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Cozy season is almost here! It’s time to get out those chunky knit sweaters and pour yourself a pumpkin spice latte. It’s also time to start getting your home ready for the coming season. By tackling these tasks now, you’ll be able to enjoy those crisp fall days ahead. Here’s what you need to know to prepare your home for the fall.

Check your fireplace and chimney

Do you have a fireplace in your home? Lucky you! There’s nothing cozier on a fall day than a fire. But fireplaces come with their own set of risks, and you need to make sure yours is in good working order. Now is the best time to have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned.

Stock firewood

If that fireplace of yours is wood-burning, then it’s also time to stock up on firewood. It’s so much easier to get your firewood together now before the weather gets bad. Make sure you have a place to stack it outside where it will be protected. And have an easy way to bring a load inside on those blustery days.

Check your furnace

It’s also time to make sure your home furnace installation is in good working order. There’s nothing worse than having your furnace go out when the outside temperature drops below freezing. Call on a gas furnace repair technician to have your furnace inspected and change out the filters. You should also call furnace tune-up services to do a tune-up. This will help to extend the life of your furnace and save you on your energy costs. In addition to your heating unit, you may also want to inspect your water heaters and make sure they are functioning properly. If not, then make sure to contact water heater repair professionals.

Prep your outdoor furniture

Outdoor living spaces have become such an important part of our homes during the pandemic. Keep your outdoor furniture looking good by washing it and bringing cushions and fabrics inside for the fall and winter. If not, they can get moldy. Store furniture in a shed or garage or keep them covered over the next few months.

Bring in your houseplants

Did your houseplants get a summer vacation in your garden? Then it’s probably time to bring them back inside. A good rule of thumb is to bring your houseplants back inside once the nighttime temperatures begin to fall below 50 degrees. Give them a good soaking to rid them of pests before bringing them inside.

Get out your cozy bedding

You don’t want to have to go in search of a warm blanket in the middle of a cold night. That’s why you should get out your cozy bedding now. We’re talking about those comfy down comforters, luxurious velvet bedspreads, and chunky knit throw blankets. Give your summer bedding a good wash and keep it stored in the closet.

Plant spring bulbs

Finally, we know it’s hard to think ahead to spring when fall is just beginning. But you’ll thank yourself if you do. Now is the time to start planting spring bulbs in your garden. We’re talking about daffodils, tulips, and other flowers that are amongst the first to bloom in early spring. Those first signs of life can be good for our mental health after a long winter. So get those bulbs in the ground now before it freezes and you’ll enjoy that effort in just a few short months!

Downsizing can be a tough job. Downsizing in a hurry can be even more stressful. Giving yourself plenty of time to sell, donate, or trash some of your belongings is ideal. But if you find yourself in a situation where you don’t have the luxury of time, don’t fret. There are ways that you can downsize quickly. Here’s what you need to know.

Designate a sorting area

Do you feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you need to sort through? Then we suggest clearing an area and using it as a sorting station. This could be just a corner of your living room, an entire bedroom, or part of your garage or basement. Use this area to sort items into those you are keeping, those you are donating or selling, and those you are throwing out.

Get rid of duplicates

We know how comforting it can be to have back-ups. But if you need to downsize, then you should get rid of any items that are duplicates. This includes everything from kitchen utensils to plastic containers. Keep only the best of the bunch and let go of the rest.

Sell items with the house

In extreme cases where you need to unload a large amount of stuff, consider selling items with the house. This can be great for any custom-made furniture or other items that take up a lot of space. For example, if you have a dining table custom-made for your dining room or you bought a king-size bed that fits perfectly in the master suite, then think about including these items in your listing. Just be clear that these items will be staying with the home and frame them as a feature.

Sell items online

If you’d like to make some money while you’re downsizing, then consider selling items online. You can list your items on multiple websites to get a faster sale. This can be particularly good for large items that are difficult to move, as the person who buys the item will be responsible for getting it out of your home.

