Maintenance is an important part of home ownership. Improper care compromises the safety of your property and can result in big repair bills. Include these strategies in your maintenance plan to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Educate Yourself It's usually cheaper to do most home maintenance jobs yourself. Teach yourself some basic skills to save yourself from professional fees. Take some classes. Community colleges and hardware stores often host community courses that help you plan projects, … [Read more...]
Why A Buyer Needs An Independent Inspection At Closing
Many sellers hire inspectors and appraisers to value their home prior to placing it on the market. It's important for buyers to hire their own inspector to get an independent opinion. If a buyer orders an inspection before the sale goes through, the seller may have to resolve any issues that arise. If you forego the inspection, you inherit any problems that come with the house. Importance Of Inspections Homes aren't always well cared for and it's relatively easy for an unethical owner to paint … [Read more...]
4 House “Flaws” You Can Safely Disregard
When you walk through a house with your real estate agent, you're seeing if you and your family would be happy living there. But you're also probably looking for signs of trouble that might spell big expenses later on. Be careful, though. It's important to see the "bones" of the house rather than focusing on minor issues. Here are four flaws you can safely disregard. 1. Stained Carpet Stained carpet is more an indication of the owner's poor cleaning habits than of any real problems with the … [Read more...]
Complete These Repairs Before You List Your Home
There are several things to do when you prepare to list your home for sale. One of the projects you'll need to do is complete certain repairs. Your home should be in the best possible condition before your real estate agent shows it to potential buyers. While your home doesn't need to be perfect, here is a list of repairs you should strive to get done before you open your home to showings. Front Steps And Deck Issues The front entrance and back deck should be in good shape for curb appeal and … [Read more...]