Montse Foster
PREPARING TO SELL YOUR HOME

Selling your home doesn′t just mean hiring a realtor to stick a sign out front. There are a lot of preparations you should make to ensure you get the best offer possible in the shortest time.

PREPARING TO SELL YOUR HOME
Montse Foster
5 TIPS FOR BUYING A HOME

Looking to buy a home? Here are five essential tips for making the process as smooth as possible.

5 TIPS FOR BUYING A HOME

Fall Home Maintenance Tips: Get Your Home Ready for the Cozy Season 🍂🏡

As the leaves change color and the air gets crisp, it’s time to give your home some love before the chill of winter sets in. Fall is the perfect season for preventative maintenance to keep your home warm, safe, and running smoothly. Here are some must-do fall home maintenance tips to make sure your house is ready for whatever the season brings!

1. Check Your Heating System 🔥

Before temperatures drop, give your heating system a test run. Change the filters in your furnace, and schedule a professional inspection if it hasn’t been serviced in a while. This ensures you’ll stay toasty all season without any surprises.

2. Clean Out Your Gutters 🍁

Falling leaves are beautiful, but they can clog your gutters and lead to water damage if not cleaned out. Make sure to remove leaves, twigs, and debris to keep water flowing away from your home, protecting your roof and foundation.

3. Seal Up Drafts 🏠

Feel a chill near your windows or doors? It might be time to re-caulk or install weatherstripping to prevent drafts. This simple fix can save you money on energy bills and keep your home cozy when the cold weather hits.

4. Inspect Your Roof and Chimney 🧱

Take a look at your roof for any damaged or missing shingles that could lead to leaks. If you have a fireplace, make sure your chimney is clean and free of any blockages to safely enjoy those cozy fires this fall.

5. Trim Trees and Bushes 🌳

Trim back any trees or bushes that are close to your house. Falling branches during heavy winds or storms can cause significant damage to your home. This is a great way to keep your landscape tidy and your home safe.

6. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors 🚨

As you start to use your heating system and fireplace, it's essential to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Change the batteries and test them to ensure your home is safe.

7. Drain Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers 🚰

Before the first freeze, make sure to drain and disconnect outdoor hoses and sprinklers. Frozen water can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs. Shut off exterior faucets and protect your pipes from the cold.

8. Swap Out Air Filters 🌀

Your HVAC system works harder during the fall and winter, so replacing the air filters regularly will help it run more efficiently. This also helps improve your indoor air quality, which is especially important as you start spending more time indoors.

9. Check Your Water Heater 🛁

Fall is the perfect time to check your water heater for leaks and sediment build-up. Flushing it out can extend its life and make sure you have plenty of hot water for those chilly nights ahead.

10. Prepare Your Lawn for Winter 🌱

Don’t forget to give your yard some attention before the cold weather arrives. Aerate and fertilize your lawn to keep it healthy through winter, and rake up any fallen leaves to prevent dead spots.

By taking care of these essential fall maintenance tasks, you can protect your home, save money, and avoid the stress of unexpected repairs. So grab your checklist, throw on a flannel, and get your home ready to enjoy all the cozy vibes fall has to offer! 🍁🍂

🏡 Biggest Home-Selling Mistakes to Avoid 🏡

Avoid These Common Home-Selling Blunders

  1. Not Expecting Home-Selling Costs: Many sellers are surprised by the various costs involved in selling a home. From agent commissions to closing costs and repairs, make sure you're financially prepared.

  2. Selling Without an Agent: Going solo might seem like a good way to save money, but a professional agent can help you navigate the market, negotiate the best price, and handle all the paperwork efficiently.

  3. Pricing It Wrong: Setting the right price is crucial. Overpricing can scare away buyers, while underpricing might leave money on the table. A good agent can help you determine the optimal price.

  4. Hiding Major Repairs: Trying to hide major issues can backfire during inspections. It's better to be upfront and either fix the problems or adjust the price accordingly.

