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It’s official – fall is here! Not only does that mean it’s time for pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters, but it’s also time for fall home maintenance. With the weather changing from hot to cool, it’s time to prep your home for the fall and winter seasons. Taking care of routine maintenance helps ensure you don’t face more serious problems down the line. Here’s the rundown of those tasks you should complete in the coming weeks.

Clean the gutters

Nobody likes to clean the gutters. But we’re willing to bet you’d like a damaged roof and a leaky basement even less. If this does happen then don’t fret- the experts at RainTech Roofing, Sheet Metal & Gutters – Tulsa sheet metal can take care of this sort of damage promptly and effectively. But what about maintenance you can take on yourself?

Well, now is the time to get up on a ladder and clean out those gutters. Depending on how many trees you have in your yard, this may be a task you need to complete a couple of times over the fall season. It may not look it at first, but it prevents damage actually. You may even realize that you’re going to need to install new seamless gutters.

Attend to the yard

In addition to gutter cleaning, it’s also time to attend to the yard. Prune trees and shrubs and clean up fallen leaves. If possible, compost your leaves for use in garden beds. It’s also time to aerate, fertilize and reseed your lawn so that it’s lush and green in the spring.

Drain garden hoses

If you don’t drain garden hoses, water can become trapped inside. If you live in an area where you can expect below freezing temperatures, this could cause that trapped water to freeze and expand. Come spring, you’ll need to buy new hoses. Stretch them out on a slope until they’re dry and then store them over the winter.

Store outdoor furniture

Before the chill really sets in, store or cover your outdoor furniture. This will ensure that you can use them for many more springs and summers to come.

Seal leaks

Take a walk around your home and use exterior caulk to seal any cracks around windows and doorframes, between siding and trim, and where wires or pipes enter your home. Not only does this prevent moisture from getting into your walls, but it also saves energy. If you discover slab leaks, you may need professional slab leak repair services.

Check the fireplace

If you have a fireplace, then you know how much use it gets in the cooler months. Make sure the damper works properly. Hire a professional to clean creosote buildup before you begin using your fireplace.

Check your heating system

The beginning of fall is the perfect time to change your furnace filter. You should also consider having a heating service professional come in to check your system. It’s better to discover an issue early rather than having an expensive repair down the line.

Check your detectors

With fireplaces, furnaces, and space heaters running in your home, you need to make sure all your detectors are working properly. This includes fire and carbon monoxide detectors. Check the batteries and replace as necessary. If you don’t already have one, purchase a fire extinguisher to have on hand just in case.

Test cold weather equipment

Finally, if you live in an area where you can expect snow, then take the time to test your snow blower. It’s much easier to have it repaired now than when there are six inches of snow on the ground and you can’t get out of your driveway.

Compliments of Virtual Results

As a seller, you spend quite a bit of time preparing your home for the market. From decluttering and depersonalizing to making repairs and upgrades, you have plenty to do. Decluttering your house can seem like a challenging task, but you will organize your home without hassles if you do what is necessary. Since we live hectic lifestyles, clutter can build up fast, you may see these 7 Ways to Get Rid of Clutter in Your Home for great help! But don’t forget to stay vigilant once you begin showing your home to potential buyers. It’s important to keep security in mind when strangers will be touring your home while you are away. Here’s what you need to know to keep your home and belongings safe when you’re selling.

Buyers must make an appointment

That “For Sale” sign in your front yard is a great way to let potential buyers know that your home is on the market. But beware of anyone who knocks on your front door without an appointment. While it may be tempting to let them in to look around – don’t. Instead, share your agent’s contact information so they can call and schedule an appointment.

Keep valuables in a safe place

When potential buyers are viewing your home, they are going to be opening closet doors and cabinet drawers. Don’t keep anything valuable in an unsecured location. This includes jewelry, electronics, credit cards, and keys. The best place to store your valuables is in a locked safe. If you don’t have one, then remove these items from your home when you have a showing.

