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Home Sweet Home: Essential Tasks for New Homeowners

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It’s a big step to buy a new house. Along with the excitement, you should also make sure that your new home will be safe, comfortable, and functional. Here are some important steps that new homeowners need to take, from setting up utilities and securing insurance.

Secure your investment

Protecting your new home, which is probably one of the biggest investments you will ever make in your life, should be top priority. comparing home insurance policies is one of the first things you should do to ensure that your policy meets your needs. Home insurance protects you against damage to your property, but it also covers your possessions and offers liability coverage in the event of an accident on your property. Find a policy that is comprehensive and offers you peace of mind.

Change your locks

One of the easiest but most important tasks when moving into a new house is to change the locks. The keys to your home may be still in the possession of previous owners, real-estate agents or maintenance staff. By replacing or rekeying exterior locks, you can control who has access to the property and enhance your privacy.

Set up utilities

Make sure you set up all utilities before moving in. This includes electricity, water, gas, internet and garbage collection. Contact the respective service providers to start or transfer new accounts in your name. This should be done before moving day to avoid service interruptions, which can be very inconvenient.

Check safety devices

Install and test all safety devices, including smoke detectors and CO detectors in your home. Replace batteries or units as necessary. You should also familiarize yourself the location of gas and water main shutoffs and fire extinguishers so that you can respond to an emergency.

Deep clean and paint

It’s a good idea to clean the slate before moving into a new space. Before moving your things into your new home, consider doing a deep cleaning. Included in this is cleaning the floors, carpets, windows and countertops. You can avoid the headache of having to move furniture later if you paint before you move in.

Check for repairs and maintenance

Perform a thorough inspection to identify all issues or repairs that require attention. Check for structural problems, electrical issues, and leaks. If not attended to promptly, minor repairs can turn into expensive damages. Schedule regular maintenance like gutter cleanings, furnace inspections and HVAC services to keep your house in great condition.

Address lawn and landscaping

It is important to maintain your home’s health and appearance. To avoid problems such as foundation damage or insect infestations, take care of your garden, lawn and landscaping. To keep your lawn looking healthy and beautiful, you need to regularly mow, trim, and water.

Organize and update important documents

Manage important documents for homeowners, including receipts, insurance policies and deeds. Use a digital scanner or a filing system to organize and make everything easily accessible. keeping track of all your paperwork will save you time and effort when you need it in the future.

Make a home maintenance schedule

Home ownership comes with ongoing maintenance duties. Keep track of seasonal and routine chores by creating a home maintenance calendar. A proactive maintenance plan can help ensure that household systems and structures are efficient and last longer.

Personalize your space

Personalize your home to reflect your own tastes and preferences. Decorate with your favorite furniture and colors, hang artwork and frame family pictures. Personal touches enhance your living space and make it unique, reflecting your style.

The conclusion of the article is:

As a first-time homeowner, you have a lot of responsibilities. By addressing the essential tasks as soon as possible, you will protect your investment and ensure that your home is functional. You can also create an inviting environment you can enjoy in years to come. Enjoy your new home!

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/ask-the-expert/item/1049273-home-sweet-home-essential-tasks-for-new-homeowners?rtmpage=null

8 New Tricks for Keeping Mosquitos Away

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Mosquitos. Mosquitos are universally hated, and we would do anything to keep them at bay. We’re constantly on the lookout for new products, devices or prayers that can keep them out of our yard. This way we can enjoy the outdoors without having to come back home covered in itchy welts.

Here are the latest tools and tricks to help you keep them away.

Repel them

This Thermacell Mosquito Shield Mosquito Repellant provides 12 hours of DEET-free mosquito repellent. It is also cordless and scent-free. Amazon reviews are mixed, but at less than $25, it’s worth a try!

Remove them by wiping.

These Repel Mosquito Repellent Wipes with 30% DEET keep them away and are much easier to use than bug spray. You can also find wipes without DEET.

Use essential oils to dab on your skin

It was the best strategy for a recent visit to a land that is very humid and mosquito-prone. Peppermint and rosemary were applied liberally, reapplied every 30 minutes.

Burn coffee grounds

Reusing coffee grounds has many benefits, from fertilizing plants and repelling mosquitoes,” stated Hunker. After you ignite the coffee grounds, they have a smoldering affect that repels insects. The odor of burning coffee grounds repels mosquitoes and other insects.