  5. Moving to a Home You Can't Afford: Before selling, make sure you're financially ready to move to your next home. Calculate all the costs to avoid financial strain.

Ready to avoid these pitfalls and sell your home successfully? Call us today and start the journey together! 📲

Are you a first time homebuyer?

Becoming a first-time homebuyer is a thrilling and transformative experience, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. With a myriad of questions and decisions ahead, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the process. In this short blog, we'll provide guidance and insights to help first-time homebuyers embark on their homeownership journey with confidence.

Understanding Your Budget:

To start buying a home, first assess your financials, including determining your budget, down payment, and monthly costs like mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance. This sets a realistic price range for your new home.

Credit and Pre-Approval:

Your credit score affects your mortgage rate. Check your report, improve your score, and get pre-approved for a competitive advantage while house hunting.

Research and Education:

Before diving into the market, educate yourself about different types of mortgages, interest rates, and the local housing market. Research neighborhoods, schools, and amenities to find the right fit for your lifestyle.

Working with a Real Estate Agent:

Partnering with a knowledgeable real estate agent can streamline your home search. They'll help you find properties that align with your budget and preferences, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through the buying process.

Home Inspection:

Once you've found a property you love, schedule a professional home inspection. This will help uncover any hidden issues and ensure you're making an informed decision.

Closing and Beyond:

The closing process involves signing legal documents and finalizing the purchase. After closing, you officially become a homeowner. Don't forget to budget for moving costs and consider ongoing maintenance and repairs.

As a first-time homebuyer, the path to homeownership is both exciting and rewarding. It's important to take your time, seek guidance when needed, and make well-informed decisions. Remember that you're not alone in this journey; there are professionals and resources available to assist you every step of the way.

Owning a home is a significant achievement that brings stability and the opportunity to create a space that reflects your personality and style. With the right knowledge and preparation, your dream of homeownership can become a reality. Welcome to the world of first-time homebuyers, where the adventure of a lifetime awaits.

What Factors Influence Your Interest Rate?

When you're seeking a loan, your interest rate is a pivotal piece of the puzzle. It's not set in stone; instead, it's influenced by several factors that reflect your financial profile and the economic climate. Here's a breakdown of the key elements that determine your interest rate:

1. Credit Score: Your credit score is a major player. Lenders use it to gauge your creditworthiness. A higher score often translates to a lower interest rate, while a lower score can lead to a higher rate.

2. Loan Type: Different types of loans carry different rates. Mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, and credit cards all come with their own sets of rates. Mortgages, for instance, typically have lower rates compared to credit cards.

3. Down Payment (for Mortgages): If you're purchasing a home, the size of your down payment can significantly affect your interest rate. A larger down payment usually results in a lower rate.

4. Loan Term: The length of your loan term matters. Shorter terms generally have lower interest rates, but they come with higher monthly payments. Longer terms offer lower monthly payments but often have higher interest rates.

5. Lender Policies: Different lenders may have varying policies and risk tolerances. Some may offer more competitive rates based on their business objectives.

6. Debt-to-Income Ratio: Lenders evaluate your debt-to-income ratio to assess your ability to handle additional debt. A lower ratio may lead to a more favorable interest rate.

7. Loan Amount: The amount you're borrowing can affect your rate. Larger loans may have slightly different rates compared to smaller ones.

Understanding these factors can help you navigate the lending landscape more effectively. To secure the best possible interest rate, it's crucial to maintain a healthy credit score, consider your loan type and term, and stay informed about current economic conditions. Ultimately, the interest rate on your loan is a reflection of the risk you represent to the lender, and by proactively managing these factors, you can potentially secure a more favorable rate.

If you're interested in buying a home this year, CALL US now to start the process!

AFFORDABLE WAYS TO DISINFECT YOUR HOME DURING CORONAVIRUS

How to Disinfect Your Home in the Time of Coronavirus

A bleach solution or rubbing alcohol is your best bet for keeping your home sanitized.

