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Foundation Repair Tips Your Home Can’t Do Without

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Foundation repair is an important part of homeownership. It’s essential for keeping your home safe and secure, so knowing the basics of foundation repair is key.

From regularly inspecting your foundation to identifying the cause of any damage, there are a few tips and tricks every homeowner should keep in mind when dealing with a foundation issue. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your home stays in top condition and is safe for years to come.

Inspect Your Foundation Regularly
Regularly inspecting your foundation for signs of damage or instability is essential for maintaining the safety and integrity of your home. Cracks, bulges, or other types of damage can be tell-tale signs that something is not as it should be. If you notice any discrepancies in your foundation, it’s important to call an experienced professional immediately so they can advise you on the best way to proceed with any necessary repairs and help identify potential risks.

Identify the Cause of the Damage
Determining the cause of any damages is paramount in beginning repairs to ensure that the best outcome is achieved. Depending on the location, possible causes may include poor soil composition relating to having too much sand or clay, soil shrinkage due to less-than-ideal climate situations like a long drought period, inadequate drainage systems in the area that may not be able to move water away from structures sufficiently, and finally excessive moisture from plumbing leaks in underground lines or buildings which have been constructed without adequate grading around their perimeters. Knowing where the damage has originated before initiating any fixes will help you and your service professional target the issue more effectively.

Choosing a Foundation Repair Professional
Determining the best professional for your foundation repair project is important and requires thorough research. Make sure that any potential contractors have experience with similar foundations in your area, and thoroughly read their reviews from prior clients to ensure their work meets expectations. It's also essential to verify they provide guarantees on their work, as this helps reduce costs while still providing effective results. Taking the time to confirm these important points will help ensure you get reliable and quality service.

There are many things that homeowners need to consider when dealing with foundation repair issues. Inspecting your foundation regularly and identifying the root cause of any damage before proceeding with repairs is important. Additionally, make sure that you select a qualified professional who offers guarantees on their work so that you know you're getting quality service at an affordable price. With these tips in mind, homeowners can rest assured knowing that they have taken steps towards protecting their homes from future damages or instability due to poor foundation health.

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Minneapolis asks for $45 million to address public housing backlog

 
 

Minneapolis officials are pushing for a bill in the state Senate that would provide $45 million in funding for the city to rehab, preserve and repair affordable housing.

Minneapolis officials say the money is part of a larger effort they announced Friday to bolster public and affordable housing by collaborating with other local governments and private partners.  

The legislation authored by Sen. Omar Fateh, DFL-62, would provide a grant to the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority. Fateh said the legislation is an example of how the Legislature can stand behind its value of supporting affordable housing for all. 

“We know keeping people in their homes provides the security they need to thrive on their own, and these homes are a proven tool to provide families with a solid foundation for upward mobility,” Fateh said. 

The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) would use the one-time money to address $35 million in capital backlog on its properties. Another $10 million would be set aside for future capital work. 

MPHA Executive Director Abdi Warsame said the $45 million in state funding would allow the agency to scale up efforts they’re already making to renovate units and “get us to sustainability much sooner” by allowing them to create reserves for the capital backlog. 

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the total backlog for the city’s public housing is about $210 million. Funding for the backlog has been mostly stagnant for the last decade, even while the capital backlog has increased. The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority estimates that the backlog is expected to rise to $380 million in the next two decades without additional funding. 

The hearing in the Senate Housing and Homeless Prevention committee elicited little discussion on the committee. Chair Senator Lindsey Port said her plan is to lay the bill over for possible inclusion in the omnibus budget bill.  

At a press conference after the bill’s hearing, Frey announced that Minneapolis is bringing together all levels of government with private partners to address the lack of affordable housing in the region. 

Frey said public housing in Minnesota and across the country has been underfunded by the federal government for his entire lifetime and that investments in public housing make fiscal sense because they keep people from homelessness. 

“We are at a critical moment right now where we have a number of partners who are all rallying around a common cause,” Frey said, “We can increase the amount of public housing stock that we have in the city of Minneapolis and we can preserve the existing public housing stock, which is so critical for ensuring that people can move out of homelessness, and is providing a stability from which people can rise.” 

The Public Housing Preservation and Expansion Convening will be chaired by Frey, as well as representatives of Hennepin County, Minnesota Housing, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Minneapolis Foundation, among others. City officials hope to hold the first meeting within about a month. 

Warsame said the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority serves about 26,000 people through high-rise housing, scattered family housing and administration of housing choice vouchers. 

“We need the support of the city, we need the support of the county, we need the support of the state, we need the support and attention of the federal government,” Warsame said. “But, also, Minneapolis is a rich city, an affluent city, a city that has a lot of businesses and Fortune 500 companies, and we need the support of those folks as well.”   

The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority controls about 6,000 units across the city, including 42 high-rise buildings and 736 scattered homes. The agency recently completed a $27 million renovation of the Elliot Twins high rise in downtown. 

Mary McGovern, who is president of the Minneapolis Highrise Representative Council and lives at Elliot Twins, said she’d like to see other public housing tenants experience the same improvements she did at her building. 

“The state can and ensure [that] all families and all children truly get to experience decent, safe and well-maintained housing,” McGovern said. “You’d want nothing less for your own.” 

The mayor has made affordable housing a priority in his administration, and recently trumpeted the news that the number of affordable housing units built in the city last year was about three times the annual average. 

A state House companion bill for the $45 million in funding had its first reading Thursday, and was authored by Rep. Esther Agbaje, DFL-59B.  

Learn more on MPR News.