Remove medication

As we mentioned, buyers will be looking at every square inch of your home. Unfortunately, some less-that-honest buyers might take this opportunity to look in your medicine cabinet. If you have any prescription medications, remove them from bathrooms, kitchens, or anywhere else you typically store them. They should also be locked in a safe or taken with you when showing the house.

Hide personal information

Identity theft is becoming more and more common. Don’t make it easy for would-be thieves to steal your personal information. Remove bills, mail, smartphones, and tablets from the premises. Also be sure to password-protect any computers that will be left in the home.

Take your pets with you

If you have pets, then you should ensure they are not at the house when potential buyers visit. Even if your pet is the friendliest on the block, you have no idea how they will react to strangers in your home when you aren’t there. You don’t want to be held liable should your pet attack any visitors in your home.

Install security cameras

If you are truly concerned about the safety of your home while it’s on the market, then you might consider miami security camera installation. There are now many affordable home security systems on the market that you can easily install yourself. It can add an extra layer of protection for you and provide you with some peace of mind.

Keep the door locked

Even if you’re leaving a few minutes before the house is shown, you should lock the door. Any agent coming to your home will know how to access the property. Don’t leave yourself open to theft. If you find yourself locked out of your own home visit locksmiths365.ie to get professional lockout services. Finding a professional locksmith is easy. You can visit https://aroundtheclocklocks.com/ to hire a reputable and experienced residential locksmith.

Talk with your agent

If you are concerned about the safety of your home when selling, then talk with your real estate agent. Experienced agents will have great tips and advice for keeping your home and valuables protected during the sales process.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Homebuyers have many choices when it comes to home loans. It can be tough to determine which one is right for you. But if you’re a veteran, then a VA loan may be just the ticket. Although the process of applying and qualifying for a VA loan may seem a little daunting, it can certainly be worth the trouble. If you’re interested in learning more about VA loans, read on.

What is a VA loan?

A VA loan is a type of mortgage that is issued by a private lender. However, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs partially backs this type of loan. This means that the government will repay part of your loan should you default. Since lenders assume less risk with this type of loan, it requires no down payment and offers better interest rates and terms than a conventional loan.

Who qualifies for a VA loan?

VA loans are available to active duty service members, veterans, and widows of military spouses. However, be aware that VA loans may only be used for a borrower’s primary residence. You cannot use a VA loan to purchase a second home or investment property. They are typically used for homes that are move-in ready.

What are the eligibility requirements?

In order to qualify for this kind of loan, you must meet specific requirements. These include:

• You must have served at least 90 consecutive days of active service during a time of war.
• You must have served at least 181 days of active service during times of peace.
• Have served for at least six years as an active member of the National Reserves or National Guard.
• Have been married to a service member who died in the line of duty or because of a disability related to their service.

How much does the government guarantee?

As of 2019, the VA guarantees up to 25 percent of the amount of the loan, up to $121,087. That equates to a loan of $484,350. In areas where housing costs are significantly higher, the threshold is up to $726,525. The VA will not guarantee any amount that exceeds those thresholds.

Are there fees?

While a VA loan does not require you to have mortgage insurance, you day have to pay a mandatory fee. The fee can change depending on many factors, including the type of service and whether or not you make a down payment. This fee is collected by the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover losses and ensure the continuation of the program for many generations. However, there is no pre-payment penalty should you pay off the loan early, which can save you a significant amount of interest over the life of the loan.

What about past bankruptcies or foreclosures?

If you’ve had a foreclosure or bankruptcy in the past, it does not mean you cannot qualify for a VA loan, but you should still consider getting a bankruptcy attorney. Even if your foreclosure was for a previous VA loan, it does not hinder your ability to utilize this benefit again.

What if I have questions?

If you have any more questions about the VA loan program, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website or talk to a professional real estate agent in your area.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Would you be surprised to learn that 42 percent of new home loans are for millennial buyers? While most people think that young adults aren’t active in the real estate market, they are purchasing homes and they make up a large share of potential buyers. If you’re not marketing your home to these young buyers, you could be missing out. Here are some tips for attracting millennial buyers to your home for sale.

