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Things Home Security Companies do not want you to know
When you buy a new home in a new area, one of the biggest concerns for most people is safety and security. Everyone wants to feel safe and comfortable in their homes. This is why many people automatically will call a home security company and pay for services right away. However, if you do so, you may not be getting all the facts. Here are some things home security companies do not want homeowners to know. This way you can be well informed and know you are making the best decision possible.
Ask your real estate agent for advice
Now I know many of you may be thinking why this is a good idea, but real estate agents deal with buying and selling homes all the time and because of this they probably see or know about home security companies or other safety tips. They can provide you with information on some of the best ones for your money or put you in touch with someone who can.
Little security goes along way
Many of us tend to think more is always better, but in most cases, more may just mean more expensive. A little security may go farther than you think in making the average burglar think twice. You can also buy motion sensor lighting and keep your hedges trimmed low to give people less places to hide and to scare anyone away for less.
The police cannot hear your alarm
This is because most security companies are national and are not actually connected with your local police stations. If this does not make you feel as safe as you would like to be, try going with a local security company instead of a national one. This way they are right there to help you when you need it.
You may buy things you do not need
Security companies like to tell you about all of their gadgets and technology and it may make you feel safer at the time, but you may not need to buy all of it. Decide what you want to protect, do your research, and then pick options that are best for you.
Alarm systems may be less effective with pets
If you have a pet, especially dogs they may trigger false alarms which may actually cost you more frustration and worry than the alarm is actually worth. Also, if you have a dog, chances are the barking will be more effective at keeping people away than the alarm will.
We all want to feel safe and secure in our homes and have peace of mind. However, before you go buying the first alarm system or go with the first company advertised on TV, you may want to consider these tips and tricks. They may keep you from wasting money and time and give you real peace of mind.
Number of Views :67Home Repair Advice that can Save Money
In these tough economic times, doing all you can to save money really helps. When your home may start looking old or run down, you may want to remodel it, but then you think of the price tag on the remodel and you may think again. Well, not all repairs or home improvements have to be so pricey if you are willing to put a little effort into it. Here is some home repair advice that can save you money and may help increase the value of your home in the future.
Ask your real estate agent for advice
Houses are real estate agents’ business. This is why they are a great person to ask about home repairs and home improvements especially if you do not want to spend a large amount of money. They may have many ideas to help get you started.
Use caulk
If your home is older or wearing down, you may realize that some areas around your toilet, sink, and even windows and doors are wearing away. They may also be leaving gaps. This is because these areas need to be resealed using some caulk. This will only cost you a few dollars and can help you save money on energy and other repair bills.
Change Filters
If you change your air filters at least every three months, you can keep them running nicely and will not have to deal with problems and really pricey costs in the future. It also keeps the air cleaner and healthier for everyone.
Install dimmers
Many people think lighting like this is expensive, but it can actually save you a bunch of money in the long run. You can also control the areas where you need the most light and the areas where you do not. This will lower your energy bill and it may make the home more comfortable as well.
Do some heavy cleaning
Make sure the carpets, windows, and pipes are cleaned often, especially if you have an older home. Letting these things get dirty not only makes your home look bad, but it can cost you money in the future. So make sure to schedule in a good cleaning at least every couple months.
These home repair tips do not take that much time and they will save you large amounts of money in the future. You also may be surprised at how good your home will look and even feel after a few simple repairs and updates.
Number of Views :111Tips for Hiring the Right Moving Company
When you have finally found the right house for you, the moving process begins. There is much to do and consider but one thing that most everyone worries about is finding the right moving company to help you. After all, you want all your personal belongings and possession to arrive with you safely at your new home and not have to worry about them. Here are some tips for hiring the right moving company, so you can rest easier and enjoy your move more.
Ask your real estate agent for advice
Real estate agents obviously see many people move from place to place every day. They are an excellent resource for helping you find the right moving company for you. They may have some ideas for you or can put you in touch with a company themselves.
Make sure movers have a license, insurance and experience
It is important to make sure the moving company you hire not only are well recommended but that they have licenses to move your items, insurance in case anything may happen and plenty of experience in moving personal items. This way if you have problems with the movers you will know who to contact and you can find out how things will be handled.
Do your homework
Research the moving company thoroughly to make sure it is a legitimate business with a high standing and well respected. After all, you do not want to fall victim to a scam and lose your money and possibly your personal items as well. You can check it out online and with your real estate agent.
Speak with the moving company before hiring
It is a good idea to speak with the company before hiring them. Ask about how their moving process works, what insurance options they may offer, what happens if items go missing, and more. If you are not comfortable with the movers or they seem really desperate do not hire them.
Consider Costs
Think about how much the mover will charge you to move all your stuff from your old home to your new one. Find out if there are additional fees for moving to certain locations or what it is included in the cost. Make sure to get everything in writing and read it carefully before hiring any company.
