
3. Insulate yourself
"Another thing that does cost a little money -- but boy, you do get the money back quick -- is adding insulation to the existing insulation in the attic," says Lipford. "Regardless of the climate conditions you live in, in the (U.S.) you need a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in your attic."
Don't clutter your brain with R-values or measuring tape, though. Here's Lipford's rule of thumb on whether you need to add insulation: "If you go into the attic and you can see the ceiling joists you know you don't have enough, because a ceiling joist is at most 10 or 11 inches."
A related tip: If you're layering insulation atop other insulation, don't use the kind that has "kraft face" finish (i.e., a paper backing). It acts as a vapor barrier, Lipford explains, and therefore can cause moisture problems in the insulation.
4. Check the furnace
First, turn your furnace on now, to make sure it's even working, before the coldest weather descends. A strong, odd, short-lasting smell is natural when firing up the furnace in the autumn; simply open windows to dissipate it. But if the smell lasts a long time, shut down the furnace and call a professional.
It's a good idea to have furnaces cleaned and tuned annually. Costs will often run about $100-$125. An inspector should do the following, among other things:
Throughout the winter you should change the furnace filters regularly (check them monthly). A dirty filter impedes air flow, reduces efficiency and could even cause a fire in an extreme case. Toss out the dirty fiberglass filters; reusable electrostatic or electronic filters can be washed.
5. Get your ducts in a row
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a home with central heating can lose up to 60% of its heated air before that air reaches the vents if ductwork is not well-connected and insulated, or if it must travel through unheated spaces. That's a huge amount of wasted money, not to mention a chilly house. (Check out this audit tool for other ideas on how to save on your energy bills this winter.)
What's your home worth?
Ducts aren't always easy to see, but you can often find them exposed in the attic, the basement and crawlspaces. Repair places where pipes are pinched, which impedes flow of heated air to the house, and fix gaps with a metal-backed tape (duct tape actually doesn't stand up to the job over time).
Ducts also should be vacuumed once every few years, to clean out the abundant dust, animal hair and other gunk that can gather in them and cause respiratory problems.
6. Face your windows
Now, of course, is the time to take down the window screens and put up storm windows, which provide an extra layer of protection and warmth for the home. Storm windows are particularly helpful if you have old, single-pane glass windows. But if you don't have storm windows, and your windows are leaky or drafty, "They need to be updated to a more efficient window," says Lipford.
Of course, windows are pricey. Budget to replace them a few at a time, and in the meantime, buy a window insulator kit, Lipford and Broili recommend. Basically, the kit is plastic sheeting that's affixed to a window’s interior with double-stick tape. A hair dryer is then used to shrink-wrap the sheeting onto the window. (It can be removed in the spring.) "It's temporary and it's not pretty, but it's inexpensive (about $4 a window) and it's extremely effective," says Lipford.
7. Don't forget the chimney
Ideally, spring is the time to think about your chimney, because "chimney sweeps are going crazy right now, as you might have guessed," says Ashley Eldridge, director of education for the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
That said, don't put off your chimney needs before using your fireplace, Eldridge advises. "A common myth is that a chimney needs to be swept every year," says Eldridge. Not true. But a chimney should at least be inspected before use each year, he adds. "I've seen tennis balls and ducks in chimneys," he says.
Ask for a Level 1 inspection, in which the professional examines the readily accessible portions of the chimney, Eldridge says. "Most certified chimney sweeps include a Level 1 service with a sweep," he adds.
Woodstoves are a different beast, however, cautions Eldridge. They should be swept more than once a year. A general rule of thumb is that a cleaning should be performed for every ¼ inch of creosote, "anywhere that it's found." Why? "If it's ash, then it's primarily lye -- the same stuff that was once used to make soap, and it's very acidic." It can cause mortar and the metal damper to rot, Eldridge says.
Another tip: Buy a protective cap for your chimney, with a screen, advises Eldridge. "It's probably the single easiest protection" because it keeps out foreign objects (birds, tennis balls) as well as rain that can mix with the ash and eat away at the fireplace's walls. He advises buying based on durability, not appearance.