Use awesome photos

Millennials are the Internet generation. They are more virtually connected than any other generation before them. It makes sense then that nine out of 10 millennial homebuyers begin their searches online. If you want your home to stand out from the rest, you need high-quality photos. These pictures will be the first things that potential buyers see when searching for homes online.

Market the home’s tech features

Millennial buyers are interested in homes that are both environmentally friendly and technologically modern. This includes solar energy you can get with the solar panels ireland help, energy-efficient appliances from a local appliance store, smart thermostats, and other smart devices. Australian National Solar is a well recommended gold coast solar company. Make sure you mention all these features in your listing, and show how they can save the buyer money over time.

Stage a home office

More and more people are working remotely – especially millennials. Many millennial buyers are looking for homes that have room for a home office space. If you have a spare bedroom in your home for sale, considering staging it like a home office. Even if you don’t have a dedicated room, you can create an area that is conducive for work. This could include a corner of the living room, the space under the stairs, or even a converted closet.

Install garage outlets

If you haven’t updated your garage in some time, then now is the time to do it. Contact a garage door repair technician to inspect and/or fix your garage door. Finding yourself in need of garage door opener repair could mean more complicated access to the garage and possibly your vehicle or vehicles, so hire experts to diagnose and perform regular maintenance if possible.

One of the most important features you can have in the garage is the ability to plug in multiple devices. More and more millennials are buying electric cars that will need to be charged when not in use. If you need to install specialized electric vehicle charging points on your premises, you will ideally need some vehicle charging point markings to help identify the areas. They may also need space for an extra refrigerator and other home appliances like washers and dryers.

Upgrade the outdoor living space

Another important feature for millennial buyers is the outdoor living space. This is especially true in areas with temperate climates. Outdoor spaces can increase the livable size of a home. They’re great for entertaining and provide room for pets to roam. If you have outdoor space, stage it so that millennial buyers can see the potential for how it can be used.

Opt for modern, neutral décor

When you’re getting ready to sell your home, you need to declutter and depersonalize the space. This often means painting rooms more neutral colors that will appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers. For millennial buyers this could mean light neutrals, especially gray. And if you’re making any updates to your décor, consider choosing items with modern, clean lines. Minimalism is a big trend with young adults, and many want their home to reflect that lifestyle. When in doubt, remember that less is more.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re a homebuyer with kids, then you know there are certain basic requirements the home needs to provide. You want it to be safe, have a place to play, and be located in a good school district. But are there other characteristics you should be looking for when searching for a home, other than the basics? Here’s a look at what you should consider when buying a kid-friendly home.

Size

When you don’t have a growing family, it can be easier to compromise on the size of a home. But that isn’t the case when you have kids. Children need room to play. Unless you want to constantly be cleaning up after them, it’s nice to have a designated spot for toys and games. Large living rooms and extra bedrooms come in handy – especially if you’re expecting your family to grow. Those extra bedrooms can be turned into game rooms or even a private space for adults to escape the noise.

Storage

As kids get older, they seem to acquire more and more things. This includes games, toys, outgrown clothes, sports equipment, musical instruments, and more. The more kids you have, the more storage space you’re going to need. You may have to find a self storage facility and rent a self storage unit to keep those things that your family does not need for now. Check to make sure the homes you visit have enough storage space to meet your needs. Also, consider choosing TV beds from TV Beds Northwest for their bedroom so you can maximize the space.

Layout

Open concept homes are popular with families for a reason. They allow everyone to be together. Adults can easily supervise kids in the living room while preparing a meal in the kitchen. It’s also great for entertaining and having the extended family over for birthday parties and holidays. Also consider the placement of the bedrooms, especially if you have babies and toddlers. If the master suite is on a different floor than the kids’ bedrooms, you’ll be running up and down the stairs more than you may like.