Plant lavender

Mosquitos are not fond of the smell (and it is also beautiful to look upon), but they do. You can also add lemongrass, marigolds, and lemon balm to your garden.

Herbs to grow

You can also add rosemary, basil and garlic to your garden as a powerful anti-mosquito weapon. You might also want to grow it for other reasons, like its taste.

Basil is a great repellent of mosquitos, and it also adds a tasty flavor to Italian food! You’ll want it to be all over your home,” said PopSUGAR. “Windowsills and porches are great places to plant them. The possibilities are endless!”

Plug in the fan

A standing fan was more effective at repelling mosquitos in a Consumer Reports study than other “tried and true” methods. The CR team tested three different methods to control mosquito activity over a large area. These included citronella candle, an oscillating fan and a battery powered area diffuser emitting geraniol. Geraniol is a natural insect repellent derived by plants. “We found the fan to be far more effective than the citronella candle or the geraniol emitter.” Our tests revealed that the fan significantly reduced mosquito landings for people sitting nearby by up to 65 percent.

Grab a dryer sheet

The little miracles are useful for more than just eliminating static cling. Buzzfeed said that there is science behind the age-old myth. “Dryer sheets are a great way to keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay. They contain two chemicals: linalool (which is toxic for some insects) and beta-citronellol (found in citronella). Keep one in your pocket or, if you want to be really serious, rub it on your arms, and any other exposed areas.’

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1030076-8-new-tricks-for-keeping-mosquitos-away?rtmpage=

Patio Appeal May Add Value To Your Home

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A patio may not be something you consider during the winter, especially if it is cold and snowy. Many people love a patio on a warm sunny afternoon. Sipping iced lemonade or tea outside is a great way to relax. Your real estate agent will want to capture this picture when you list your home for sale.

Patios can be appealing because they create a feeling of openness, freedom and peace. They can also seem to increase the amount of living space when it is nice out.

When you list your house, you can set out some simple yet comfortable patio furniture on your patio. You might be surprised to find that potential buyers will sit down and consider your home. Good! Allow them to soak up the energy in your home. It’s the way it feels. It allows them to relax. Place some brochures on the side table. You could even offer a book. You would be surprised at what these buyers choose. You’ve likely piqued the interest of your potential buyers if they are enjoying themselves on your patio.

What if you already have a patio but don’t have one in your backyard? Is it still worth investing money into one? It depends on your budget, but having a deck or patio – an outdoor space to relax in – is definitely a plus.

Here are some tips on how to create that patio area.

Avoid a concrete jungle

You don’t want to fill up your entire backyard with a concrete slab if you have a smaller yard. Why? Also, greenery is appealing. You want the patio to be proportional to your yard. You don’t want a large yard with a tiny patio, nor vice versa.

Easy Access

It is best to place your patio near an entrance to the house, usually the kitchen. It is important to have the patio close to the entryway of the home, usually the kitchen. This will allow people who are grilling outside or eating outdoors easy access to the kitchen without having them walk through another room.

Patios should also be placed in areas with some privacy. Patios are most attractive when you can relax, enjoy a meal, a book or a conversation without feeling watched. The backyard is the most common location.

Maintain it well

A well-maintained patio is often a plus for buyers and can increase the value of your home.

Cover or not to cover? When homeowners install patios, many wonder if adding a cover will increase the value of their house. This depends on a number of factors, such as whether the patio is built and maintained well, if it is aesthetically pleasing and does not block views, etc. When it is well-crafted and maintained, the patio’s covering and construction can add to the appeal of the home. This could lead to a quicker sale and a higher price.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/sellersadvice/item/37371-patio-appeal-may-add-value-to-your-home?rtmpage=null

Protecting Your House from Rainwater Damage: 5 Tips

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In the last few years there have been many cases of heavy rains in the US. In many cases, heavy rains were followed by floods. Experts warn, based on new research that such weather conditions will only get worse.

First Street Foundation reports that climate change causes more rain and flooding to occur in different parts of America. Already, the impact of heavy rains is being felt in America.

ABC News reported that fifteen million Americans were on flood alert in the last weeks of January. The Northeast was soaked by a coastal storm. As such weather becomes more common, Americans must learn how to protect their home from rain damage.

