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Casey Taylor

Putting Off These Home Repairs Could Be Dangerous – Have You Addressed Them?

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For all homeowners, adhering to a regular maintenance schedule and making repairs as soon as they are needed are effective ways to avoid costly disasters. When your home is on the market, however, it is particularly important to resolve problems before they escalate. Damage to the appearance or structural integrity of the property is every home seller’s worst nightmare.

Although there are some fixes – like updating appliances or adding a fresh coat of paint – that are not urgent, other maintenance issues could become dangerous if not addressed. Here are a few home repairs that you need to deal with as soon as possible:

    • A leaky roof. If you’ve noticed your ceiling leaking when it rains, your roof is most likely in need of repair. Not only is a leaky roof a nuisance, but it can cause mold growth and structural damage, and could even start a fire if water makes contact with electrical wiring. At the very least, you could face water stains on the ceiling or walls when trying to show your house – a glaring red flag for buyers. Even if your roof is not yet leaking, it may be a good idea to have it inspected for problems like damaged or missing shingles. Storms and wind can compromise shingles, causing leaks and other problems in the future.
    • Faulty electrical wiring. Seemingly harmless problems like flickering lights or outlets that are warm to the touch may indicate serious threats to your home. If you notice these signs, it may mean that your electrical system is overtaxed or the home is wired improperly – which could cause an electrical fire. Call an electrician immediately.
    • Clogged gutters. Keeping your gutters clean may seem overwhelming, particularly if your home is surrounded by trees. However, if the gutters become full of leaves and other debris, they will be unable to serve their intended purpose of directing rainwater away from the home and preventing damage to the walls and foundation. In addition, prospective buyers may notice the clogged gutters and assume that your home is not properly maintained. Avoid these problems by cleaning out gutters twice a year, and then using a hose to ensure that water properly flows down the drainpipes and away from your home.
    • Pest invasions. Common insects and other pests can cause significant damage to your home. For example, insects like termites can devour wood framing, while rodents can chew through insulation or even wires, creating a risk of fire. Furthermore, the waste left behind by pests may be hazardous to the health of the home’s occupants. If you see, hear, or find damage from critters, assume that you may have an infestation and contact a pest control company.
    • Gas leaks. A gas leak is an imminent emergency, since it could lead to fire or an explosion. If you notice a rotten egg-like odor – particularly in the lowest level of your home – get out of the house and call your gas company immediately.

Should You Rent or Buy a Home? Weighing the Pros and Cons of Each Option

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Should You Rent or Buy a Home? Weighing the Pros and Cons of Each Option

When you are looking for a new home, there are seemingly endless factors to consider: what is your price range? What type of neighborhood is right for you? How much space do you need? One of the most fundamental decisions you’ll face is whether to buy or rent a home.

While home ownership is often glamorized and renting is sometimes thought to be preferable only for those who cannot afford a down payment, both options carry advantages and disadvantages that warrant careful consideration. Whether you’re a renter thinking about making the transition to home ownership or a homeowner drawn to the idea of renting, it’s important to remember that this is a deeply personal decision that should take into account your lifestyle, goals, and financial situation.

Here are a few of the pros and cons of each option:

Buying

    • Pro: The chance to build equity. When you own a home and make your monthly mortgage payments, you will gradually build equity by paying down the principal on the loan. Aside from the sense of fulfillment that comes from having an ownership interest in the property, you may eventually be able to obtain a home equity loan, which can be used to meet various financial needs.
    • Pro: The possibility of profiting from your investment. Most homes appreciate in value over time. If you have the flexibility to wait to sell your home until it is worth more than you paid, you may easily walk away with a profit.
    • Pro: The freedom to customize the property. As a homeowner, you typically do not need permission to decorate, paint, and renovate your home to suit your unique style and needs. Such improvements will enhance your enjoyment of the property and may boost resale value.
    • Con: Substantially higher upfront costs. Many lenders require a down payment of 20 percent of the home’s sale price—which can amount to a hefty sum, even for inexpensive properties. In addition, you must be ready to pay for the appraisal, inspection, and closing costs.
    • Con: The risk of losing money. Market conditions are hard to predict. Even if buying a home seems like a good investment, you run the risk that it will not be worth as much as you paid when you are ready to sell.

