7 Signs Your Home Isn’t Ready for Winter

 
 

As the colder months approach, it's important to prepare your home for winter in order to ensure a warm and comfortable living environment.

From drafts and poor insulation to issues with your HVAC system and gutters, there are several signs that your home may not be ready for the harsh weather ahead. In this article, we'll discuss seven common warning signs that indicate your home is not ready for winter and provide helpful tips on how to address these issues. By taking the necessary precautions, you can create a safe and cozy living space for you and your family all season long. 

Drafts
Are you experiencing a sudden drop in temperature in your home? Chances are, you're dealing with a draft. Don't worry; this is a common issue that can easily be resolved. Drafts can be caused by various things, including poor insulation and cracks in your windows or doors. By properly sealing these gaps with weather-stripping or caulk, you can reduce the amount of cold air entering your home. Additionally, you may want to consider adding insulation in your attic to prevent drafts from occurring. With some effort, you can eliminate these pesky drafts and create a comfortable, cozy living space.

Poor Insulation
When it comes to keeping your home warm, proper insulation is key. Without it, you may lose valuable heat, leading to a skyrocketing heating bill. That's why it's essential to inspect your attic, walls, and crawl space to ensure the insulation is in good condition and provides sufficient coverage. If you've noticed drafts or cool spots in certain areas of your home, it's time to call in a professional to assess the situation and add more insulation if necessary. Don't let poor insulation disrupt your comfort or your wallet - take action today for a warm and cozy home all winter long.

HVAC System Issues
As a homeowner, it’s imperative to ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently, especially during the colder months. If you notice that your home is unusually cold, stale, or emitting strange odors, it may be time to call in a professional technician to diagnose and repair any potential issues. Over time, HVAC systems can wear down and become less effective, ultimately contributing to higher energy bills, reduced indoor air quality, and compromised comfort. However, there are things you can do to help maintain your system's performance, such as changing the air filter regularly and scheduling routine maintenance. Don't suffer from a malfunctioning HVAC system any longer. Trust professionals, such as the people at Trane Supply, to ensure a warm, comfortable, and healthy home for you and your family.

Gutter Clogs
Maintaining your gutters can be an easy task to ignore, but it's important to regularly clean them out to avoid the costly consequences of clogs. When debris accumulates in your gutters, it can lead to water damage on your roof and even inside your home. Don't let clogs catch you off guard during a heavy rainstorm or snowfall. With gloves and a sturdy ladder, you can take care of your gutters and ensure the water is flowing smoothly. Don't hesitate to reach out to a professional if you need assistance. Properly maintaining your gutters will save you a lot of time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Cracks in the Foundation
Ensuring your home's foundation is in good condition is crucial to maintaining a warm and cozy living environment. Whether you're living in an older home or a new build, small cracks in the foundation can end up causing significant problems if left unchecked. In addition to allowing cold air into your home, these cracks can lead to unwanted water infiltration and structural damage. To eliminate these risks, it is essential to inspect your foundation regularly and have any cracks professionally sealed to maintain the integrity of your home's structure. With these precautions, you can enjoy a comfortable and healthy living space for years.

Poorly Functioning Chimney
As homeowners, we love the warmth and comfort a fireplace can bring, especially during the colder months. However, having a poorly functioning chimney can lead to serious safety concerns. Creosote build-up is a significant fire hazard and can cause major damage to your home. To ensure the safety of your family and property, it's essential to have your chimney inspected annually by a professional. Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it will also prolong the life of your chimney and fireplace. Don't wait until it's too late; schedule your chimney inspection today and keep your home safe and warm.

Poor Drainage
When harsh winter weather strikes, your home’s drainage system may struggle to handle the influx of snow and rain. As a result, it’s crucial to ensure your drainage is working effectively so rainwater and melting snow don’t accumulate around your home’s foundation. By checking your drainage system regularly, you can prevent icy patches on your walkways and avoid potentially serious foundation damage. So take some time to evaluate your drainage today, and ensure that it’s functioning properly to protect your home from the risks of poor drainage during the winter months.

It's essential to be proactive and address any potential issues with your home before the winter season arrives. By taking care of drafts, poor insulation, HVAC system issues, gutter clogs, cracks in the foundation, poorly functioning chimneys, and poor drainage, you can ensure a warm and comfortable living space for you and your family. Don't let these common warning signs catch you off guard - take action now to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Stay warm and cozy all winter long with these helpful tips.  So, make sure to inspect your home and address any concerns before it's too late. With a little bit of effort, you can create a safe and comfortable living space for you and your loved ones to enjoy throughout the winter season.