This article will discuss some tips on how to protect your home against rainwater damage.

#1 Gutters and downspouts maintenance 

Begin by checking your gutters to see if there are any debris such as leaves or twigs that could obstruct the flow of water. To ensure that your gutters remain clear, regularly clean and flush them.

The downspouts are crucial to the function of gutters. Extend the downspouts, ideally at least five feet from the foundation. Install downspout extension or diverters that will direct water to designated drainage areas.

fascia boards must be selected correctly. Fascia boards add moisture protection to the roofing system of your home. They protect the edge of your roof from moisture, which in turn prevents mold.

Belco Forest Products says that high-quality fascia material makes your roofing system more durable and stronger. The edges will last longer, even in heavy rain.

#2 Sealant Applications

Sealants are a great way to protect against rainwater. Unfortunately, this is a home protection strategy that many people overlook.

Sealants must be inspected and reapplied around your windows, doors and other exterior openings. These seals will degrade over time due to exposure to elements. Water can easily enter your home when it rains heavily.

Choose a silicone sealant to use in your home. It is a reliable and durable sealant that provides a barrier against moisture.

#3 Landscaping for Drainage

Create a thoughtful grading plan for your home so that water flows naturally away from the foundation. Encourage rainwater to flow away from your house by sloping the land.

Install permeable surfaces such as pavers or gravel in areas that tend to accumulate water. These surfaces allow for water to permeate the ground and prevent pooling. They also reduce the risk of foundation damages. Water-absorbing native vegetation can be planted in strategic places to help with water absorption.

Don’t hesitate to hire a professional landscaper if you don’t want to do it yourself. According to Forbes such services cost between $2,600 and $14,700. Costs will vary depending on how large the area is, the length of the project and the number of tasks required.

#4 Window Well Covers

Basements are especially vulnerable to damage from rainwater, and often become the first victims during heavy downpours. If not properly protected, window wells can allow rainwater to seep down into the basement. This vulnerability can be addressed by installing window well covers.

These covers are typically made from durable materials like metal or polycarbonate. They protect window wells against rainwater, debris, and snow. Make sure the covers are properly fitted and securely fastened to avoid any gaps which could allow water into your home. To maintain maximum functionality, clean the covers regularly.

#5 Foundation Waterproofing

The foundation is both the literal and symbolic bedrock for your home’s structural integrity. The foundation must be waterproofed to prevent rainwater damage. Start by checking the foundation for signs of water leakage, such as cracks or fissures. Address any problems with immediate professional repairs.

A waterproofing membrane applied to the foundation walls on the outside can act as an impermeable barrier that prevents rainwater from entering. Sealant paints and coatings can also be used on the interior, particularly in basements that are finished. To ensure lasting protection, it’s important to use products designed specifically for waterproofing foundations.

Protecting your home against rainwater damage is a proactive and comprehensive approach. You can protect your home from the destructive effects of rain by following these tips.

Rainwater can cause immediate damage to your home. Regular inspections and timely repairs will help you protect it. All of these things will help to increase the resilience of your home over time.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/ask-the-expert/item/1048468-protecting-your-house-from-rainwater-damage-5-tips?rtmpage=wishes

Use This Spring Gardening Checklist for a Pretty Landscape All Year

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As your garden starts waking up in spring, it’s time to start planting, pruning, and prepping for the growing season ahead.

You can use the same approach to get your garden ready for warmer months as you would to give your home an extensive spring cleaning. This spring gardening checklist will help you tackle all of your outdoor chores like a professional. This spring gardening checklist is divided into three sections: early, mid, and late tasks. It will help you to pace yourself while you prepare your flowerbeds and garden areas for the growing seasons. You’ll have a better chance of hitting each part of your landscape before the summer.

Early Spring

Although the first day of spring officially falls in March, many gardeners use the weather as a guide to determine when spring has begun. If you live in an area with a cold climate, early spring is when the temperatures start to rise and remain above freezing. In temperate areas, plants are about to emerge from dormancy in the spring but have not yet started growing.

1. Flowerbeds should be cleaned.

Remove any dead leaves and other winter debris that may have accumulated on the soil surface where you plan to plant annual vegetables or flowers. Cut back the dried leaves from last year and remove winter mulch around ornamental grasses and perennials. Hedge trimmers are great for giving grass clumps an even, clean look. Wear gardening gloves to protect yourself from scrapes and cuts, especially when you are working with plants that have prickly foliage.