Hiring the right moving company can help make your move to your new home more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone. It can help you feel safe and secure that your personal items are in good hands. This way you can focus more on packing and the other parts of the moving process and get settled in safely.
Number of Views :133How to Make a Buyer Hate Your Home
Buyers tend to have an idea of what they want in a new home. They also usually have an even stronger idea of what they definitely don’t want.
1. Strong odors. On a hot and humid summer day, any lingering smell can be overwhelming. Make sure the garbage has been recently taken out, the fridge is clean, the laundry is done, and any other unpleasant odors have been taken care of. Remember that an odor doesn’t have to be unpleasant to be overwhelming; don’t spray room freshener or apply perfume or cologne right before showing your house.
2. Damp basement. A damp smell in the basement will make buyer think that the home has a problem with flooding, and that’s a problem no buyer wants to tackle. Even if the problem is caused by something else, the buyer isn’t going to know that. Use products meant to remove extra moisture from the air, and figure out what is causing the problem. Then get it fixed.
3. Busy wallpaper. When your showing your home, clutter is bad. It distracts the buyer when they should be looking at the home itself, not your belongings. Busy wallpaper creates the same problem. It’s distracting. Replace it with something calmer.
4. Bugs. It’s that time of year. The weather warms up, and bugs try to come flocking into your home. It’s bad enough when you’re not trying to sell your home, but when a potential buyer sees ants scurrying around the kitchen, they probably won’t want to buy your home. Ditto if the fleas your dog brought in are biting them on the ankles the whole time they’re viewing the home. Call in a professional to get the problem taken care of before you show your home.
5. No curb appeal. You should make sure buyers are impressed with your home from the moment they pull up to the curb. Plant some flowers, paint your home, and do whatever it takes to make the first impression count.
6. Too hot or too cold. Summer is coming, and in Central NY, that means it’s going to get hot and humid. If your home is uncomfortably hot, buyers aren’t going to be thinking about how nice your kitchen is. They’re going to be concentrating on how horrible they feel. Turn up the AC, get some quiet fans going and, if it’s really hot, have some lemonade or ice water waiting for buyers when they arrive.
7. Not leaving the home. When buyers are viewing your home, you shouldn’t be there. It’s going to make them uncomfortable. Go out to the park, grab some dinner, or visit friends. It will make the buyers more willing to really check out the home, making them more willing to buy.
Number of Views :212Home Maintenance Tips for the spring
Spring is here and everything is waking up and looking a little brighter. Everyone is able to enjoy the warmer weather and the colors of all the trees and flowers. We all just generally feel better too. Well, it is time for your home to wake up from its winter nap too and there are a few things you can do to make sure your home is up and running smoothly for spring. Here are a few home maintenance tips to help get you started. This way your spring will be enjoyable indoors and out.
Ask your real estate agent for advice
If you are considering buying a home this spring, it may be a good idea to ask your real estate agent about home maintenance ideas and tips needed for this season. If they cannot answer all your questions, they should be able to help you contact someone who can. They are a great first resource.
Decks
In the winter a deck can take a pretty good beating. This is why it is a good idea to look carefully at it and look for any loose boards, cracks, rotting or other damage. It is a good idea to replace and loose boards and screws with weather resistant ones. This way they deck will hold up better in winter and be all ready for spring.
Sprinklers
This is the time of year, when it is a good idea to check your sprinkler systems to make sure they are working properly. This way they can be all ready to go for those dry hot summer months. It is important to make sure they are all properly adjusted and the timers are all working like they should.
Air conditioners and fans
You do not want your air conditioning to not be working when it’s really hot outside, so it is a good idea to have it checked now and up and running properly. Check the filters and look for any loose connections or damage.
Smoke Detectors
This is also a great time to make sure your smoke detectors are working like they should. Make sure all the batteries are replaced, they are cleaned and working properly. This way you can keep your family safe and secure all season long.
Maintaining a home is very important. Just like we need regular checkups and visits, our homes need these as well. These tips will help you make sure your home is working like it should and ready for the spring weather. This way you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the spring.
Number of Views :212Moving Day Tips
Moving is a carefully timed production, full of potential pitfalls. It’s stressful, it’s unpleasant, and it’s usually unavoidable. Very few people only move once or twice in their lifetimes. So, if you have to do it, make it as easy as possible.
Plan ahead. Rent a moving truck and hire a moving crew (if needed) as far in advance as you can. If you have carpets in your current home or carpets in your new home, rent a carpet cleaner at the same time, for a couple days on either side of your move.
Put in your change of address form (through the post office) before your move. The address change won’t take affect until the date you specify, and it will be one less thing to worry about on the day you move.