One other reminder: To keep out cold air, fireplace owners should keep their chimney's damper closed when the fireplace isn't in use. And for the same reason, woodstove owners should have glass doors on their stoves, and keep them closed when the stove isn't in use.
Check out CSIA'S Web site for a list of certified chimney sweeps in your area.
8. Reverse that fan
"Reversing your ceiling fan is a small tip that people don't often think of," says Lipford. By reversing its direction from the summer operation, the fan will push warm air downward and force it to recirculate, keeping you more comfortable. (Here's how you know the fan is ready for winter: As you look up, the blades should be turning clockwise, says Lipford.)
9. Wrap those pipes
A burst pipe caused by a winter freeze is a nightmare. Prevent it before Jack Frost sets his grip: Before freezing nights hit, make certain that the water to your hose bibs is shut off inside your house (via a turnoff valve), and that the lines are drained, says Broili. In climes such as Portland, Ore., or Seattle, where freezing nights aren't commonplace, you can install Styrofoam cups with a screw attachment to help insulate spigots, says Broili.
Next, go looking for other pipes that aren't insulated, or that pass through unheated spaces -- pipes that run through crawlspaces, basements or garages. Wrap them with pre-molded foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation, available at hardware stores. If you're really worried about a pipe freezing, you can first wrap it with heating tape, which is basically an electrical cord that emits heat.
10. Finally, check those alarms
This is a great time to check the operation -- and change the batteries -- on your home's smoke detectors. Detectors should be replaced every 10 years, fire officials say. Test them -- older ones in particular -- with a small bit of actual smoke, and not just by pressing the "test" button. Check to see that your fire extinguisher is still where it should be, and still works.
Also, invest in a carbon-monoxide detector; every home should have at least one.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Summer Wrap Up
Wrapping up summer also means welcoming fall, which puts a number of “to-dos” in queue that will help you transition your home between seasons. I call it season savvy DIY and it’s all about taking on a few important, but easy, jobs to get your home ready for fall and for the coming cold weather. Here’s our go-to list:
Clean and Protect You Patio Furniture
The “elements” will cause your outdoor furniture to age more quickly if left unattended. Hose and wash down furniture with a product like Simple Green (no toxic run-off). Check for rust or paint chips – scrape any loose paint or rust, then spray paint the damaged spots with exterior paint for wood, metal or plastic. Cover or store furniture in a shed or garage. In an enclosed space, use a product like Damp Rid to help keep moisture at bay, which will lessen the likelihood of those moldy spots from growing over the winter (cleaning helps that too).
Bye-Bye BBQ
Grease left on your BBQ will not only attract pests, but left over months can clog and even damage burners. Take apart the burners, heating plate, grill, etc. and scrub everything down. Use a de-greaser like Formula 409 (inexpensive and very effective) and a scrubbing stone like Magic Stone on stubborn parts. Let parts soak in a bucket of soapy hot water if grime is really baked on. Of course, empty and clean the drip cup/pan. Wipe down the exterior too. Cover and if possible, store it in an enclosed place.
Trim & Pull
Trim trellises and all overgrown vegetation. The less leaves hanging around, the less will end up in your gutters. Pull out annuals and especially vegetable plants – vegetable plants left in the garden over the winter can become a haven for insects and disease to take root.
Clean and Protect You Patio Furniture
The “elements” will cause your outdoor furniture to age more quickly if left unattended. Hose and wash down furniture with a product like Simple Green (no toxic run-off). Check for rust or paint chips – scrape any loose paint or rust, then spray paint the damaged spots with exterior paint for wood, metal or plastic. Cover or store furniture in a shed or garage. In an enclosed space, use a product like Damp Rid to help keep moisture at bay, which will lessen the likelihood of those moldy spots from growing over the winter (cleaning helps that too).
