Tag Archives: Homeowners

Home Warranty Plans: Reasons You Should Have One

A red pen ready to sign a home warranty plan.

When buying an old home, it is common to check that all appliances and systems still work as intended. Having one or a few of them broken simply will not do. But what if there is concern that these aging appliances and systems will break down in the near future? You can maintain, repair, and replace, but the costs are not cheap. You should have a home warranty plan.

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8 Mistakes to avoid when purchasing a home insurance policy

a home insurance policy form with a small house symbolizing protection for the home.

Getting a home insurance policy is essential when you are buying your dream home. However, just any homeowner’s insurance policy is not enough; you need to have adequate coverage to financially protect yourself against any unexpected circumstances.

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How to Create a Functional Balcony

Balconies are a great way to incorporate outdoor fun with indoor living. They add space to the home, and they have been found to increase the value of your home. A balcony that has been beautifully constructed will impact the home’s style and atmosphere, but to get to that point, there’s a lot you need to consider. 

To start, you need to take into account the purpose and function, the location and views, materials you’re using to create the balcony, and the style you’re after. The following tips will help you to create a balcony that is functional and inviting.

Define the purpose of the balcony

Think about why you want the balcony and what you’re planning to do with it. Do you want to sit there during the day to rest? Or will you invite your friends over and have drinks and dance there at night? By defining what you want it for, you’ll be able to come up with a quality design and size to suit. 

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How to Organize Your Garage

Your garage can seem like a catch-all for your things that don’t quite fit right inside the home. Seasonal decor, outdoor furniture and all types of storage containers can fill up the garage space fast. In order to make the most of your garage and to not be tripping over containers every time you go out to look for something, it’s important to have a system. Here are some tips to help you get your garage looking neat and organized.

Out With the Old

Just like when you are trying to declutter or organize your interior, you need to go through your belongings to see what you want to keep and what you can get rid of. For example, you may have kept tubs of old baby clothes or toys because they are sentimental, but they take up a lot of room and often don’t get used or looked at. Try picking out a few things and then donating the rest to a good cause.

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Preparing Your Home For a Winter Storm

Do you live somewhere where blizzards are a regular part of your winter life? Many homeowners struggle with having to get ready for a harsh season and harsh conditions hitting their home. Let’s go through a checklist of what you can do to get your home ready for winter.

Stock Up

Now let’s not go toilet paper crazy like we saw in the early months of COVID-19, but it may be a good idea to get a few essential items before being trapped inside because of a blizzard. De-icing salt, shovels, flashlights and batteries are all great items to pick up.  You’ll want flashlights and batteries, just in case the power goes out. The salt is a necessity for many homeowners since oftentimes driveways and walkways get very slick during winter, while the shovel will come in handy once snow starts to build up and you have to dig your doorway or garage out. If you live in an apartment or rented property, the chances are your landlord has hired a service to salt and plow these areas, so you luck out!

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Common Questions About Property Taxes

The journey in buying a new home is what many individuals dream of but, buying a home is not always easy and many long time homeowners can attest to that feeling. Owning your own home does come with extra duties and responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is property tax.

How much do you know about property taxes? What does it do, and what do you need to know about it when buying a home? If you’re a first-time homebuyer, budgeting the property tax cost is an important first step in knowing what you can afford. 

So, let’s cut to the chase, clarify some things about property taxes and answer some common questions.

What Is a Property Tax? 

Let’s identify first what a property tax is. A property tax is one of the long lists of government-issued tax to all its constituents who own a property, whether it be a house, a rental property or a building. Individuals and other legal entities, such as corporations, are charged with property tax. 

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Is a Smart Home Worth it?

Smart homes are becoming increasingly popular, as more people are willing to invest in automatic home appliances and systems to make their lives easier and their homes sustainable and more convenient. However, as one might assume, smart homes do come with a set of downsides along with the perks. So, before you introduce any changes, study our list of advantages and disadvantages of turning your home into a smart home first.

Advantages 

Great convenience

Automatic home appliances and systems can be programmed to fully meet all your specific needs. They also enable you to control and check on your home no matter where you are.  In a few simple clicks, you can turn on the heating or turn off the lighting whenever you want. This is why investing in these devices becomes one of the money moves buyers make after purchasing their first home.

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Creating Your At Home Gym

With COVID-19 shutting down workout facilities around the country, you may be looking for ways to work on your health and fitness inside the safety of your own home. Check out these five tips below to create the perfect gym for you that will make sure you won’t slow down on your goals- open gym or not!

Decide on the Essentials

The first part of creating the perfect at home gym is finding the right equipment. Most of us won’t have the equipment just lying around since you are used to it being provided by your gym, but you only need a few things to make the most of your workout. A floor mat, resistance bands, dumbbells and a jump rope are a great place to start. The floor mat can be used for several different workouts, core strengthening, yoga and more, depending on what you like. Resistance bands or dumbbells can be used for lower and upper body weightlifting. A jump rope is a challenging but fun way to get cardio in.

Of course, if you are just starting our fitness journey and are wanting to start a little easier, don’t be afraid to just use your body weight! This is still an effective way to get yourself moving and stay active without the need for different equipment.

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Tips for Buying Your First Condo

Have you decided to buy a condo but not sure if there are differences between purchasing a condo or a home? Or maybe you don’t know what you should be looking for? Well, you don’t have to worry because this article is here to help you make sure you are financially geared up before you rush into a decision.

Strategies to Make Sure You Are Financially Ready

Buying a condo for the first time can be tricky, and all you need are essential tips from experts and consultants to help you in this world of real estate. The following are six crucial strategies to help you become successful in owning a home. They include: 

Budgeting Your Finances 

It advisable you jot down the critical points to help you in handpicking the best home. A condo has a lot of specifications and in getting it, requires proper planning of finances to make sure all the amenities and stocking of the house is well budgeted for. 

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Five Reasons to Have Backyard Chickens

Keeping backyard chickens has become increasingly popular, and for good reason! While chickens do take a lot of work, they also have quite a lot to offer to anyone who is ready to take on the challenge. Here are five of the top reasons why you should consider keeping backyard chickens. 

They Provide Produce.

Raising your own chickens means you have your own supply of eggs, poultry, or both! While commercial manufacturers are typically reliable, raising your own flock means that you know exactly where your food is coming from, and you know how the flock was handled and cared for. Whether you raise chickens for eggs, poultry, or dual-purpose will depend on the breed. Here are some recommendations: 

  • For eggs, consider the Easter Egger, Golden Comet, or Orpington! They are all quiet docile, and are well sought-after. 
  • For dual-purpose, consider the Rhode Island Red or the Wyandotte! Both are recommended for beginners. 
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