Learn more at Rismedia.com

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The Perks of Selling Your House When Inventory Is Low

 
 

When it comes to selling your house, you’re probably trying to juggle the current market conditions and your own needs as you plan your move.

One thing that may be working in your favor is how few homes there are for sale right now. Here’s what you need to know about the current inventory situation and what it means for you.

The Supply of Homes for Sale Is Far Below the Norm

When you’re selling something, it helps if what you’re selling is in demand, but is also in low supply. Why? That makes it even more desirable since there’s not enough to go around. That’s exactly what’s happening in the housing market today. There are more buyers looking to buy than there are homes for sale.

To tell the story of just how low inventory is, here’s the latest information on active listings, or homes available for sale. The graph below uses data from Realtor.com to show how many active listings there were in September of this year compared to what’s more typical in the market.

 
 

As you can see in the graph, if you look at the last normal years for the market (shown in the blue bars) versus the latest numbers for this year (shown in the red bar), it’s clear inventory is still far lower than the norm.

What That Means for You

Buyers have fewer choices now than they did in more typical years. And that’s why you could still see some great perks if you sell today. Because there aren’t enough homes to go around, homes that are priced right are still selling fast and the average seller is getting multiple offers from eager buyers. Based on the latest data from the Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

  • 69% of homes sold in less than a month.

  • 2.6 offers: the average number of offers on recently sold homes.

An article from Realtor.com also explains how the limited number of houses for sale benefits you if you’re selling:

“. . . homes spent two weeks less on the market this past month than they did in the average September from 2017 to 2019 . . . as still-limited supply spurs homebuyers to act quickly . . .”

Bottom Line

Because the supply of homes for sale is so low, buyers desperately want more options – and your house may be just what they’re looking for. If you work with a trusted local agent to get your house listed at the right price for today’s market. You could still see it sell quickly and potentially get multiple offers.

Learn more at Keepingcurrentmatters.com

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Affordable Homeownership Strategies for Gen Z

 
 

The idea of owning a home has always been a big part of the American Dream.

It’s a symbol of stability, independence, and having a place to truly call your own. But for Gen Z, the “Zoomers” born between 1997 and 2012, making that dream a reality can feel like quite the challenge today with higher mortgage rates and rising home prices.

But achieving that goal of owning your first home can still be attainable, even today, with some strategic planning and resourcefulness.

Explore Down Payment Assistance Options

With prices rising all around you, it can be hard to save up for a home. If you’ve been struggling to stash away enough cash for that down payment, it’s worth it to look into the various down payment assistance programs available. These programs can really help you save big on the upfront costs of buying a home.

There are a lot more options out there than you may realize. According to Down Payment Resource, there are over 2,000 programs designed to help hopeful homebuyers with down payments and closing costs.

If you qualify for one of these programs, you may not need to save up as much money for your down payment. A local real estate agent can help you explore these programs in your area, making it much easier to turn your homeownership dream into a reality.

Consider Living with Relatives To Save

If you still need a bit more time to save, even with the down payment assistance programs out there, there are ways you can make that happen. Many savvy Zoomers have made a strategic choice to live with relatives so they can get to their savings goals even faster.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), around 30% of Gen Z homebuyers transition directly from their relative’s home to a home of their own.

By sharing living costs, such as mortgage payments, utility bills, and even grocery expenses, you can substantially reduce your monthly expenses. This frees up more of your income to tackle any outstanding debt, boost your credit score, and reach your down payment target in less time. And, all of this can bring homeownership one step closer to becoming a reality. Clare Trapasso, Executive News Editor at Realtor.com, explains:

“Faced with ongoing housing affordability issues . . . we’re seeing parents and children becoming roommates again in later years as the ‘kids’ save up to purchase their own place . . .”

The Road to Homeownership

When you’re on the path to becoming a homeowner, it’s a good idea to get some help along the way. And one of your best resources on this journey as a young homebuyer is a trusted real estate agent. They’ll steer you through the process of buying a home and help you find one you can afford. 

Bottom Line

For Gen Z, the path to homeownership may not be straightforward, but it's still within reach. With the right strategies, you can turn your dream of owning a home into a reality.  

Learn more at Keepingcurrentmatters.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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How To Find the Right Buyer’s Agent for Your Home Purchase

 
 

Purchasing a new home is an exciting and often overwhelming process.

From finding the right neighborhood to determining your budget, there are plenty of tasks to keep you busy. One of the most important tasks is selecting the right buyer's agent. This professional will help guide you through the entire process, from searching for the ideal property to negotiating the cost. However, finding the right buyer's agent can be tricky, so in this blog, we’ll go over some helpful tips to find the best agent for you.