Renting

    • Pro: Greater mobility. When you are renting, it is easier to move when your circumstances change. Even if you have to break your lease, it is less time-consuming and stressful than selling a home.
    • Pro: No risk of losing money on your investment. When you are renting, you are insulated from declines in the market.
    • Pro: No responsibility for maintenance and repairs. When something breaks at a rental property, the landlord is usually responsible for fixing it. For tenants, this means less expense and less hassle than homeowners face in similar situations.
    • Con: Continually increasing rent. Although renters do not have to pay many upfront costs when moving into a property, many landlords raise the rent each year.
    • Con: Unable to renovate the property. As a renter, if you want to change a paint color or replace the kitchen cabinets to suit your style, you cannot do so without approval from the landlord—if at all.

Home Maintenance

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Here are some tips to keep your home in great shape so when the time comes to sell you aren’t scrambling to get things fixed.

• Your roof is a very important part of your home. It keeps out water, insulates your home and keeps it structurally sound. Inspecting your roof on a yearly basis can save you money later on. Checking for missing or broken tiles and inspecting the flashing is so important. Also check your interior and attic ceilings for any sign of water damage.
• Your hot water heater is something we rely on but don’t think about until we don’t have any hot water! Check for sediment at the bottom of the tank and change out the water.
• Depending on how often you use your fireplace, keeping your chimney clean and inspected is very important to keep it functional and safe.
• Trimming trees around your property often will keep them healthy and you won’t have to worry during the monsoon season of them falling over, especially on top of your house.
• Checking the caulking in your kitchen and bathrooms is important as it can lead to water damage. Also check the caulking on all your windows as well.
• Washing machines are a big source of water damage. Check your lines to be sure they are not worn or have come disconnected and are working properly. Don’t forget about your dryer and clean out your vent but also the dryer hose to be sure there is no build-up.
• Test your water sprinkler system and your drip system for leaks. This will save you money on your water bill as well.
• Maintaining the chemical balance in your pool will keep it in good working order. Clean your skimmers, brush the pool and check that your vacuum in working order.
• Change your air filters regularly for better air and will keep your AC system working properly. A yearly check-up is a must. Don’t forget your exhaust hood in the kitchen.
• Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
• Check the foundation for cracks, settling and leaks as well as repairing cracks in the driveway and sidewalks the minute you see something before it gets too big.
• Inspect door locks, hinges, latches and repair as needed.
• Make sure your garage door is in good working order and all safety features are in place.

When It’s a Seller’s Market…

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With the lack of homes on the market there has been an increase in the price of homes in many metropolitan areas. Real estate is very local of course but nationally home prices were up nearly 7 percent from a year ago. In this sort of scenario, it is the first time homebuyers who are having the hardest time because of the lack of inventory. The reason for the lack of homes is because some homeowners are still underwater so they are unable to sell until prices go up. Another reason is the lack of new construction. Homeowners who want to sell cannot find suitable new homes so they are staying put and not putting their home on the market. The lack of homes on the market is helping to raise rents so investors are holding on to those properties as well. If you are looking to buy, the most important thing is to get pre-qualified so you are ready to go. Putting down a large deposit and agreeing to the seller’s requests will help you. Mortgage rates are remaining low which is good for the home shopper, but more documentation is needed today because of the tougher requirements so be prepared to have tax returns, pay stubs and w-2 forms when you meet with your lender.  The more prepared you are, the better your chances are to get the home you want.

Keep Loved Ones Close

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A growing trend these dagrannyys are backyard “Granny Pods” where your family member can live independently but you can keep an eye on them. It is a great alternative to a nursing home and it keeps your family engaged.

The basic cottage is around 12 ft x 24 ft or the size of a master bedroom and looks like a hotel suite. There is a small kitchen and a bathroom. They come with vinyl siding and double French doors to accommodate wheelchairs and equipment. There are amenities such as railings, first aid supplies, timed medication dispensers, toilets that measure weight, temperature and urine content as well as lighted floorboards and soft floors for falls.

You can install a video system that monitors at floor level to give the person privacy but a family member would know if there was a problem. A virtual companion can relay messages such as reminders for medication but also play movies and games.

We worry about our elderly family members and always want the best for them, this allows you to keep them very close to home.

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