Have an estate sale

Another way to quickly downsize is to host an estate sale. Unlike a yard sale where you price everything yourself and haul it outside, you hire a professional company to have an estate sale. They will get everything in your home ready to sell and take care of pricing and labeling. They will also handle all the transactions on the days of the sale. Estate sale companies have a wide marketing reach and devoted shoppers, so you’ll no doubt get a good turnout for your sale and see a profit.

Find charities that will pick up your items

If you want to donate a large amount of stuff to charity, then look online for those that offer pick-up services in your area. Instead of having to load up your car and make several trips to your local donation location, they will come to you. This is great for large items such as dressers, desks, tables, and couches. You generally do not need to pay a fee and your items will be given a second life.

Compliments of Virtual Results

FHA loans can be a great choice for many homebuyers. Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, these mortgages have low down payments and can be excellent for buyers with less than stellar credit scores. Let’s take a closer look at these loans and how they can help you bring your dream of homeownership to life.

What is an FHA loan?

First of all, an FHA loan is a mortgage that is backed by the Federal Housing Administration. This means that a lender is protected should a borrower default. They are popular loans for first-time buyers and those with smaller savings or lower credit scores. FHA loans are only available through FHA-approved lenders. Borrowers can pay as little as 3.5 percent down for a home and have a minimum credit score of 580.

Qualifying is easier

It’s easier to qualify for an FHA loan than for a conventional loan. Since they’re backed by the federal government, the lender assumes less risk with the loan. That means those with a short credit history, low credit score, or little savings can make the leap into homeownership.

They can be used for different kinds of homes

You don’t need to buy a single-family residence to qualify for an FHA loan. Some condos have been approved for FHA loans and they can also be used for manufactured homes or multi-family homes. The only stipulation is that the home is used as your primary residence. So if you’re planning to buy a duplex, for example, you will need to live in one of the units to qualify. FHA loans cannot be used for properties purchased solely for investment.

Each lender sets their own standards

While FHA loans are backed by the federal government, they aren’t the ones lending the money. Instead, various lenders have been approved to offer FHA loans. That means that each lender will set its own standards when it comes to qualifying for an FHA loan. If you’re interested in an FHA loan, then it pays to shop around. Different lenders will offer different rates and terms, so be sure to do your research. It could save you money in the long run.

You can get an FHA loan for repairs and upgrades

Are you hoping to buy a fixer-upper but worried you can’t get a loan to make improvements? FHA loans can help with that, too. There are various types of FHA loans available that let you borrow money to make those repairs and renovations.

You will need to get mortgage insurance

One of the drawbacks of an FHA loan is that you will need to purchase mortgage insurance. This mortgage insurance is not canceled once you gain a certain amount of equity, as it is with a conventional loan. If you pay less than ten percent, you’ll pay mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. If you pay more than ten percent, then you’ll pay mortgage insurance for 11 years.

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Home sellers have been in a unique position over the past couple of years. With demand high and inventory low, we’ve been in a seller’s market during much of the pandemic. But while sellers certainly still have an advantage in the current market, that doesn’t mean you should do the bare minimum for your listing. Staging your home for sale is an important part of the sales process and can help you close quickly and for a great price. If you’re getting ready to sell your home, then these are the staging tips you shouldn’t ignore.

Remove all personal items from your home

When you’re selling your home, you want potential buyers to be able to imagine themselves living there. They can’t do that if they’re surrounded by your personal belongings. One of the most important staging tips we can share is that you should remove all personal items from your home. This includes family photos, sports team decor, and other items that pertain to your specific interests.

Clean the house from top to bottom

Another crucial step you don’t want to skip over when you’re staging to sell is cleaning your home from top to bottom. This is particularly true for kitchens and bathrooms. Potential buyers will be turned off by a dirty home. If you’re not feeling up to the task, then consider hiring a professional cleaning crew to do it for you.

Repaint in neutral colors

You may love living in a rainbow-colored home – but not all buyers will. When it’s time to sell, you should repaint rooms in neutral colors that will appeal to the widest range of people. A new coat of paint also gives a room a fresh feeling, which can influence how potential buyers feel when touring your home.