Get Referrals From Trusted Sources
Looking for referrals from friends, family members, and other trusted sources is one of the easiest ways to find a reputable buyer's agent. By seeking referrals from people you trust, you can get feedback on how they worked with their agents and also ask about their home-buying experience. This will help you glean insights into the agent's communication style, work ethic, and professionalism.

Research Their Credentials
Check if the agent has a license to practice in your state, certifications, and any awards they may have received. You can also look for reviews and testimonials from other clients they worked with previously. This will give you an idea of their specialties and qualifications. Finding an agent with experience and accolades in your desired neighborhood and property type can be of great help.

Interview Potential Agents
It is essential to interview at least three agents before making a final decision. In this way, you can understand their work style, personality, response time to messages, and overall thoughts on the home buying process. Ensure the agent is approachable, professional, and aligns with your wishes. You can also ask the agent to provide references and contact them to confirm if they're worth considering.

Gauge Their Knowledge of the Property Market
Your agent should possess a solid understanding of the property market and the intricacies of the buying procedure. Ask potential agents questions on costs, market trends, and home value. Their answers should make sense and meet your expectations. Experienced agents can offer insights on the property's future value, potential resale value, and local tax laws.

Review Their Fees and Pricing Structure
Before hiring an agent, be sure to review their fees and pricing policies to avoid misunderstandings over payment procedures. Discuss any limits on their services or exclusive agreements they might require and ensure they're acceptable to you. Once you understand their policies, you will feel more comfortable with moving ahead.

Choosing the right buyer's agent sets the tone for a smooth and stress-free buying experience. Referrals, research, interviews, market knowledge, and fees are just some factors to consider when choosing an agent. Remember, the right buyer’s agent will set you up for success. Join our newsletter for more buying and selling tips and insights! Come to work with us, and let's help you find that dream home.

Learn more at Rismedia.com

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2 Ways to Avoid Getting Spammed While Shopping for Mortgage Rates Online

 
 

Picture this: You were recently shopping around for mortgage rates — or you applied for a home loan online — and now your phone is figuratively ringing off the hook. The emails are flooding in, too, with lenders hounding you.

You just wanted to know how much your interest rate would be on that cute bungalow! But now you’re getting spammed. And even if you are a serious buyer and you applied for a mortgage, how did so many dang companies get your contact information?

One likely scenario: Your data was sold by a credit bureau, says Fred Winchar, co-founder and CEO of MaxCash, a financial broker that connects users with lenders.

When you apply for a loan with a mortgage company, the company pulls your credit record to determine your credit score, Winchar explains. The credit bureau now has the credit inquiry record, which they sell to other mortgage companies as leads. 

“This lets the other mortgage companies know you are shopping for a mortgage, so they get in touch with you to attempt to make a sale,” Winchar says. 

In case you were wondering, yep, credit bureaus can sell information about you to lenders and insurers, who can then send you unsolicited offers of credit or insurance through “prescreening offers.” You can opt out of these offers, though according to the Federal Trade Commission’s consumer advice. Here’s how to do so. 

The other likely scenario? When you apply for a mortgage, your application gets logged in various databases or within networks that are affiliated with the initial company, explains financial planner Jeff Rose, CFP, and the founder of GoodFinancialCents.com

“Some companies might also sell or share lead information with other lenders, especially if they can’t service your loan, leading to multiple companies reaching out to you,” he says.

In June, a California resident filed a class-action lawsuit against Rocket Mortgage LLC, alleging the company made unsolicited phone calls and sent text messages to those who are registered on the National Do Not Call Registry.

So, how do you shop for mortgage rates without getting inundated with unsolicited calls?

Consider using a separate email address and phone number (perhaps a Google Voice number) when shopping around to keep your primary contacts spam-free, Rose says. 

You can also explore online platforms that aggregate mortgage rates from various lenders, he suggests, allowing you to compare without directly providing your information to a slew of companies. 

To put a stop to the influx of calls and emails, consider registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry, Rose suggests. 

It’s free to register your home or cell phone number, and it should show up on the registry the next day, he says. However, it can take up to a month for sales calls to stop. 

If you’re still getting a lot of unwanted calls, they might be from scammers, as the registry only stops sales calls from real companies, Rose explains. Charities, political groups, debt collectors, and survey takers can still reach you, too.

Another strategy is once you’ve identified potential mortgage deals and you’re ready to engage with lenders, reach out to them directly via their websites or phone numbers, suggests financial expert Young Pham, an editor with Biz Report.

The takeaway: If you’re hoping to shop around for a mortgage rate (and you should — you could save $84,000 over the life of your loan by doing comparisons, according to LendingTree), but you don’t want to be spammed with calls, consider opting out of prescreened offers and be sure you’re on the Do Not Call registry. 

Learn more at Apartmenttherapy.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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