Choose one room for storing packed boxes in. This will keep the rest of your home from becoming cluttered with moving gear, and will make moving day much easier. Remember to label your boxes as you go. Pick up Styrofoam coolers for moving perishables on the day of your move, if you are moving locally. Food should be the last thing packed, and the first thing unpacked to prevent spoiling.
Move on a weekday. Banks, utility companies and other businesses will be open. If any problems come up, you’ll be able to contact somebody right away, instead of having to wait until the next business day. Avoid moving on a holiday. Banks and many businesses may be closed, and the extra traffic on the roadways might make moving more stressful than it already is.
Keep a list of when each utility is being turned off at your old home and turned on at the new. Plan for a few days of overlap. There’s nothing quite like cleaning up, either at the old home or the new, with no electricity and no hot water. Plan on keeping the utilities on for a few extra days in your old home after the move, so you can go back and finish up any last minute cleaning after the home is empty.
Reserve several boxes for last minute items on moving day. There are almost always a scattered collection of things that need to be packed up right before you move, such as the last bit of clothing, personal supplies and other odds and ends.
Keep all of your cleaning supplies together. This includes sponges, paper towels and plastic bags to hold garbage. Put them all in a box with handles, to make them easier to move around while you clean. If you will be returning to your old home to clean up after the move, have a second set of cleaning supplies to leave there until you are done. This will prevent you from needing to carry the supplies back and forth between the two properties.
Number of Views :135Costs of Home Ownership Not as Well Known
Many people may think they can afford a home because they have enough money to put down, can hire a real estate agent, and can make the monthly payments. Unfortunately, these are not the only costs that you need to think about. In the excitement of buying a new home, many people tend to forget about the other costs and these can add up quickly if you are not careful. Before you go buying that home of your dreams, here are some not as well known costs you may want to consider before buying.
Ask your real estate agent for advice
As your real estate agent, it is part of their job to know all the costs that go into buying and keeping a home. They are a great resource and can help you figure out if you are really ready to be a home owner or not.
Pest Inspection
Many people may know about the costs of a home inspection, but they may not know the costs of a pest inspection. Termite inspections can cost between fifty and two hundred dollars and are recommended before buying a home to avoid problems in the future.
Moving expenses and furniture costs
Unless you have a big family or a huge group of friends to help you move, these expenses can add up, especially if you are moving to a new city or state. Also, if you decide you want new furniture or appliances to go with your new home, these costs can add up as well. It is important to consider these costs when looking for a home.
Property Taxes and Insurance
If you are planning on moving to a different city or state, it is important to look into how much you will be paying for property taxes. These can cost you a couple thousand every year depending on where you live. It is also wise to consider home insurance costs. These can be high also depending on where you live.
Repairs
It takes work to maintain a home and to keep everything in good working order. If you do not have your appliances under warranty and something happens the repairs may cost anywhere from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Owning a home is exciting and can be very enjoyable for you and your family, but it is important to consider not only the main costs that go into it but all of them. If you consider all of these, you may decide to wait on buying a home or may buy a smaller home. So, all these costs of owning a home can make a big difference in the future.
Number of Views :88Tips on what to ask your mortgage lender
So, you have decided to buy a home and you have even decided that you need a mortgage, you have picked out a good real estate agent, but you might be wondering what you do now. Well, a good next step is to figure out what you want to ask your lender, so that you make sure to get the best deal possible and the one that works best for you and your family. That way there will be less to worry about later on and more to enjoy. Here are some tips of some things to ask your lender to help make the process easier for everyone.
Ask your Real Estate Agent for Advice
A good first step before talking to a lender is to ask your agent for advice. They have experience dealing with lenders and can help you know what to expect. You may even want them to meet the lender with you, so you can get the best deal possible.
Ask your lender about the different loans
Talk with your lender about your money situation and the different types of loan options to try and figure out what would best suit you. Do not let them talk you into something you do not need or want or let your real estate help you.
Find out what the best APR and Interest Rate Is
The APR is the interest rate plus any fees from the loan and sometimes lenders do not calculate this correctly, so if you are unsure double check it yourself or ask for your agent’s help before signing anything.
Ask about Discount Points and any other Fees
Each point is equal to one percent of the amount of the loan. Some lenders charge other fees on top of the point fees, so be sure to ask about these and know the details if you are unsure.
Ask about any and all costs
Make sure to ask about all costs including: appraisal, taxes, credit report, lender’s policy, recording fees and more. Know exactly how much you will be paying for the loan you choose.
Ask about the Good Faith Estimate
A lender has three days after you have applied for a loan to share all the costs with you, but they do not have to guarantee to do this. Ask about any guarantee policies, and if the lender does not stick by their guarantee, go with another lender to get a better deal.
These basic questions to ask your lender will help the process go smoother for everyone and make sure there are no surprises or extra worries in the future. This way you can just enjoy your new home and future without worries and hassles.
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