Complete small repairs

We know you’ve learned to live with those leaky faucets, sticky windows, and holes in the drywall. But those small things can cost you when you’re trying to sell. Take a walk through your home and make a list of all the small repairs you’ve been putting off. Then make the time to fix them all. It will improve the value of your home. A roofing contractor who can provide a Roof repair in Orlando or Residential Siding repairs in Nampa can also come to check if there is a need for roof repair. You may also consider giving this Saint Claire Shores roofing company a call if you need immediate roof repairs and maintenance services.

Give each room a purpose

Help buyers envision themselves in your home by making it clear what each living space is or can be used for. Do you have a room in your home that is used mostly for storage or as the place where junk gets hidden away? Clear away that clutter and give that room a purpose, such as a guest bedroom, home office, or even a home gym.

Boost your curb appeal

Finally, don’t forget the outside when you’re staging your home for sale. It cannot be understated how important curb appeal is when you’re selling. The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, whether it’s in an online listing or in person during a showing. You want to make your home look as attractive as possible. So keep the grass mowed, trees and bushes trimmed, and all walkways clean and clear of debris. Consider repainting your front door, swapping out lighting fixtures and your mailbox, and adding colorful plants and flowers.

If you’re financing the purchase of a house, then you know to expect closing costs during the process. These include title insurance, taxes, appraisal fees, attorney fees, and more. But what happens when you don’t finance the house and instead pay with cash? Are there any associated closing costs with all-cash deals? Let’s look at some of the fees you may be required to pay at closing when buying with cash.

Taxes

First of all, you’ll be on the hook for taxes when you’re closing on your cash purchase. These include real estate transfer taxes that may be charged by the city or county where you are buying the home. And don’t forget that even though your home is paid for from the beginning, you will still be required to pay property taxes every month.

Title insurance

Title insurance is another fee that you may end up paying at closing. While title insurance is usually optional, it is strongly recommended when you purchase a home. While a title search may not have uncovered any outstanding issues with the title of the home, that doesn’t mean something won’t come up down the road. This could include liens, incorrect names, or title defects. The older the home, the more potential there is for problems. Title insurance helps to protect you.

Title Notary

Documents will need to be notarized as part of the closing process. You can expect to pay fees associated with a notary. They will verify your signatures and ensure that all documents are official.

Title record processing

All the documents that are processed during your closing will need to be processed and filed with the County Recorder. There will be fees associated with these transactions.

Appraisal

If you’re paying cash for a home, then you may not need to get an appraisal. Appraisals are generally required by a lender to ensure that a buyer has not agreed to pay more than what the home is worth. However, as a cash buyer, you can still opt to have an appraisal done on the home, which will have associated fees.

Home inspection

A home inspection is another cost you may incur when paying for a home with cash. While you can opt to waive the inspection, most agents agree that getting an inspection is important. The home inspection will uncover any potential issues with the property which can inform your negotiations with the seller.

Escrow

Finally, you can’t escape escrow even if you’re purchasing a home with cash. An escrow company will act as a neutral third party to the buyer and seller. They handle collecting all the money and documents associated with the closing process. This includes the earnest money deposit and the completed and signed deed.

How much can you expect to pay in closing costs with a cash deal?

As you can see, even if you’re paying all cash, you aren’t getting out of paying closing costs on your home purchase. In fact, you can expect to pay up to three percent of the cost of the home in closing costs with a cash purchase. Ultimately, if you’re saving up to purchase a home with cash, then don’t forget to factor in these costs when you make your offer.

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Abundant natural light is something that most homebuyers would be happy to have in their new homes. Living in homes filled with sunshine can make them appear larger and be a mood-booster. For this reason, floor-to-ceiling as well as double hung windows have become a major selling point for homes that have them. These windows maximize the amount of sunlight in a home and also highlight any amazing views. However, even though floor-to-ceiling windows can be a wonderful perk in any home, they also come with their own set of challenges. Here’s what you should know about floor-to-ceiling windows.

