Blog

Summer is in full swing and you’re spending more time outdoors. For most of us, this still
means primarily in our own backyards. Personal outdoor space has never been
more popular and if yours could use a little sprucing up, here are the hottest
trends for 2021.

• Outdoor Kitchens – This trend is going nowhere. Ever since the first built-in
BBQ showed up, homeowners have loved cooking outdoors. Choose from a
simple pizza oven to a full chef’s set-up with multiple ovens, refrigerators,
cooking spaces, and bar.

• Edible Gardens – While home gardeners have enjoyed seasonal tomatoes
and herb pots for decades, the rise of sustainability trends have increased
the attention on home-grown, organic fruits and vegetables. Any small
space can be transformed to grow your favorites.

• Privacy Structures – Creating some private outdoor space is relatively easy.
Simple strategies, such as a large, well-placed umbrella or planter
containing tall grasses, can carve out some private outdoor space. Another
trend is using larger furniture, such as covered daybeds or gazebos have
made a strong return to the pages of design magazines.

• Front Yards – With the lock downs and restrictions of the past year, front
yards have made a comeback. As people have enjoyed the ability to
socialize with neighbors and friends as they pass by, not only have front
porches become more popular but adding a patio or sitting area in the front
yard has topped the garden trends this year.

The warm weather is here for a while. This is a great time to explore the many ways to enjoy
your outdoor space. From simple weekend projects to large-scale remodels, the
trend toward using the outdoors to supplement indoor living space is here to stay.

Mortgage interest rates are the lowest they’ve been in years and perhaps you’re wondering if it’s time to refinance your loan. Lenders advertising their refinancing services make it sound as easy as filling out a form and paying less each month. While refinancing does not need to be complicated, here are 5 common mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars over the course of the loan. Refinancing can be a great experience if you can avoid making these mistakes.

1. Not Shopping Around – Not all loans are structured the same. It’s important to compare your options. Even loans with the same interest rate can have different costs, fees, and terms.
2.  Shopping for Too Long – Interest rates change quickly and, in this volatile market, it’s possible to lose a great interest rate by looking for too long. Consider getting three different loan options at the same time and choosing the best option out of those three to work with.
3. Adding Years to Repayment – Interest rates are not the only consideration in deciding to refinance. If you are 7 years into a 30-year loan, restarting the clock with a new 30-year loan can cost you thousands of dollars. Never refinance with a longer term than your current status.
4. Not Considering Your Job Stability – The pandemic has created instability in the job market; consider your employment situation carefully before using precious savings for loan costs. Additionally, if you are moving from a 30-year loan to a 15-year loan, your payment might go up. Make sure you have the income to comfortably pay that increase each month.
5. Assuming Your Credit is Great – Before looking for a refinance, check your credit score and make any adjustments before you get a surprise at closing.

This is a great time to reduce your mortgage interest rate, while rates are low. Consider all the aspects of the refinance offer first and make sure you get the best option to save money.

Most homebuyers realize that they can’t expect a perfect home inspection report when buying a resale home. Cosmetic flaws and minor repairs are easily managed and shouldn’t be deal breakers. That said, there are some issues that are more serious and should give the buyer pause if not addressed adequately.

10 Home Inspection Red Flags

1. Leaky and Rundown Roofing – watch for signs of current or past water damage.
2. Poor Drainage – drainage issues can cause serious damage to the home foundation, siding and basements.
3. Foundation Issues – signs of foundation problems can include cracks around doors and windows or uneven floors. Foundation problems can cost thousands of dollars to correct.
4. Plumbing Problems – major plumbing issues should be considered carefully and further explored.
5. Pest Infestations – termites and other wood-eating pests can cause extensive damage that can be hard to find and costly to repair.
6. Mold – that musty smell could be due to hidden mold and further investigation should be undertaken as mold can be dangerous to the health of the family. Depending on the type of mold, it can be very difficult to remove entirely.
7. Faulty Heating System – a malfunctioning furnace can be a fire hazard.
8. Electrical Wiring – faulty wiring can cost thousands of dollars to repair.
9. Structural Damage – sagging joists, rafters and door jambs can be evidence of larger issues.
10. Deferred Maintenance – a home in poor condition could be hiding more serious issues due to chronic neglect.

