5 Vital Things to Do at Home Before You Travel

In the days before a big trip, our to-do lists just seem to get longer: Pack an extra phone charger! Pick up that prescription refill! Don’t forget to check in for your flight! There’s so much to remember when preparing yourself for travel that it can be easy to forget to prepare your house, too.

Making sure your home is safe and sound while you’re gone is a crucial part of travel prep — but luckily, it’s not complicated. From better security outside to easier maintenance inside, these simple precautions will help you enjoy your travels with extra peace of mind.

1. Unplug Small Appliances

It’s a no-brainer way to reduce your energy use: Save a few dollars by unplugging your TV, computer, and other small appliances. (Whether you spend that savings on an in-flight cocktail is up to you.) To conserve even more energy, you can also adjust your thermostat and turn your water heater down or off.

2. Get an Extra Set of Eyes

A Ring doorbell or camera can keep you in the loop from anywhere. Replace an existing bell with the Ring Video Doorbell Wired or choose the battery-operated Ring Video Doorbell 2nd Generation: Both feature high-quality live video, motion detection and alerts, and two-way talk. Or try the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus, which has a wide-angle view and bright LED bulbs, plus a built-in siren. And it can’t hurt to have an extra set of eyes inside, which is where the Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Generation comes in handy. (Tell your cat we said hi.)

3. Pause Your Mail

Nothing says “no one’s home” like an overflowing mailbox. If you’re going to be gone for longer than a couple of days, stop delivery of your mail and newspaper. Plus, this way your mail won’t get damaged by the weather while you’re gone.

4. Don’t Forget Your Plants!

We’ve all come home to find a drooping and disgruntled houseplant that’s gone too long without water. Give them a good drink before you leave. Depending on the length of your trip, have a friend stop by to water them while you’re gone, or use self-watering stakes to keep them hydrated.

5. Clear the Air

Three words you never want to say when you get home: “What’s that smell?” Prevent things from getting that far by cleaning out the fridge, emptying the litter box, and taking out the trash. Rinse the garbage disposal with vinegar to clear out any lingering food scraps. And — this one is easy to overlook — toss any fresh-cut flowers. You’ll thank us after your trip.

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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What Is a Mortgage and How Does It Work?

Buying a home is a dream for many people, and a mortgage is the most common way to finance it.

If you're wondering what a mortgage is and how it works, you're not alone! Mortgages can be complex, and understanding the process can make all the difference when it comes to making one of the biggest investments in your life. This post will explore and shed some light on what a mortgage is, how it works, and what you need to know before you take out a home loan.

What Is a Mortgage?
A mortgage is a loan that's used to purchase a property. It's a legal agreement between the borrower and the lender, where the borrower promises to repay the loan (plus interest) over a set timeline. Your mortgage agreement will include details such as the loan amount, interest rate, repayment period, and the rules for making payments. There are companies, like USA Mortgage-Volunteer Mortgage Group which specialize in helping people calculate and choose mortgage agreements. When you take out a mortgage, you'll usually need to provide a down payment (typically 5%-20% of the purchase price) and pay closing costs (fees to cover the costs of the loan).

How Does a Mortgage Work?
Mortgages can have fixed or variable interest rates. A fixed-rate mortgage means that your interest rate stays the same for the entire loan term, while a variable-rate mortgage means that your interest rate can change (which could mean you pay more or less in interest). You'll also need to choose between a conventional mortgage (which is not government-backed) or an FHA loan (which is backed by the Federal Housing Administration). Your credit score will also play a role in determining your eligibility (and interest rate) for a mortgage. 

The Steps Involved in Getting a Mortgage
To get a mortgage, you'll need to follow a series of steps. First, you'll need to find a lender (such as a bank, credit union, or mortgage company) and get pre-approved (which means the lender will review your financial information and provide a conditional approval for a loan amount). Then, you'll need to submit a formal loan application, provide documentation such as proof of income and assets, and get a home appraisal, to determine the property's value. If your loan application is approved, you'll close on the loan, which means you'll sign the mortgage papers and pay closing costs.

