Get ready to enjoy the good life. Spacious home on 29.2 acres (14.3 acres-Tract I/14.9 acres-Tract II--adjoining). 30 x 50 barn with elec/water, 3 stalls. Numerous Outbui...
Article From HouseLogic.com *** By: Oliver Marks *** Published: September 24, 2009
Getting your home’s heating system professionally serviced every year will keep it running smoothly and help keep heating costs under control.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is usually a good rule-except when it comes to your heating system. Even if it’s humming along just fine, having a technician take it apart once a year to clean the lines and filters and give it a thorough inspection is absolutely essential. Regular servicing reduces the risk of breakdowns and prolongs the unit’s life. Plus, it saves you money: For every year of maintenance you skip, energy bills jump 5% to 10% because of reduced efficiency. Here’s the lowdown on heating system maintenance.
Who does the job?
The simplest way to get the work done is to hire your fuel company to do it. Oil companies and gas utilities usually provide this service, or you can hire the contractor who installed the equipment. Also, some plumbers handle heating systems.
What is involved?
The technician will clean soot and corrosion out of the combustion chamber where the fuel is burned, and check it for leaks or damage. He’ll inspect the flue pipe for open seams, clogs, or corrosion that could cause carbon monoxide to backdraft into the house. He’ll replace the filters on oil and forced-air systems. Finally, he’ll test the exhaust from your cleaned machine and use the information to adjust the burner for maximum efficiency.
How much will it cost?
You’ll pay between $100 and $180 for the service, depending largely on whether you have a gas system, which is easier to maintain, or oil, which requires a fair amount of soot removal. Usually the cost is covered by an annual maintenance contract that also provides 24-hour emergency service. While the technician is there, he should also service your water heater, assuming it has a separate oil or gas burner.
When is the best time to do the work?
Ideally, have your system tuned up in the fall so it’s in top shape for the start of the heating season. Of course, that’s when technicians are the busiest, so if you can’t do it when you want, do it when you can-as long as your system is serviced once a year. And don’t expect your provider to call to remind you that it’s time. Even if you subscribe to an annual service plan, you still need to call to make an appointment. Call in the spring or summer to be sure of getting on the schedule in the fall.
A former carpenter and newspaper reporter, Oliver Marks has been writing about home improvements for 16 years. He’s currently restoring his second fixer-upper with a mix of big hired projects and small do-it-himself jobs.
You should seriously consider a Pre-Inspection. “Why”, you ask? Because waiting for post-contract inspections may cost you potential purchasers! Buyers “horriblilize” problems that they perceive in your home. Don’t make me have to tell you “horror” stories. By procuring a professional inspection and making needed repairs prior to buyers seeing your property, you eliminate lost buyers rather than waiting and possibly suffering a lost sale! There is no such thing as a perfect home. The less Buyers think about potential repairs and updating, the more money in your pocket! Cha ching…now that’s something to smile about in today’s market!
Got questions? Call Debbie White, Your KC Realtor, today for important guidance on the successful sale of your home!
Ordinary … no
Really don’t think so
Not acreage this true
Common Destiny
You were meant to be
Almost 20 Gorgeous Acres and you
Like a perfect scene
From a movie screen
It’s a dream come true
Suited perfectly
For eternity
This land and you
Click On This Photo For Property Website and More Information!
Everyday, you love it even more
And the night time too
There’s no way you could ever let it go, even if you wanted to
Everyday you live
The beautiful rolling acres has so much to give
So much to offer you
Thank the stars above, for the pond, trees and partial fencing
This almost 20 fantastic acres and you
Everyday, you love it even more
And the night time too
There’s no way you could ever let it go, even if you wanted to
Down payment assistance is available to first time home buyers. You might be surprised at who qualifies to be a first time home buyer. The First Place Loan Program* offers a great opportunity for low interest rate financing, Grant funds available for Closing Costs and expanded purchase price limits. I might also add pretty generous income limits to qualify.
I’m reflecting more on a personal note today. And so, I am revisiting the very advice I raised my two sons with. To always be true to yourself and to do what others aren’t willing to do to be successful in life. After all, it’s very crowded at the bottom when you are following and doing what others would do. I often find the daily inundation of information and technology can leave you scrambling to keep up. It’s easy to get caught up in the “latest and greatest”! It’s easy to get distracted from what is important. I walked past a poster that I had framed and put up for my children years ago, “To Achieve Your Dreams, Remember Your A, B, C’s”! While the entire list of 26 tips are inspiring, I find that the old advice is still good advice!
Give more than you planned to.
Hang on to your dreams.
Ignore those who try to discourage you.
Just do it.
At the end of each day if I can truly answer that I’ve done whatever I can to help others achieve their dreams and goals, then it is easy to look at the reflection in the mirror. Then I will know that I have kept perspective on what is truly important.
Spring is knocking on the door and you’ve got the “fever” to purchase a home. So just how important is the lender? My neighbors sister just started with a Company, my co-worker does it part time and my Realtor refers me to her lender. How do I choose? What difference does it make? “Johnny” seems to really need the money…
Choosing a lender is equally as important as choosing the right Realtor to represent you in your home purchase. This team can make this a great experience for you or your worst nightmare. So what should you look for? I have three simple steps that will guide you in this very important decision. Continue reading →
Is it possible to sell a house in the Kansas City Metro? The answer. It depends!
Selling a house depends on location, price and condition. You’re probably thinking you’ve heard that line before. What’s the real secret?
The secret is, there is no secret to selling a home. It’s quite simply a desirable location, best price and best condition in comparison to your competition. While location can’t be changed, there is plenty to be said about price and condition. Continue reading →
The Kansas City Metro has recently endured some heavy doses of Mother Nature’s finest winter attire. Has your roof suddenly sprung a leak during the melting snows? I have had several calls in the last week. An otherwise seemingly durable roof can spring a leak after a heavy snow melts. Ice and snow can creep into crevices, under flashing and other hidden spots. When the weather warms and the snow melts, you suddenly notice a wet patch on the ceiling. Around the ceiling near fireplaces is a common area to see this occur.
Don’t panic! It doesn’t have to wreak havoc in your Springtime joy! We can help refer you to trade professionals who can troubleshoot your roof, repair sheet rock and even paint. Give us a call at 816-994-0444 or email me at debbie@debbiewhitehomes.com and we’ll help get you connected to someone who can help!
So you’re looking for a home! Foreclosures are abundant. Not to mention, there are plenty of short sales to consider as well. Once in awhile you see “One Owner”, “Pride of Ownership” or something similar in the remarks. Do you really care? You might! Continue reading →
Have a plan for reviewing purchase offers so you don’t let the best slip through your fingers.
You’ve worked hard to get your home ready for sale and to price it properly. With any luck, offers will come quickly. You’ll need to review each carefully to determine its strengths and drawbacks and pick one to accept. Here’s a plan for evaluating offers. Continue reading →
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By: G. M. Filisko
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