Look for energy-efficient windows

Because they let in so much light, floor-to-ceiling windows have the potential to lower your energy costs because you won’t need to turn on so many lights during the day. But you may not see those savings if the windows aren’t energy-efficient. Older windows can have many leaks and drafts, which can mean you’re running your air conditioner or heater more than necessary. And remember that all that sunlight can heat a room. In the dog days of summer, you may want to use thermal curtains to keep your room cool – unless you want the AC to run nonstop all day to keep up. You can get AC Repair Service to have your AC checked.

Check for durability

In addition to looking for energy-efficient windows, you should also make sure that floor-to-ceiling windows are durable, too. This is particularly important in areas with hurricanes, or even if you have small children. You don’t want the glass to shatter if someone knocks into it or if there are changes in pressure or temperature. Look for tempered glass windows, which any home inspector should be able to identify. The newer the windows, the more likely they are to be made from tempered glass.

Think how it will affect your furnishings

Being bathed in light can make your furnishings look spectacular. But the UV rays can also cause them to fade. The light can also heat furniture like leather sofas, making them uncomfortable to sit on during the day. All the extra light can also make colors appear lighter than before, especially those items closest to the windows.

Consider window treatments

Window treatments can also be tricky with floor-to-ceiling windows. If you like privacy, then you’ll want to be able to install curtains or window film. These can be tough to find in very large sizes, and you may need to have them custom-made. They can also be a challenge to install and may require the help of a professional. If you want you may consider using custom blinds like window shades, vinyl blinds, etc.

Don’t forget about cleaning them

Finally, cleaning windows is easily one of the most dreaded chores for many homeowners. When you have floor-to-ceiling windows, it may be a challenge to keep them clean. With such large windows, you’ll notice more easily when they are dirty. You’ll need to have a plan for how to keep them clean. This may also require the help of a professional, especially if the windows aren’t on the first floor of the property. For expert advice and best method of cleaning your windows contact a reputable window cleaning cardiff professional. Take this extra expense into account if you’re looking at a home with floor-to-ceiling windows.

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Are you planning your office moving day or preparing to move into your new home? Congratulations! Becoming a homeowner is a dream come true for many Americans. But we’d be lying if we didn’t confess that while buying a home can be an exciting time, actually moving into a new home can be, shall we say, stressful. Cannabis products from Stiiizy Pacheco Dispensary will come in handy when you need to relieve the stress. You can use the best topical CBD oil to help you relax. Packing up all your belongings and moving them to a new place is a big job, and moving day can be busy and chaotic. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of must-haves for your moving day so it can be as stress-free as possible as for example the use of delta 8 disposable vape to handle stress. Here’s what you should have.

An “open first” box

The most important thing to have on moving day is an “open first” box. It’s exactly what it sounds like – the box you open first once you’ve moved into your new home. This box will contain all the essentials you will need or want in those first 24 hours. This can include device chargers, toiletries, sheets and imabari towels, medications, snacks, and coffee. Your future self will thank you for putting all these must-haves together in one place.

Pet supplies

Moving is stressful – but moving with a pet can be even more so. That’s why you should also have a box of necessities for your pet on moving day. This includes their food, bowls, bed, toys, treats, and medication. Don’t forget a litter box and clean litter for your cat. Your pet will be much less stressed if they are surrounded by familiar things in your new place.

Cleaning supplies

Hopefully, your new place is already clean when you arrive. But chances are, even if professional cleaners were hired to do the job, there are probably some places you’d like to spot clean. Plus, you’ll likely track in dirt during the moving process. So keep a supply of cleaning products on hand including surface cleaner, paper towels, and trash bags.

Basic tools

It’s also extremely helpful to have some basic tools on hand on moving day. While you won’t likely need your entire toolkit, it can be handy to have a box cutter, screwdriver set, hammer, measuring tape, and Allen wrench set. These can be used to open boxes and begin assembling furniture.

Extra copies of keys

This is something that not everyone might think to do. But it can be very helpful to have several copies of your new keys made before moving day. That way, you can give keys to everyone who is helping you. This lets them come and go as needed without always having to find you. Your trusted friends and family members can also then keep their keys in case of emergency or if they house sit for you down the road.