Bye-Bye BBQ
Grease left on your BBQ will not only attract pests, but left over months can clog and even damage burners. Take apart the burners, heating plate, grill, etc. and scrub everything down. Use a de-greaser like Formula 409 (inexpensive and very effective) and a scrubbing stone like Magic Stone on stubborn parts. Let parts soak in a bucket of soapy hot water if grime is really baked on. Of course, empty and clean the drip cup/pan. Wipe down the exterior too. Cover and if possible, store it in an enclosed place.
Trim & Pull
Trim trellises and all overgrown vegetation. The less leaves hanging around, the less will end up in your gutters. Pull out annuals and especially vegetable plants – vegetable plants left in the garden over the winter can become a haven for insects and disease to take root.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Foreclosure Rate Falling In Tulsa!
Tulsa County foreclosures are dropping, but the rate is still among the highest in Oklahoma.
For the seven-county Tulsa metro statistical area, foreclosure filings fell nearly 28 percent in the third quarter, according to information released Thursday by RealtyTrac Inc., a leading source for comprehensive housing data.
Metro Tulsa had 1,233 foreclosure filings for the July-to-September period, down from 1,708 in the April-to-June period, according to the U.S. Foreclosure Market Report. Compared with the 2012 third quarter, foreclosure filings for the metro were down 23.3 percent.
Statewide, foreclosure filings totaled 2,609, down 24.4 percent from the second quarter and 23.4 percent from the same time a year ago.
Tulsa County, likewise, saw its foreclosure filings fall 34 percent for the quarter, and they were down 29 percent from a year earlier.
Even so, out of all counties in the state, Tulsa County had the second-highest rate of home repossessions, with one in every 274 households filing for foreclosure during the quarter. It was surpassed only by Rogers County, which had a foreclosure rate of one for every 224 homes.
The drop in foreclosure filings is similar to what has been seen by Dennis Reecher, a certified consumer counselor with Credit Counseling Centers of Oklahoma Inc. He said that a year ago, he was handling about 30 loan cases, working with servicers to help modify clients' loans, which could take anywhere from six months to a year or longer.
In the last several months, however, his calls have dropped dramatically. That partially may be due to cases now being referred to Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma. But he noted that in many cases people who were in trouble have gotten their mortgages modified, completed short sales, or their homes were proceeding more quickly to sheriff sales where they are auctioned at reduced prices.
"If you look at four years ago, it was incredible the number of people that were in trouble. ... It's just improving over time," Reecher said. "The problems are being worked out, resolved."
Nationwide, September was the 36th consecutive month with an annual decrease in foreclosure activity.
September numbers helped drop third-quarter foreclosure activity to the lowest quarterly level since the second quarter of 2007, according to Irvine, Calif.-based RealtyTrac.
Nationwide, a total of 376,931 properties filed for foreclosure in the third quarter, down 6.9 percent from the previous quarter and down 29.1 percent from the same time a year ago — the biggest annual decrease since the second quarter of 2011, according to RealtyTrac.
"The September and third quarter foreclosure numbers show a housing market that is haltingly returning to health. ... While foreclosures are clearly becoming fewer and farther between in most markets, the increasing time it takes to foreclose is holding back a more robust and sustainable recovery," said Daren Blomquist, vice president of RealtyTrac.
More foreclosure information can be found at realtytrac.com
Monday, October 14, 2013
Saving Up Your Down Payment
These days, it’s rare to get a mortgage without contributing some of your own cash. If you’re trying to buy a home that was foreclosed or through a short sale — where the purchase price is below the amount owed on the house — a larger down payment can speed up the process. Regardless of the percentage that one is considering putting down, here are some tips to save up for the down payment.
1. Decide How Much House You Can Afford
The first step is to set your savings goal. Research home prices and determine how much you can afford. Calculators can be found on most bank websites and on the FHA site at www.fha.gov. As of Feb 2013, the median price of existing homes in the U.S. is $173,600, according to the National Association of Realtors. A 5 percent down payment for a home that price would be $8,680. A 20 percent down payment would be $34,720. If you’re able to save 20 percent, lenders will not require you to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance, which will reduce your monthly expenses.
