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Fall/Winter Maintenance

November 26, 2013 by Dargan

During the fall months, it’s important to prepare your home for the colder weather to come. By taking the time to tackle a few (quick and easy) maintenance chores, you can save money on utility bills and protect your investment from the effects of harsh weather.

Fall/Winter Checklist

  • Hire a technician to check your heating system and water pump to verify they are clean and working properly. If you choose to skip this step, you might regret it when you find yourself last in a long line to have it repaired on the coldest day of the year.
  • If your ceiling fan has a reverse switch, change the direction of the blades (from counterclockwise to clockwise) after you turn on your heat. Changing it will create an updraft and push the warm air down (as heat rises) into the room. This can be especially helpful for homes with tall ceilings. As a result, you might even be able to turn down the thermostat a degree or two.
  • Caulk around all doors and windows. Silicone caulk is best for outdoor use because it doesn’t shrink and can withstand the natural elements outside.
  • Inspect storm doors and windows for cracks and/or broken glass.
  • Clean the gutters. Clogged gutters can cause leaks, as well as damage the roof, siding, or wood trim.
  • Check the attic or basement insulation for signs of moisture.
  • Turn off outside faucets and put away any hoses. Water that hasn’t been properly drained from pipes can freeze and cause them to burst.
  • Clean out your inside drains by adding ½ cup of baking soda, followed by ½ cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for ten minutes and then flush with boiling water.
  • Mow leaves instead of raking them. Mowing leaves into small pieces will help them decompose and nourish your lawn during the winter months. Also, properly store your mower by draining any fuel remaining in its engine. After time, fuel left sitting in a mower can varnish the carburetor and cause you trouble when you try to start it in the spring.  
  • Clean, cover, and store outdoor furniture.
  • If you have a pool, make sure to have it properly serviced and winterized. Install a pool safety cover to protect both children and pets. In addition, make sure the pool fence is in good repair and securely locked.
  • Walk around the outside of your home and check the crawl space vents at the foundation. Close any open vents.
  • Keep firewood away from the home to prevent termite and other pest infestations.

Can you think of something we’re missing? Share it with us!

 

Filed Under: Myrtle Beach real estate, Myrtle Beach SC real estate Tagged With: checklist, home repair, maintenance, upkeep

Buying Your First Home: A Timeline

October 7, 2013 by Dargan

If you are a first time home buyer, buying a home can seem incredibly overwhelming. It’s no secret that purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. The following timeline can relieve some of the stress and anxiety you may be faced with during the home buying process.

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Month 12: Review Your Credit

This is the time to really ask yourself if you are ready to be a homeowner. It’s important to review your credit to determine if you need to do any damage control. Do you need to build or enhance your credit? If so, check out this link about ways to boost your credit score before applying for a mortgage loan.

Month 11: Calculate How Much You Can Afford

Access your debts and pay down as much as you can. Ask yourself how you can increase your savings? Use a calculator to determine if you pre-qualify for a mortgage.

Month 10: Find Out What Kind of Home You Need

Consider the commute to work, possible transportation issues, the quality of nearby schools, and the amenities you want the most. Come up with a “Must Have List” (e.g. number of bedrooms and baths, multi-car garage, attic, basement, fireplace, pool, etc.)

Month 9: Research the Housing Market

Check out your favorite neighborhoods and the properties available that fit your needs. Talk to other homeowners in the area. View properties online to see if any are of particular interest to you. Tip: Pictures can be deceiving. Take a drive past the homes you are interested in before setting up an appointment with your real estate agent. You want to be sure the pictures live up to the property.

Month 8: Meet with Your Agent

Meet with your agent to discuss the current market conditions. Let them know the type of home you are looking to purchase. Mention any must-have amenities and which ones you are willing to sacrifice.

Month 7: Research Other Professionals

Research and meet with other professionals involved in the home buying process: inspectors, lawyers, and insurers. You want professionals you can trust to help you as you make this huge commitment.

Month 6: Organize Your Paperwork

Start putting together all of the paperwork needed to meet with your lender. You will need tax forms from the last two years (at least), asset statements, and income statements.

Month 5: Find a Mortgage Lender

Research local lenders, as well as outside lenders, and choose the one most suitable for you. Set up a meeting with them and complete the pre-approval process. A pre-approval will allow you to shop and negotiate with sellers seriously.

Month 4: Finalize the Contract

The contract phase will consist of an offer, a possible counter-offer, an agreement, and mortgage related paperwork. It will also consist of the final walkthrough and closing process.

Month 3: Logistics of Moving

The logistics of moving involve tying up all loose ends: terminating a lease, determining a move-in date, contacting utility providers, and more. You can read more about the logistics of moving by reading our post, Essential Address Checklist for New Home Buyers.

Month 2: The Move

Pack… Prepare your new home… Move!

Month 1: Contingency Plan

Come up with a Plan B. Don’t leave yourself without any options or financially strapped if something changes. What if you can’t move in right away as planned? Where will you store your belongings? Where will you sleep? Be organized and have a plan in place just in case you need it.

 

 

Filed Under: Myrtle Beach real estate, Myrtle Beach SC real estate Tagged With: buying a home, checklist, homebuyer, new homebuyers, timeline

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9916 North Kings Hwy - Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 | Phone: (843) 712-2585
117 Stonegate Blvd - Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

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