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2 Things Sellers Need To Know This Spring

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A lot has changed over the past year, and you might be wondering what’s in store for the spring housing market.

If you’re planning to sell your house this season, here’s what real estate experts are saying you should keep in mind.

1. Houses That Are Priced Right Are Still Selling

Houses that are updated and priced at their current market value are still selling. Jeff Tucker, Senior Economist at Zillow, says:

“. . . sellers who price and market their home competitively shouldn’t have a problem finding a buyer.”

The need to price your house right is so important today because the market has changed so much over the past year. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, explains:

“With a smaller pool of buyers today and more competition from other homes on the market, homesellers will likely need to adjust their price expectations in the market this spring.”

While this spring housing market is different than last year’s, sellers with proper expectations who lean on a real estate expert for the best advice on pricing their house well are still finding success. And that’s great news if you’re thinking about selling.

2. Buyers Are Still Out There

As mortgage rates have risen and remain volatile, some buyers have pressed pause on their plans. But there are still plenty of reasons people are buying homes today. Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, spells out the mindset of today’s buyers:

“For some buyers, higher mortgage rates simply means buying a home is out of the question unless home prices fall. For others, higher mortgage rates will be a hurdle but ultimately will not keep them from getting back into the market after sitting on the sidelines for months.”

That’s why, if you’re interested in selling your house this spring, it’s helpful to work with a real estate agent who can help connect you with those buyers who are ready to purchase a home.

Bottom Line

There are still clear opportunities for sellers this spring. If you’re wondering if it’s the right time to make a move, connect with a trusted real estate advisor.

Get more on Keeping Current Matters.

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Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer This Spring

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Though there are more homes for sale now than there were at this time last year, there’s still an undersupply with fewer houses available than in more normal, pre-pandemic years.

The Monthly Housing Market Trends Report from realtor.com puts it this way: 

“While the number of homes for sale is increasing, it is still 43.2% lower than it was before the pandemic in 2017 to 2019. This means that there are still fewer homes available to buy on a typical day than there were a few years ago.”

The current housing shortage has an impact on how you search for a home this spring. With limited options on the market, buyers who consider what’s a necessity versus what’s a nice-to-have will be more successful in their home search.

The first step? Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval helps you better understand what you can borrow for your home loan, and that plays an important role in how you’ll put your list together. After all, you don’t want to fall in love with a home that’s out of reach. Once you have a good grasp on your budget, the best way to prioritize all the features you want and need in a home is to put together a list.

Here’s a great way to think about them before you begin:

  • Must-Haves – If a house doesn’t have these features, it won’t work for you and your lifestyle.

  • Nice-To-Haves – These are features you’d love to have but can live without. Nice-to-haves aren’t dealbreakers, but if you find a home that hits all the must-haves and some of the these, it’s a contender.

  • Dream State – This is where you can really think big. Again, these aren’t features you’ll need, but if you find a home in your budget that has all the must-haves, most of the nice-to-haves, and any of these, it’s a clear winner.

Finally, once you’ve created your list and categorized it in a way that works for you, discuss it with your real estate agent. They’ll be able to help you refine the list further, coach you through the best ways to stick to it and find a home in your area that meets your needs.

Bottom Line

Prioritizing what you need in a home is a critical first step the buying process. If you’re ready to find the one that’s best for you, connect with a local real estate agent.

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How to Upgrade Your Home Exterior After Moving In

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Congratulations on your new home! Now that you’ve settled in, it’s time to think about upgrading the exterior of your home.

You might not be able to make major improvements right away, but there are still plenty of small changes you can make to give your home’s exterior an upgrade. Let’s take a look at some tips for how to spruce up your home exterior after moving in.

Repainting or Refreshing the Exterior Paint
Painting is one of the most cost-effective and fastest ways to give your home exterior a facelift. Whether you want to repaint the entire house or just refresh certain sections, you don’t need much more than a few cans of paint and some accessories such as brushes, ladders, and drop cloths. Painting can also help protect your home from moisture damage and fading due to sun exposure.

Adding Outdoor Lighting Fixtures
Outdoor lighting fixtures are a great way to add extra character and curb appeal to your home's exterior. Whether you choose solar-powered lights or traditional electrical ones, they can bring a warm feel to any outdoor space. Installing lights around walkways or along flower beds will add extra safety and security while still looking stylish.

Upgrading Your Landscaping
Adding plants, trees, and other foliage is an excellent way to upgrade the look of your yard without breaking the bank. If you want something low maintenance, consider adding shrubs that require minimal water and attention. If you prefer flowers, choose perennials since they come back year after year with little effort from you—just be sure not to plant them too close together so that air can circulate freely around them for optimal growth conditions. Finally, don't forget about adding mulch or gravel pathways for easier access between areas in your yard as well as visual appeal.

Upgrading the Roof
If your roof is looking a little drab or outdated, consider replacing it. You may even want to consider upgrading to a metal roof which can last up to 50 years and provide excellent insulation from the sun and cold weather. Metal roofs also come in various styles and colors to match your home’s exterior perfectly. Consult with a company, like Hurricane Roofer, to choose a roofing material that will work best for your new home. 

No matter what kind of budget you have available for upgrades, there are plenty of ways to spruce up your home's exterior after moving in that won't break the bank but will still provide an impressive transformation. From painting walls and installing outdoor lighting fixtures to landscaping with plants or gravel pathways—there is something for everyone. With these simple tips, you can create a beautiful oasis around your new home that will keep its appearance fresh for years down the line. So go ahead—get started on those upgrades today!

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