Sidewalks

This is something that many parents don’t think to consider when buying a home. Is it located in a neighborhood with sidewalks? Think about how often your children will be playing outside, and whether they will walk to school or the park. Sidewalks offer extra safety and keep kids away from moving cars. And what kid doesn’t love to make some sidewalk chalk art?

Neighbors

Is the neighborhood full of single professionals, empty nesters, or families? That’s something else you’ll want to consider when buying a kid-friendly home. It’s great to find a home in a neighborhood with other kids around your child’s age. You’ll also want to check crime statistics in the neighborhood and whether or not there are any registered sex offenders living nearby.

Neighborhood amenities

Finally, take a look at the neighborhood to see what kinds of kid-friendly amenities are within walking distance. Is there a nearby park or public pool? Are there daycare facilities nearby or restaurants that are a hit with kids? It can get tedious to load kids in and out of cars, especially when you have to buckle them into car seats and take a stroller with you. Do yourself a favor and buy a home that makes it easy to get out of the house to do the things you all love to do.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Buying a home can be stressful. But it can be even more stressful if you’re a first-time homebuyer who is unfamiliar with the process. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make, so you want to be sure you’re making the right choices along the way. Although it’s common to feel anxious when you’re buying a home, there are steps you can take to feel more at ease. Here are the best strategies we’ve encountered to overcome your home-buying anxiety.

Make a budget

When you start looking at homes, it’s easy to get carried away. You may believe you’ve just found your dream home, but the mortgage payments may be more than you can handle. Before you begin your search, determine how much you can reasonably afford to pay for a home. Use this as your guide when house-hunting, and avoid the temptation to get in over your head.

Learn about mortgage options

Knowledge is power. Take time to educate yourself about the types of mortgages that are available. Not only can you look into a traditional mortgage, but you may also qualify for an FHA or a VA loan, among others. You should treat a mortgage as you would any other large purchase. Shop around for the best deal and the best terms.

Practice paying a mortgage

Are you worried that your mortgage payment is going to be more than you can handle? Then you should practice making that payment for a few months. Once you know how much you can afford each month, set that money aside as if you were paying the mortgage. You’ll get a good sense of whether or not that number is appropriate so you can make a more informed decision when the time comes.

Know what you want

When you begin your home search, you’ll discover there are so many choices out there when it comes to homes. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, then it can make the situation very stressful. Sit down and make a list of what you need in a home, and what it would be nice to have. Do you need a certain number of bedrooms? Would you like a home located in a specific school district? Are you hoping for a big backyard where the kids can play? When you determine what you really need, it will make it easier to know when you’ve found the right home.

Be flexible

Once you’re out shopping for a home, you’ll soon realize that no home is going to meet every single one of your needs. It’s important that you remain flexible. Buying a home is a complex process, and the more that you can keep an open mind and be willing to compromise, the better.

Work with a trusted professional

Finally, the best decision you can make to ease your home-buying stress is to work with a trusted real estate professional. When you partner with an agent who is an expert in your market, you can rely on them for guidance throughout the entire process. Chances are they’ve encountered every type of problem or setback imaginable, and they can help you navigate or avoid those same problems.

Compliments of Virtual Results

When you’re preparing to put your home on the market, you want to make it as attractive as possible to potential buyers. But what you do – or don’t do – can either get buyers excited or turn them off. Knowing what buyers don’t want is crucial when it’s time to sell your home. Here’s a list of the most common homebuyer turnoffs that you need to avoid.

Bad smells

Nothing turns off potential homebuyers more than unpleasant odors inside or outside your home. The most common smells that buyers find offensive are pet odors and cigarette smoke. But they may also be turned off by the smell of a damp basement or lingering cooking odors. If bad smells permeate your home, then it’s essential you take steps to wipe them out. Thoroughly clean and open windows to let in some fresh air before any potential buyer views your home.

Dirt and grime

Another big turnoff for potential buyers is walking into a home that’s dirty. This is especially true in the bathroom or kitchen. Nobody wants to buy a grimy home. Before you list your home, you need to clean it from top to bottom until it’s sparkling. If the task seems daunting to you, then hire a professional cleaning service. The added expense is worth it.

