When it comes to buying, maintaining or selling a home, there’s a lot to keep in mind regardless of where you are in the process of home ownership. Read on to see where you fit into the equation!
What should you keep in mind when buying a home?
What does it mean to say a house has good bones?
This one is a little tricky, and opinions differ on the subject. That being said, a house with good bones should have a good floorplan, solid infrastructure, plenty of natural light and no need for major repairs.
Should I buy a renovated home or a fixer-upper?
The short answer? It depends. Depending on your budget, your skillset and your tolerance for a home in transition, you’ve got options. If you’re looking for maximum control over your home’s aesthetic, a fixer-upper might be the ticket for you. If you’re the kind of person who works hard so at home they don’t have to, consider buying the flipped home with the new kitchen and bathrooms and a fresh coat of paint. Whatever you decide, be sure that the fixtures in your home are high quality and installed properly. Hang on to all your warranty information and register your products. If you run into trouble down the line, you’ll thank yourself.
What do you need to know about selling your home?
How do I stage my home for selling?
Staging is a realtor’s concept for creating the most appealing aesthetic for potential buyers. Staging allows the buyer to see themselves in your home, unencumbered by the clutter of your life. To stage your home, it takes more than decluttering. The devil is in the details—from your home’s curb appeal to the arrangement of the furniture, display of artwork and the home’s overall cleanliness, you’ve got to put the work in on the front end.
How do I get the most for my home?
Beyond staging your home, you could consider updating fixtures and doing some renovation. The return-on-investment varies by project and based on your home’s location. Research the rates homes sell for in your area, and try to find out the difference between a renovated and unrenovated home. The short answer is, “it depends.” However, homes featuring aesthetically pleasing interiors with updated kitchens and bathrooms will be easier to sell at a higher price than their dismally-decorated counterparts.
How well are you maintaining your home?
How much should I budget for home maintenance?
We actually have an answer for that. To learn more about home maintenance budget, visit our previous blog on creating a home maintenance budget, and also check out our post on how to know when to replace your appliances. Between standard upkeep and replacing major appliances, you should be able to estimate your cost. Some experts recommend budgeting 1% of the value of your home toward annual maintenance costs, so for a home worth $300,000, you’d need to allocate at least $3000.
How often should I get my gutters cleaned out?
Preventing your gutters from clogging is essential to maintaining the optimal health of your home. Depending on your geographical location, you may need more cleanings than the average home, but a good rule of thumb is six times per year, with three cleanings concentrated in fall. Leaves and debris can weigh gutters down; once a gutter’s capacity is exceeded, the gutter puts a strain on the fascia board on the side of the home where the gutter and roof meets. Gutter damage occurs when the angle (pitch) is compromised due to excess weight. The fallout from damaged gutters could include foundation damage and basement flooding—this can occur when water isn’t properly diverted away from the home.
Do gutter guards work?
Gutter guards are a product marketed toward people who want an easy solution to keeping their gutters clean. The problem? They don’t achieve the goal they claim. Gutter guards don’t prevent clogs; in fact, they encourage them. The guards themselves become clogged with fine particulate matter over time and prevent water from entering your gutter system and leaving the area around your foundation. Beware of anyone who tries to sell you on a gutter guard solution. Chances are, they either don’t know what they’re talking about, or they’re trying to convince you to spend money you shouldn’t.
How long do gutters last?
Regular cleaning and maintenance is key. If you do this, there’s no reason your aluminum gutter system shouldn’t last for 20 years. Neglect your gutters, and you’re in for a rude awakening and a large expense on the back end. It’s cheaper and wiser to maintain gutters well than to neglect, repair and eventually replace them early.
Give your home the TLC it deserves with Ned Stevens
Whether you need a service plan to take care of your home year-round or an end-of-fall gutter cleaning, we’re here for you. Prepare your home for winter by ensuring your gutters are free of debris and in good shape before the cold really sets in. This is also a great time to consider installing a chimney cap and having your dryer vent cleaned out!
First-time customer? We’d like to offer you a discount on your first gutter cleaning.