Comfort objects

Finally, moving into a new place can be disorienting and feel a little weird that first night. For this reason, it can be helpful to have a few comforting items on hand on moving day. This could include a favorite scented candle, a framed photo of loved ones, or even a face mask you can use at the end of the day to unwind. Having favorite objects around you will help your new place feel a little more like home.

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It’s hard to believe that it’s already the end of August! Soon those long summer days will just be a memory as we begin to prep for the fall season ahead. As you get ready to transition from summer to fall, it’s important to tackle seasonal chores around your home. By staying on top of these maintenance and cleaning tasks you can help head off any potential problems as temperatures drop. Over the next few weeks, we recommend accomplishing these chores as you say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn.

Have your HVAC system serviced

Your home AC is the unsung hero of summer, helping to keep you cool during these end-of-season days. That’s why it’s so important to have your HVAC unit serviced before cold weather arrives. This will get your AC ready to rest during the winter months. It will also ensure that your furnace is ready to tackle the dropping temperatures. Be sure to change your furnace filters and hire an hvac professional to do a service and tune-up on your system now to beat the rush. If you’re looking for a locally-owned business that offers reliable and courteous customer service, Learn More here.

Prune dead branches

Harsh winter weather can cause dead branches in trees and shrubs to break, which can lead to damage to your property. While the weather is still nice, prune all dead branches out of trees and shrubs around your home. Not only will this make your yard look better, but it will also help to spur new growth on those plants in the spring. You may also consider hiring a professional tree pruning and tree service if you don’t have the time to do this task.

Clean gutters

We know that cleaning the gutters is nobody’s favorite job. But giving your gutters a good cleaning now before the leaves fall is a smart idea. Summer storms can deposit a surprising amount of debris in your gutters. By cleaning them now you’ll get a jumpstart on your gutter cleaning in the fall which will make the job easier later.

Don’t forget about pests

August is the peak season for flying pests like mosquitos and wasps. To better enjoy these last few weeks of summer weather, deal with bugs before they become a bigger problem. Mosquitos breed in standing water, so empty birdbaths and fountains regularly. Check your yard for standing water and empty those spots, too. If you have a wasp problem, then find where they are coming from. Once you have located the nest, you can get rid of them.

Clean your gardening tools

As summer winds down, it’s time to turn your attention to your gardening tools. After the last grass cutting, clean your mower and empty the gas tank. This helps to keep your carburetor from clogging over the winter, which can cause big problems next spring. It’s also a good time to clean and sharpen your gardening tools so that you’re ready to garden next year.

Scrub the grill

Finally, we know it’s sad to say goodbye to grilling out on warm summer nights. But as the season comes to end, you should scrub your grill before storing it for the winter. If you’ve used yours as much as we have, then it probably has caked-on grime you’ll need to remove. You’ll thank yourself next year when you’re ready to fire it up for the season.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Are you finally realizing your dream of building a new home? There is certainly something very special about creating a home from the ground up, built to your specifications. But as anyone who has gone through the process can tell you, there can be problems along the way. One of the best ways to avoid issues down the line is to ask for a pre-drywall inspection. This will help ensure that your dream home is built to specifications. Here’s what you need to know about this crucial step in the home building process.

What is a pre-drywall inspection?

A pre-drywall inspection is somewhat self-explanatory. It’s an inspection that happens after the foundation, flooring, doors, windows, wall and roof components, and some of the plumbing and electrical are installed but before the drywall is hung. Once the drywall is hung it can hide the work that was done behind it. By having a pre-drywall inspection, you can more easily fix any issues that are discovered. This will help ensure that your home is built to your specifications and that your home build is not delayed by unexpected repairs. If you discover any issues with the placement of your plumbing system, you may need to contact a residential or commercial plumbing contractor to have it corrected. Make sure as well not to forget about waterproofing the exterior drain tile as well as your home’s foundation.

What is inspected during a pre-drywall inspection?

There are many components of your home that will be inspected during a pre-drywall inspection. They include:

• Foundation including the slab, walls, and drains
• Floor system including footing and floor joists
• Roof system
• Plumbing system including placement of pipes. All of which you can sorted by hiring the plumbers Lacombe company
• Wall system including framing, studs, and flashing for windows and doors
• Electrical system including wiring and junction box placement
• HVAC system including the placement of registers and air ducts
• Exterior wall coverings
• Roof coverings

What are the benefits of a pre-drywall inspection?