What You Need to Know Before Getting a Mortgage
Before you get a mortgage, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about how much you can afford—your monthly mortgage payment shouldn't exceed 28% of your gross income. You'll also need to have a good credit score (at least 620), a stable job, and a solid financial history. It's also a good idea to save for a down payment—which can help you secure a better interest rate and lower your monthly payments—and to budget for closing costs (which can range from 2%-5% of the loan amount).

Getting a mortgage can be overwhelming, but understanding the process can help you make an informed decision. Knowing what a mortgage is, how it works, and what you need to qualify can make all the difference when it comes to financing your dream home. By following the steps outlined in this post and doing your research, you can become a savvy homebuyer and navigate the mortgage process with confidence.

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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60% of Homeowners Are Installing Window Film—And It’s Not to Save on Utilities

Natural light ranks high on many people’s home must-have lists, but we forget that sun-filled spaces come with a cost: faded furniture.

That doesn’t mean you have to relent to life in the dark to have a nice velvet sofa. According to a recent study by the International Window Film Association, there’s another way. The survey found 63 percent of homeowners would consider professionally installed window film to help reduce the fading impact. Another perk? The extra layer of protection can boost your home’s energy-saving performance (in other words, lower your utility bill) at a fraction of the cost of replacing the window. 

Still, if hiring a pro isn’t in the budget, if you’re a renter, or if you simply want something with more personality, you don’t have to go the film-coating route. Here are a few tried-and-true projects to upgrade your panels or refresh that armchair that has seen better days. 

Give Your Glass a Stain

A do-it-yourself stained-glass project is just as effective as the real deal. Interior stylist Gillian Lawlee found a rainbow of film for only $15 with an anti-UV treatment that easily roll on (and peel off) windows and shares how to get the look in just three steps.

Give Your Furniture a New Look

Reupholstering doesn’t have to be a DIY drag—Jordan Ferney makes it look fun. In her cheat sheet for re-covering everything from folding chairs to bed frames, she demonstrates how being resourceful (Etsy vendors for the win!) and playful (Vans-like checks on a vintage chair, why not?) can make the process incredibly rewarding. 

Give Your Cushion Covers an Upgrade

Designer and founder of Surrounded by Color Robin Heller has kept her nine-year-old IKEA sofa feeling fresh by swapping out the cover every few years. Her latest iteration? A custom tie-dyed creation (with matching curtains) from her friends at Upstate. She swears it’s impossible for her three boys to destroy, so the sun doesn’t stand a chance.  

Get all the tips on Domino.com

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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21 Outdoor Fireplace Ideas to Light Up Your Backyard

Humans have convened around outdoor fires since…too long ago to count. The allure of flickering flames is timeless and there are plenty of outdoor fireplace ideas to fit your needs and wants.

For a truly bewitching experience, consider echoing your architecture or juxtaposing against it. “I love to use masonry—such as stone or brick—that matches the exterior of the home, or something totally different, like a sculptural metal that matches any accessories for fences and really becomes a focal point in the landscape,” says Robert Bell, landscape architect behind the Washington, DC, firm Bell Design.

We got intel from top designers to suss out everything you need to know for your backyard fireplace, whether you’re hoping to create an outdoor living area or a Tuscan fire feature. Just add marshmallows.

Is it expensive to build an outdoor fireplace?

We get it: Not everyone has the duckets to install a covered patio with a woodburning brick fireplace, or a Mediterranean-inspired outdoor kitchen complete with a pizza oven. But there are plenty of more affordable options, especially if you’re willing to DIY or opt for a fire pit instead. Fire is fire…and can supply instant ambiance.

Although it’s (hopefully) obvious, safety is paramount. Whatever outdoor fireplace ideas you end up going with, it’s vital to ensure proper placement, Bell says. You’ll want an outdoor fireplace or fire pit “far enough from the house so sparks won't catch anything on fire, but not so far they're inconvenient to get to,” he says. Typically that means 20 feet minimum to 60 feet maximum from your home itself. “Consider maintenance: gas fireplaces are far easier to deal with than wood, but less charming, as nothing beats the smell of wood!” Bell says. And there are other aesthetic considerations, like lighting—especially to create a focal point al fresco. “Usually you want the fire to be the center of attention, so low-level lighting is key,” he says. “You shouldn't put anything bright at eye level to compete with the flames. Movable lanterns or subtle uplighting around the fireplace is usually best.”