2. Set Up a Savings Plan
You’ll also need to create a savings plan and set a deadline for reaching your goal. One method is to find the difference between your current housing costs and your projected monthly mortgage payment, and put that much away each month. Open a separate savings account for your down payment to minimize the temptation to tap the money for other needs. Also setting up automatic transfers to your new account will lessen the chance you’ll spend the money elsewhere.
3. Pare Back Expenses and Raise Cash
Review your spending habits and determine where you can find extra cash. If you’re determined to buy a house as soon as possible, try living like a tightwad. Start by putting away the credit cards. Then cut out cable TV, switch to a less expensive cell phone plan and reexamine other aspects of your spending until you’ve pared back to just necessities. Use coupons at the grocery store and stay away from the mall. Hold a garage sale or sell unused items online. There are dozens of books and blogs you can turn to for frugal living advice that can help accelerate your savings.
4. Borrow From Your 401(k)
Most 401(k) plans allow participants to borrow from their accounts to finance a downpayment. Some advantages to these loans include an easier acceptance process, generally lower interest rates than bank loans and the fact that you’ll be paying the interest to yourself. Although they don’t count toward your overall borrowing on your credit score, a mortgage lender may note such a loan as part of your overall debt load.
5. Find Out if You Qualify for Assistance
If you’re hoping to take advantage of the down market but haven’t got that much saved, you may be able to find help through various programs.
There are FHA-backed programs in every state. Most are aimed at low- and moderate-income, first-time homebuyers and usually require recipients to make some contribution. Visit the agency’s website at www.fha.gov to learn if you qualify for a program in your area.
The Veterans Administration and the Agriculture Department are among other government agencies that offer down payment assistance.
Last, but certainly not least, stay focused. Once you really commit to this goal stay with it. The second you are handed the new keys to your home it will all be worth it!
1. Decide How Much House You Can Afford
The first step is to set your savings goal. Research home prices and determine how much you can afford. Calculators can be found on most bank websites and on the FHA site at www.fha.gov. As of Feb 2013, the median price of existing homes in the U.S. is $173,600, according to the National Association of Realtors. A 5 percent down payment for a home that price would be $8,680. A 20 percent down payment would be $34,720. If you’re able to save 20 percent, lenders will not require you to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance, which will reduce your monthly expenses.
2. Set Up a Savings Plan
You’ll also need to create a savings plan and set a deadline for reaching your goal. One method is to find the difference between your current housing costs and your projected monthly mortgage payment, and put that much away each month. Open a separate savings account for your down payment to minimize the temptation to tap the money for other needs. Also setting up automatic transfers to your new account will lessen the chance you’ll spend the money elsewhere.
3. Pare Back Expenses and Raise Cash
Review your spending habits and determine where you can find extra cash. If you’re determined to buy a house as soon as possible, try living like a tightwad. Start by putting away the credit cards. Then cut out cable TV, switch to a less expensive cell phone plan and reexamine other aspects of your spending until you’ve pared back to just necessities. Use coupons at the grocery store and stay away from the mall. Hold a garage sale or sell unused items online. There are dozens of books and blogs you can turn to for frugal living advice that can help accelerate your savings.
4. Borrow From Your 401(k)
Most 401(k) plans allow participants to borrow from their accounts to finance a downpayment. Some advantages to these loans include an easier acceptance process, generally lower interest rates than bank loans and the fact that you’ll be paying the interest to yourself. Although they don’t count toward your overall borrowing on your credit score, a mortgage lender may note such a loan as part of your overall debt load.
5. Find Out if You Qualify for Assistance
If you’re hoping to take advantage of the down market but haven’t got that much saved, you may be able to find help through various programs.
There are FHA-backed programs in every state. Most are aimed at low- and moderate-income, first-time homebuyers and usually require recipients to make some contribution. Visit the agency’s website at www.fha.gov to learn if you qualify for a program in your area.
The Veterans Administration and the Agriculture Department are among other government agencies that offer down payment assistance.