No curb appeal

Potential buyers will form their first impressions of your home based on its exterior appearance. After all, it’s the first thing they’ll see when they arrive for their showing. If you want to sell your home for a good price, then you must spruce up your curb appeal. At the very least, clean up the yard and make sure all walkways and the driveway are clear.

Pets

We know you love your dog, but not everyone will share that sentiment. Not only do pet odors turnoff potential buyers, but also the presence of pets at the showing. You must remove your pets from the home before showing it to buyers. Pets are distracting, and you never know which buyers may be allergic to or even afraid of them. You should also remove all pet-related items such as beds, feeding dishes, and litter boxes.

Outrageous or outdated décor

No matter how much you appreciate your personal décor, it can be a major turnoff for a potential buyer. This is particularly true if you have unusual taste or haven’t updated the interior since the 1980s. Remember – you want potential buyers to be able to imagine living in the home. Make is easier for them to do that by neutralizing the home’s interior.

Bad photos

Finally, you should remember that most homebuyers begin their home searches online. The first time they see your home will be in the photos that are posted to listing sites. If you have bad photos or no photos at all, this will give potential buyers a bad impression. If possible, hire a professional photographer to take your listing photos. At the very least, make sure that the photos don’t feature a pile of unwashed laundry or a sink full of dirty dishes.

Compliments of Virtual Results

When you’re selling your home and moving it’s time to declutter. Removing clutter makes it easier to stage your home so it’s more appealing to potential buyers. And getting rid of that clutter before you settle into your new place makes moving so much easier. Who wants to pack and move boxes of things you no longer need? Here are some great tips on how to sell all that stuff for top dollar. Who knows – you may make enough to pay for your entire move!

Host a yard sale

Everyone loves a great yard sale. Hosting a big moving sale before you leave is an efficient way to get rid of all those things you no longer need. Be sure to give yourself enough time to organize and price all of your items before the big day. Let your neighbors know you’re having a sale. They may want to join in on the fun. Neighborhood garage sales attract even bigger crowds. Don’t be afraid to lower prices throughout the day. Remember – you don’t want to take any of this stuff with you to your next place.

Take your stuff to a consignment store

If you don’t want the hassle of organizing a yard sale, then a consignment store can be a great choice for you. Consignment stores do all the work for you and take a percentage of the profit. The types of items that are appropriate for consignment stores include clothing, accessories, and furniture.

Trade in electronics

If you have older electronics you no longer need, then you can trade them in for money or gift cards. There are many places out there where you can trade-in your electronics, including Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, eBay, and Nextworth. The kinds of electronic devices that are suitable for these trade-ins include cameras, game consoles, phones, tablets, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and computers.

Sell online

There are so many places to sell secondhand goods online that you can move your stuff quickly this way. Craigslist is one of the most well-known places to sell your stuff. But there are many others out there including LetGo, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark, Nextdoor, and Chairish, just to name a few.

Tell your friends

Want to know one of the easiest ways to sell your stuff? Simply let your friends and family know what you have for sale. Chances are you know someone who has been eyeing that amazing lamp in your foyer. Let them know it’s for sale, and that you’ll give them a good price to act fast. You can send out an email to friends and family or post a few things on social media. This can be a win-win situation for all parties.

Plan a “raid my closet” party

Finally, another quick way to unload your unwanted stuff is to host a “raid my closet” party for friends and family. Invite people over to your house and let them choose what they’d like to buy from you before you move. Give it a party atmosphere with some good music, food, and drinks. By the end of the night, you will have seriously lightened your load.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

When you’re buying a home, you may come across terms that are unfamiliar. One of those terms may be “earnest money.” Exactly what is earnest money, and how does it help you buy a home? In order to save you some time and frustration, here are the most frequently asked questions we’ve received about earnest money.

What is earnest money?

First of all, let’s be clear about what an earnest money deposit actually is. It is the money you put down towards a home that signals to the seller you are serious about your offer. It is also sometimes called a “good faith deposit” because it shows that you really do want to buy the house.