2. Divide perennials.

It is best to divide perennials just before the spring growth starts. Divide perennials to increase the number of plants in your garden or to give extras to friends. This also helps to keep your perennials healthy. If your plants are arranged in a large group, they can become thinned out over time, leaving an empty spot. Dividing a clump can encourage new growth.

3. Mulch perennials.

Mulch around your garden beds is one of the easiest and quickest ways to improve the appearance of your yard. It also helps to retain moisture in the soil and keep weeds at bay. You may need more mulch to cover your bed than you thought, so buy more than you expect. Spread mulch evenly using a rake or gloved hands. Be careful not to apply it too thickly, or too close to plants. This can lead to diseases. Keep the mulch at a level to help it remain in place when there are heavy rains or winds. Replace mulch with river stones if your downspouts wash it away.

4. Pruning trees and shrubs.

Now is the perfect time to trim fruit trees if you did not prune them in winter. You should prune before the buds start to bloom. Otherwise, you will stress the tree. It may produce a small crop or none at all. Pruning evergreen shrubs and trees is also a great time.

5. Maintain your hardscaping by performing basic maintenance.

Check for frost heaves in stonework, especially along paths and edges. Make any necessary repairs to your patio or deck. Cleaning outdoor furniture will make it ready for you to relax on after a long day in the garden.

6. Plant your vegetables.

​Hardy, cool-season vegetables, like potatoes, artichokes, peas, and some lettuces, germinate best in cool soil, so plant them in early spring, once the soil has thawed. They should be ready to harvest by early summer.

Mid Spring

As you approach the halfway point of the season, your springscape should begin to take shape as more and perennials, trees, shrubs and bulbs start growing and possibly blooming. After the majority of the cleaning is done, you can start adding new plants.

1. Clean bird feeders.

Some people prefer to remove their feeders for birds and store them until the fall. You can wash and empty them now if you plan to keep them up all year. Fill your feeders up with new seed.

2. Take notes while you watch the spring shows.

Some spring bulbs will be in bloom. Take note of the empty spaces where you can plant bulbs in the fall.

3. Plant perennials, and hardy annuals.

For new perennials, it is important to give them some time before the summer heat hits. Add some cool-season annuals to your garden, such as pansies and snappedragons. These flowers also look great in pots to brighten up your porch.

4. Add new shrubs and trees.

Plant as soon the ground no longer freezes. You should plant as soon as the ground is no longer frozen. This will give your shrubs and trees time to develop new roots before the temperatures rise.

5. Apply fresh mulch.

Mulch your plants after you finish planting. Mulch now before weeds sprout. You’ll need to do little or no weeding in the summer.

Late Spring

You can begin cleaning flowers in late spring. You can also start planting to fill your garden.

1. Cut back flowering bulbs.

Remove spent flowers on spring-flowering bulbs. This encourages plants to store their energy rather than use it to produce seeds. Allow the foliage to die on its own and wait until it is completely yellowed or dried out before you remove it.

2. Summer annuals are available.

Choose flats with your summer annuals favorites, such as petunias impatiens and Zinnias. Plants that haven’t bloomed yet will be stronger.

3. Warm-season vegetables should be started.

While harvesting your radishes or lettuces that you planted in early spring, you could plant seedlings for warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers and herbs.

4. Plant summer-blooming bulbs.

Spring-blooming bulb should be planted during the fall. Summer-blooming ones, such as dahlias or gladiolus should be planted when there is no threat of frost. You can use the average last frost date in your area to get a good idea when you should plant the bulbs. Then, once the soil is warm enough, it’s time to put them into the ground.

This spring gardening checklist will help you create the most beautiful yard on the block. There are tasks you need to do each season. But if you tackle these early in the season, you will have more time this summer to relax and enjoy your landscaping.

Original Blog: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/garden-care/spring-gardening-checklist/

Should You Fix Up Your House Before Listing Or Sell It As A Fixer Upper?

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If you’re thinking of selling your home, this is probably a question you’ve been asking yourself – and your real estate agent. There is no hard and fast answer; the route you go will depend on numerous factors, the most important of which are: the condition of your home, the strength of the market in your area, and the potential profit to be made both with and without updates. These tips will help you decide whether to sell now or later.