Last, but certainly not least, stay focused. Once you really commit to this goal stay with it. The second you are handed the new keys to your home it will all be worth it!
Monday, October 7, 2013
Projects That Actually LOWER Home Value
Here is a great article from Yahoo Finance on some projects that homeowners will do that actually LOWERS the value of their home! Avoid these projects so that you are able to retain your home's value. A high home value will allow you to sell your home quicker and for more money, getting you into your dream home sooner!
Most upgrades, renovations, and home improvement projects raise a home’s resale value. But in this episode of Destination Home Sabrina Soto, host of HGTV’s "The High/Low Project," reveals five renovations that can do just the opposite.
That is, Soto qualifies, if you're planning on selling in the next five years. “If you’re going to stay in your home for a long time, do whatever makes you happy — surround yourself with Pepto Bismol pink if that's what you like,” she tells Destination Home. But if resell value matters, here’s what to avoid:
Converting bedrooms into other spaces: If potential homebuyers "see it’s a four-bedroom house, they want to go to the open house and see four bedrooms. You have to take the guesswork out,” says Soto. If you do convert a room, there's one feature you should absolutely never mess with. Watch the video to find out what that is.
Hot tubs: Soto thinks inheriting someone else’s hot tub is a turn-off — and she’s not alone. “You’d be surprised how many potential buyers find them to be a little gross.” And once a hot tub is installed, it's not an easy feature to remove from a deck or backyard.
Colored trim and textured walls: It seems like any potential homebuyer would see these features and know they can easily paint over them, but not so fast, says Soto. “I would much rather paint walls than trim any day — it's a beast of a job,” she says. And textured walls are "a mess to sand down and remove. The fad is over anyway, so just let it go.” If you feel your trim is outdated, see the video for Soto’s tips on what to do.
Children's theme bedrooms: Spending hundreds of dollars on a mural for your child's wall is throwing money away. Not only will they outgrow it in a matter of years, but “you're never going to get that money back when you sell, so just keep it neutral,” posits Soto.
Too much landscaping: Conventional wisdom says you want your yard to look as nice as possible, but heed Soto’s warning: you want to “keep up with the Joneses — but don’t exceed them.” To a potential buyer, gorgeous, overdone landscaping screams high-maintenance.
Most upgrades, renovations, and home improvement projects raise a home’s resale value. But in this episode of Destination Home Sabrina Soto, host of HGTV’s "The High/Low Project," reveals five renovations that can do just the opposite.
That is, Soto qualifies, if you're planning on selling in the next five years. “If you’re going to stay in your home for a long time, do whatever makes you happy — surround yourself with Pepto Bismol pink if that's what you like,” she tells Destination Home. But if resell value matters, here’s what to avoid:
Converting bedrooms into other spaces: If potential homebuyers "see it’s a four-bedroom house, they want to go to the open house and see four bedrooms. You have to take the guesswork out,” says Soto. If you do convert a room, there's one feature you should absolutely never mess with. Watch the video to find out what that is.
Hot tubs: Soto thinks inheriting someone else’s hot tub is a turn-off — and she’s not alone. “You’d be surprised how many potential buyers find them to be a little gross.” And once a hot tub is installed, it's not an easy feature to remove from a deck or backyard.
Colored trim and textured walls: It seems like any potential homebuyer would see these features and know they can easily paint over them, but not so fast, says Soto. “I would much rather paint walls than trim any day — it's a beast of a job,” she says. And textured walls are "a mess to sand down and remove. The fad is over anyway, so just let it go.” If you feel your trim is outdated, see the video for Soto’s tips on what to do.
Children's theme bedrooms: Spending hundreds of dollars on a mural for your child's wall is throwing money away. Not only will they outgrow it in a matter of years, but “you're never going to get that money back when you sell, so just keep it neutral,” posits Soto.
Too much landscaping: Conventional wisdom says you want your yard to look as nice as possible, but heed Soto’s warning: you want to “keep up with the Joneses — but don’t exceed them.” To a potential buyer, gorgeous, overdone landscaping screams high-maintenance.
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