How much is an earnest money deposit?

You can expect to pay between 1-5 percent of the purchase price of the home as an earnest money deposit. The amount of your deposit will depend on where you live and how competitive the real estate market is. When in doubt, consult with your real estate agent about how much to offer. Their expertise and knowledge of the local market can help guide you to offer the appropriate amount.

When do you make the earnest money deposit?

The earnest money deposit is paid after your offer is accepted and you have signed a purchase agreement.

What happens to the earnest money deposit?

The earnest money deposit is not paid directly to the seller. Instead, it is deposited in an escrow account until closing. At that time, the earnest money deposit is typically applied to the down payment and closing costs for the buyer.

When is earnest money refundable?

There are several situations where an earnest money deposit would be refundable if contingencies are stated in the purchase agreement. They include:

• During an option period – The option period is the timeframe where a buyer can cancel the purchase agreement and get the earnest money deposit back.
• Home appraisal contingency – If the home does not appraise for the agreed-upon selling price and the buyer backs out of the contract as a result, then the earnest money deposit is refundable.
• Title contingency – If a title search uncovers a lien on the title or a dispute of ownership, then the earnest money deposit is refundable.
• Home inspection contingency – If the home inspection reveals serious problems that force a buyer to back out of the purchase agreement, then the money is refundable.
• Financing contingency – If your financing for the home falls through, then you can cancel the contract and get your earnest money returned.
• Seller backing out – If the seller gets cold feet and terminates a contract, then the earnest money deposit is refundable.

When is earnest money not refundable?

As a buyer, if you pull out of a contract for a reason that is not clearly stated in the agreement, then you will forfeit your earnest money deposit to the seller.

Should I remove contract contingencies?

Although it may be tempting to remove contract contingencies to make your offer more attractive, it can seriously cost you. Unless you are 100 percent certain you will be able to close on the home, don’t give up your right to cancel the purchase agreement.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

We’re nearing the end of the summer season. This means that many homebuyers have already put in an offer on a house and finished the closing process. But if you’re still house hunting, does that mean you’re out of luck? Fortunately, buying a home at the end of the summer can be a great benefit for those who are still looking. Here’s a look at what you should keep in mind when you’re out there house hunting right now.

There are fewer buyers

The spring and summer real estate market can be very competitive, especially in places with great school districts. When you’re looking for a home in May, there are going to be many buyers looking at the same time. You could put offers in on several homes, only to be outbid by another buyer. But when you’re searching for a home at the end of the summer, there are fewer buyers, which means less competition for you.

Sellers are more motivated

If you’re looking for a bargain, then the end of the summer can be a great time to look for a home. With fewer buyers in the market, many sellers will be more motivated to accept your offer so they can close before the end of the year. And you may be able to find a great deal on a home you love. Be sure to look at listings that have been on the market for more than a month. Those sellers may be more motivated to offer a price reduction or to negotiate on other terms. In many cases, these sellers priced their homes too high to begin with, which caused them to stay on the market for too long. This is a great benefit for end-of-summer homebuyers.

Have patience

One of the disadvantages of house hunting at the end of summer is that there can be lower inventory. Other buyers have snatched up many of the homes that were on the market. But don’t worry – new homes come on the market all the time. If you haven’t found the home that’s right for you, don’t throw in the towel just yet. Have a little patience and keep checking in with your real estate agent. Chances are, more new houses will come on the market each week. Stay persistent with your search.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage

No matter what time of year you are looking for a home, it’s essential that you are pre-approved for a mortgage. This signals to the seller that you are serious about your offer to buy their home. During the end of the summer, you should have your mortgage pre-approval letter ready so that when you do find a home you love you’re ready to make your offer.

Know that it isn’t too late

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not too late to be looking for a home at the end of summer. If you want to complete your home purchase before the end of the year, then you still have plenty of time. On average, it takes approximately 50 days to close on a home. This means you could be celebrating the holidays this year in your new place!

Courtesy of Virtual Results