There’s everyday clean, guest clean, and then there’s COVID-19 clean.

To get down the absolute nitty gritty on how to disinfect your home, you’ll want your big guns: bleach, rubbing alcohol, and hot water.

The Best Disinfectants

For your high-touch surfaces, the Centers for Disease Control recommends a bleach solution diluted with water, or a 70% alcohol solution.

Follow this bleach recipe: 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water, or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water.

Make sure to properly ventilate when disinfecting with bleach.

And check to see if your bleach has expired. Who knew it could? After about 9 months to a year, and if it smells less bleachy, it’s lost its disinfecting power. Time for a new jug.

Tip: Don’t mix bleach with anything other than water; otherwise, it could set off a dangerous chemical reaction. For instance, bleach + alcohol is a deadly combo.

How to disinfect your home if you don't have bleach? Regular old rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol) works, so long as it’s at least 70% alcohol, according to the CDC. The alcohol concentration will be listed on the bottle. Rubbing alcohol you buy should already be diluted, unlike bleach.

Is There a Such a Thing as Too Much Disinfectant?

According to an EPA fact sheet, studies have found that using some disinfectant products can cause germs to become resistant.

The EPA has issued a list of disinfectants on the market that it believes are effective in killing COVID-19. Look for the EPA registration number on the product and check it against this list to ensure you have a match.

Erica Marie Hartman, an environmental microbiologist at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., whose research focuses on resistance, confirms soap, bleach, and alcohol are your best bets.

What about the various disinfecting wipes on the market (at least if you can find them)? Hartman says the active ingredient in many of those is an ammonium compound, which could become resistant to viruses over time.

Surfaces That Need Your Attention

With your preferred disinfectant, wipe down high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, tables, remotes, banisters, toilets, sinks, and faucets daily or more often, if someone in your home is sick.

Contact time is another key aspect of surface sanitizing. "Disinfection isn't instantaneous," says Hartman. [For a bleach solution], you want to leave it on the surface for 10 minutes before wiping it off. " 

By the way, new research from scientists at the National Institutes of Health, among other agencies, shows that at least some coronavirus can live for up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to three days on plastic and stainless steel.

But a report in “The Washington Post” notes that the most likely period for infection from the virus on surfaces is in the first 10 minutes to one or two hours.

Not All Floors Can Handle Bleach

For your nonporous floors, like those in the bathroom, the CDC recommends mopping with the bleach solution. 

Avoid bleach on hardwood and other porous floors because of staining. Instead, use a disinfecting wet mop cloth without bleach.

Cleaning Isn’t Disinfecting

From the you-might-be-surprised files: Disinfecting with bleach isn’t actually cleaning. If you also need to clean your countertops of dirt and grime, do that first with soap and water. Then use the bleach solution or rubbing alcohol to combat the virus.

Killing Microbes on Clothes

Most washing machines today do a bang-up job on dirty clothes with cold water, which is best for energy savings. But, and especially if you have a sick person in your house, the hot-water setting followed by a high-heat dry for about a ½ hour to 45 minutes is best for virus eradication.

Don’t forget about your laundry hamper. Wipe it down like you would other surfaces. You can also use a reusable liner bag, which you can launder with the clothes.

What If I’m Selling My House, and Inviting More Germs In?

How to disinfect your home when it's for sale? Virtual showings and tours are the ideal, and your agent can set those up.

However, if there's a need to have someone come in, talk to your agent who will work with you to establish a hygienic protocol, including requiring visitors to wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer when they arrive, and to remove shoes or wear booties before entering. Removing shoes not only reduces dirt coming in, but potentially germs.

In addition, many agents are eliminating open houses.

After any showings, practice your surface wipe-down routine.

Finally, when you work with disinfectants, practice some self care. "Alcohol and bleach can be very aggressive on your skin, so wearing rubber gloves can help protect your hands," Hartman says. 

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