Homebuyers should be alert to these issues and know the costs to repair before concluding the sale. Home sellers should address these issues before putting the home up for sale to ensure they get the best possible sales price

Finding the right home can sometimes feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Unless you’re buying brand-new construction, every home has some drawbacks, whether it’s style or real maintenance issues. If you’re looking for your next home, understanding the difference between minor issues and true deal-breakers can help you evaluate your options and make the best possible choice.

Manageable Annoyances

• Cosmetic – All aesthetic concerns can be fixed – for a cost. The key is to understand the difficulty and level of effort or money involved. A dying lawn can be addressed with new sod. Is the kitchen dated? A new backsplash is relatively inexpensive. With some fresh paint and new lighting fixtures, you can easily brighten a room and make a small space seem more expansive.
• Healthy Homes – Many homes have older carpet, drapes, and other elements that can irritate allergies. Home air filtration systems are affordable and very effective in clearing the particulates out of the air. Replacing the attic insulation and cleaning the vents are easy and inexpensive ways to correct these situations.

Deal-Breakers

• Foundation Problems – Foundation cracks and other issues can be expensive or impossible to correct.
• Mold – While treatments for mold are available, they normally involve major demolition to open walls and flooring for access. Unless the sellers will correct the mold issue before closing, it’s better to reconsider on this one.
• Water Leaks – Signs of water damage or existing leaks could be a reason to search for a different home. Leaks and water issues will most likely bring you to the mold issue above.

Buying a resale home almost always involves some kind of preexisting issue, but not all should be reasons to walk away. If the home you like has problems, before you move on, consider the costs involved to remedy the challenge.

The summer heat is almost here and it may seem like your air conditioner has been running almost constantly. Your air conditioner is an important part of your home, and you certainly don’t want to discover that it’s stopped working on a hot, humid day. Here are five of the most common HVAC problems and how to avoid them in the first place so you can enjoy your air conditioning all summer long.

1. Clogged Drain Lines – Your air conditioner has a drain line attached to the evaporator coil which removes moisture from the air. Clogged lines can create a back-flow into the unit, causing damage. You can clear these lines periodically with a wet-dry vacuum.
2. Leaking Refrigerant – Refrigerant leaks are typically caused by low levels of refrigerant, which prevent absorbed liquid from converting to gas, causing build-up and damage.
3. Faulty Capacitor – Your air conditioner has two capacitors that keep the compressor functioning properly. If one of these burns out, the entire unit can malfunction. Regular servicing by a professional can ensure these continue to work properly.
4. Thermostat Malfunctions – Issues with the thermostat inside your home can often be the culprit responsible when your air conditioner is not working properly. Simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat regularly can solve many problems with the HVAC system.
5. Blown Fuse – The most common reason for a blown fuse is an obstruction that blocks airflow. Replacing a dirty air filter is an inexpensive way to ensure proper operation.

Summer soon will be in full swing and our air conditioners are working harder than ever. Ensure that your system operates at its best by getting a professional to check your system for these common problems before they create a larger issue.

Buying a new home is exciting. Whether you’re moving across the country or across town, finding the right house is just one part of choosing the best option. The neighborhood in which the home is located is a critical component of lifestyle as well. Here are 3 of the most important considerations as you search for the right community to call home.

1.Safety – First and foremost, the safety of the neighborhood is important. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to get details concerning safety. Search local crime statistics through local police sites and public online search sites. Spend time driving through the community, talk with neighbors, and pay attention to the security of the homes themselves; a community where most homes have extra security could be a sign of trouble.

2.Schools – Regardless of whether you have children in the home, or plan to, the quality of the local schools is a big factor in home values, and is easy to research. Visit the district’s website and read about their test scores and rankings. Extracurricular activities are also a large factor in the desirability of the schools; watch for art, music, and athletic programs.

3.Conveniences – Remember that you’ll need to shop for groceries, work out at a gym, enjoy entertainment, and dine out. As you drive through potential communities, take note of the local availability of the extras you need.

Finding the right home is not enough to live a nice lifestyle. The neighborhood is just as important. Not only for your enjoyment, but it affects the resale value as well. Choosing the right community takes a little research, but it’s well worth it to love where you live.