There are many benefits to having a pre-drywall inspection. These include:

• Addressing any issues before they become bigger problems. Once the drywall is installed, it is much more difficult and costly to make repairs. It can also lead to delays. So, if you discover foundation damages, you may need the services of a foundation repair contractor to have them fixed. As its name would suggest, the foundation is a critical part of the construction’s structural integrity.
• Being able to check modifications. If you’ve added anything extra to your home build such as recessed lighting or outlets, the inspector can confirm whether or not these additions have been made. This is helpful because some items need to be installed before the drywall goes up.
• Knowing where everything is. You can take pictures during the inspection. This means you will always know exactly where electrical, gas, and plumbing lines are in case they need to be repaired in the future. Read about the 15 things to consider when installing a heat pump at honme-dzine.co.za. You will also know where wall studs are to make it easier to hang decorations and heavy items once the drywall is installed.
• Checking the craftsmanship. A pre-drywall inspection lets you see the craftsmanship of the work that has been completed to help ensure it was done properly and to code.

The pre-drywall inspection gives you peace of mind

Ultimately, the greatest benefit of getting a pre-drywall inspection is the peace of mind that it will give you. You’ll get an upfront look at the bones of your home so you can feel confident that the work was done well. You’ll also get a written report from the inspector that documents any issues that came up so you can refer to them down the line.

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With severe drought affecting many parts of the country, it’s important to become more water-wise at home. One of the ways that we often use more water than we need is in our home gardens. In fact, nearly half of the water used to irrigate our lawns or water our vegetable gardens is lost to evaporation according to the EPA. But by adopting water-saving strategies at home we can both conserve water and save money. Here are our top tips on how to save water in your home garden.

Landscape with drought-resistant plants

One of the easiest things you can do to save water in your garden is to plant drought-resistant plants. These types of plants are conditioned to thrive in drier situations once they have been established. There are many kinds of drought-resistant plants you can choose from, including trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. Choose those that are appropriate for your environment and USDA Zone.

Choose native plants

In addition to using drought-resistant plants, you can also save water by landscaping with native plants. These are plants that are native to your area and have become accustomed to the weather patterns that exist there. Native plants will require much less water than other varieties and will also provide food and shelter for pollinators. Consider digging up some of your thirsty lawn and replacing it with native alternatives.

Group similar plants together

Another strategy that can help you save water – and labor – is grouping plants together that have the same water needs. This way, you don’t need to necessarily water the entire garden, you can concentrate just on the areas that need a little extra. You’ll save water by not watering plants that don’t need it.

Apply mulch

Another easy way to conserve water in your garden is to apply mulch to garden beds. This can be in the form of compost, wood chips, or straw, among other things. Mulch helps to keep moisture from evaporating from the soil. It also has the added benefit of inhibiting the growth of weeds. Organic mulches can also add nutrients to your soil so you can rely less on fertilizers.

Plant close together

Planting close together can also help you save water, especially in your vegetable garden. When you plant close together, the plants give each other shade, helping to ease evaporation. It also means you can grow more produce in a smaller space, which is great for those with small gardens. Tree Surgeons can give you tree planting and care advice.

Time your watering

In periods where you don’t get any rainfall for several days or even weeks, supplemental watering can be necessary. But watering at the right time is essential. Don’t water in the middle of the day. Watering during the sunniest, hottest parts of the day means more of your water will be lost to evaporation. Instead, water in the early morning between 5 am and 9 am.

Use greywater

Finally, consider using greywater to water your garden. Greywater is water that has been used and isn’t appropriate to drink. With the help of well drilling services you can easily gain access to it, and thankfully most greywater is perfectly safe to water plants. Alternatively, you could also collect water from baths and showers and use it to give your beloved plants a drink when they need it. You may also consider adding wells and well pumps to your garden, you may contact professional well drilling services for this.

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