What is the best material to use for an outdoor fireplace?

If you ever read “The Three Little Pigs” fable as a child, you know sometimes it’s worth it to splurge on materials that will last. A stone fireplace or brick fireplace may cost more upfront than a fire pit, but if you’re planning on making this your forever home, try to think of it as an investment that will reap benefits al fresco for decades to come. “The best materials for an outdoor fireplace ultimately depend on the architecture and materiality of the house itself, and this also drives the cost,” says designer Benjamin Johnston of Houston’s Benjamin Johnston Design. One major factor in what you choose is if you’re going for woodburning or gas, Johnston says. “Do you want to generate heat or is your outdoor fireplace going to serve as simply a focal point, like most do in Houston?”

How much does it cost to build an outdoor fireplace?

As with anything, you can go high or low when it comes to outdoor fireplace ideas. Some landscaping would benefit from a gas fireplace flickering beside intricate pavers, but even a small patio can get summer-ready with an outdoor fire pit that doubles as a BBQ. “It depends on the specifics,” says Eddie Maestri, principal architect, creative director, and owner of Maestri Studio in Dallas. “A general estimate is about $12,000.”

What is the most cost effective outdoor fireplace?

For an outdoor fireplace, “the most cost-effective option would be a prefab insert,” Maestri says. But if you’re hoping to save even more money, consider a fire pit or even DIY—it will be well worth the effort. “If you want to create a cozy, year-round gathering space, fire pits are a low-cost way to add functionality and comfort to your outdoor entertaining space,” says Kevin Lenhart, Design Director at Yardzen, an online landscape company who says fire pits and fireplaces are included in 70% of their designs.

Find all the best outdoor fireplace options on Architectural Digest.

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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How to Check Your Roof for Hail Damage

Hailstorms are a common occurrence in many parts of the world. While the impact may seem minor at first, the effects of hail on your roof can accumulate over time and eventually lead to significant damage.

If you've recently experienced a hailstorm, it's essential to inspect your roof to ensure there is no damage. This blog post is going to walk you through the steps on how to check your roof for hail damage.

Start With a Visual Inspection
The first step towards checking your roof for hail damage is by conducting a visual inspection. Visually inspect your roof for any obvious damage such as missing shingles, dents, or cracks on the roof surface. It is crucial to conduct this inspection from the ground level since climbing on your roof can be dangerous. You can use a pair of binoculars to inspect all areas of your roof.

Inspect the Gutters and Downspouts
The next step towards checking for hail damage is to inspect the gutters and downspouts. Look for any dirt and debris that has accumulated in your gutters. If you see any dents, dings, or scratches on your gutters or downspouts, there's a high chance that your roof has hail damage.

Check the Shingles
The shingles are the most susceptible part of your roofing system during a hailstorm. When inspecting for hail damage, start by checking the shingles. Look for any missing or cracked shingles or granules that are knocked off the surface. If you find any of these signs, the likelihood is that your roof has been damaged by hail, and you should have it inspected by a roofing professional.

Inspect the Flashing
The flashing on your roof provides a watertight seal to your roof. If your roof is subjected to hail damage, the flashing may weaken and become loose, which can lead to further damage. Look for any damage to the flashing and ensure that it is secured in place.

Call for Professional Inspection
If you've gone through the steps above and found any damage on your roof, it's wise to schedule a professional roof inspection. A roofing contractor has the expertise and specialized equipment to inspect your roof for any hail damage and provide the best course of action to take.

Hailstorms can cause a great deal of damage to your roofing system. Checking for hail damage is essential, and as explained above, you can do it yourself without climbing on your roof. Starting with a visual inspection, then checking gutters, shingles, and flashing, you can identify if there is any damage. If you do find any damage, contact a roofing professional immediately before it gets worse.

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Related Links

• Down Payment Amounts Are Shrinking: Can Buyers Put Down Less and Still Compete?

• 7 Easy Tips To Turn Your Garden Into a Bee Sanctuary

• HUD invests $837M in energy, climate renovations for multifamily housing

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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