Consider your buyer

The words “fixer upper” might actually be a selling point for some buyers who perceive they’re getting a deal, who are specifically looking for something they can put their stamp on, or who just can’t afford to buy something turnkey. The marketing your agent does is key here so you don’t end up with nothing but unacceptable offers.

“In any marketing communications surrounding a fixer-upper, it’s important to remain focused on value,” said ExtraSpace. “Prospective homebuyers know that a fixer-upper will sell at a lower price point than newer or more modern homes on the market. But that doesn’t mean you need to accept a lowball offer. Instead, emphasize the home’s investment potential by reminding buyers of the future sale opportunities after the home has been remodeled.”

If your home needs A LOT of work and you can’t, or don’t want to, put the time, money, and effort into getting it in top condition, targeting investors could get it sold quickly. “A few years ago, a past client called to say her next-door neighbors needed to immediately sell their home. To say it needed work was an understatement,” said Sacramento-based real estate broker Elizabeth Weintraub on The Balance. “The home appeared inhabitable. It had holes in the walls all the way to the exterior and urine-soaked wood floors; most of the electrical didn’t work and the bathroom tub had fallen through the joists. All the faucets leaked and, in one bedroom, I found a pile of dead rats swept into a pile in the center of the floor. This was not a home that could be easily fixed up. Not even a coat of paint would have helped sell this place. We priced it low enough that it attracted multiple offers and sold with zero days on market. Only contractors and flippers made offers on this home.”

Since flipping is more popular than ever, a home that needs work – especially certain kinds of work – may be attractive enough to investors that you don’t have to do any work at all. “A good rule of thumb: If your home needs kitchen or bath remodels, a new roof, or foundation repairs, there’s an 80%-plus chance your buyer is going to be an investor,” Bruce Ailion, a broker and REALTOR(r) in Atlanta, said on Realtor.com.

Get an honest assessment – and be able to hear it

If you’ve lived in your home for quite some time and/or haven’t kept up with updates and repairs, your real estate agent’s assessment of its condition and the recommendations he or she makes to get it market-ready may be eye-opening. They may also make you angry. Try to listen and keep an open mind, even if you feel offended. In the end, you share the same goal, which is to get your home sold for the best possible price.

Be realistic on pricing

“Finding out your home’s value isn’t as simple as subtracting the cost of repairs from your home. You also need to factor in ‘aggravation costs,’ said Ailion. “In other words, turnkey homes often sell at a premium to traditional buyers because they don’t have to do any work. If your home needs some sprucing up, you’re likely going to have to incentivize buyers to dig in and get their hands dirty.”

It may be that fixing your home up makes the most sense because of the financial upside. In presenting you with comparables, your real estate agent should be able to show you other properties in your area in varying conditions (depending on the number of active listings or recently sold homes near you). This will help inform the pricing for your home and also give you some idea of how much you’d have to put into it to get top dollar. Now all you have to do is come up with the money!

Choose your updates wisely

A $30,000 kitchen renovation may not be in the budget and may not give you the return on investment you’re looking for, but there are smaller updates you can do to your kitchen to make it look fresh (and, you can use the same principles in other important areas, like bathrooms). Better Homes and Gardens has a great list of updates you can make for under $2,000, including hanging a pendant that “illuminates the sink area” and swapping out a tired sink for a “farmhouse sink (that) adds character to the space.” Also think about painting cabinets and installing new hardware, and, if you’re up to the task, adding an eye-catching backsplash.

Make necessary repairs

Investors aren’t expecting perfection, and their offers will be based on the condition of your home and the potential profit they can make once it’s fixed up. Non-investor types looking for a deal may not necessarily be scared off by a few cosmetic issues, but major repairs that are needed are another story. If you’re looking for the smartest place to put your pre-sale renovation dollars, this may be it.

“It might not be glamorous, but buyers are looking at big-ticket items like the age and condition of the roof, air conditioning and heating systems, water heater, electrical panel and pipes,” said Inman. “If any of these components are on their last leg, you might seriously need to consider replacing them as these items could factor into the kind of financing the buyer is able to obtain as well as insurability of the property.”

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1016869-20180426-should-you-fix-up-your-house-before-listing-or-sell-it-as-a-fixer-upper?rtmpage=

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