Adding Value by Dennis O'Hagan

10 Inexpensive and Easy To Do Fall Home Maintenance Tips...

Here are some easy and inexpensive home maintenance tips:

1.  Check The Insulation in Your Attic – And Install More If Needed...

Important: proper insulation keeps your home warmer in the winter but also cooler in the summer!

If you have an unfinished attic, pop your head up there and take a look around. You should see insulation up there between the beams, and there should be at least six inches of it everywhere (more if you live in the northern part of the United States).

If there’s inadequate insulation up there – or the insulation you have appears to be damaged – install new insulation. Here’s a great guide from the Department of Energy on attic insulation, including specifics on how much you should have depending on where you live. Many states offer financial incentives, up to a 75% refund for instance, to encourage homeowners to better insulate their homes.

2.  Automate Your Thermostat And HVAC system...

One of the easiest things you can do to instantly start saving money on your heating and cooling bills is to get an automated thermostat. These smart thermostats will learn when you are home and make sure the home is at a comfortable setting during those hours so you're not cooling the house when no one is around to enjoy it. They also learn when you're going to be home so they can adjust the temperature before you step in the door to ensure your house is always comfortable!

Last year I replaced all of the thermostats in my house with the Nest learning thermostat. It learns your schedule to keep your home comfortable when you are home. Nests’ are pricey, but according to the Nest website, some energy companies will give you a $249 Nest Thermostat free when you sign up for some of their plans. Definitely check with your utility provider to see what you can get from them.

3.  "Childproof" Your Outlets Even If You Don't Have Kids.  Here's Why...

Sticking a simple child proof plug into your electrical outlets could save you 5% on your energy bill this year. Who knew that doing something to protect your kids could also protect your bank account!

My first home which was built in 1999 had this next problem. The inside outlets located on the exterior walls were like mini vacuums when it came to transferring air from the inside to the outside.

If you have an older home or a poorly constructed home you’ve probably got the same problem.

Electrical outlet boxes typically don’t have any insulation behind them, creating what is basically a hole in your wall. On a windy day take some incense or a match and put it in front of an outlet (one without a plug in it of course) and see if you can see air movement. In my situation I noticed this during the winter when I felt a cold breeze coming through the outlets.

If you have an older home, the exterior walls may be poorly insulated. And when you have poorly insulated walls, the holes that your outlets are in can be areas where the outside cold/heat can enter your home.

A simple solution to this is to install child-proof outlet plugs in any unused outlet on an exterior wall. This will close the gaps and reduce the amount of air that can leak through. This trick costs less than $20 at your local hardware store and can save you hundreds a year!

Your mileage may vary on how effective plugging your outlets are, but it can be especially beneficial in older households with poor insulation. Think of air (a fluid) as water. If you stuck your home underwater, you'd want to plug up all the places where you found a leak!

4.  Use WD-40 For EVERYTHING...

You already use WD-40 to loosen bolts and stop squeaking hinges, but did you know it could do these other amazing things around your house?

1. Waterproof your shoes and boots - WD-40 works by displacing water (WD stands for Water Displacement) so it can be a great waterproofer in a pinch if it's wet or snowy out!

2. Keep squirrels away from bird feeders - spray around your bird feeder and enjoy watching those pesky squirrels slip and slide right off (warning: the result is hilarious)

3. Get rid of sticky fingers - WD-40 dissolves tough sticky and gluey materials with ease

4. Remove floor scuff marks and oil spots - if mopping is not doing the trick, try WD-40 to remove tough scuffs and stains

5. Clean the toilet - remove lime stains from the toilet bowl by spraying in some WD-40, then just scrub with a toilet brush and flush

5.  Change ALL Your Air Filters...

Replace the air filter(s) in your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system, to keep it running more efficiently.

Old filters have reduced air flow forcing your equipment to work harder. This causes parts like fans and blowers to wear faster, especially after a cold winter. A $10 filter can save you thousands on repair costs!

6.  Clean Your Refrigerator Coils..

You can eliminate more than 70 percent of service calls with this simple cleaning step. Skip this chore and you’ll be contributing to your appliance repair technician’s retirement fund. Not to mention handing over $5 to $10 a month extra to your utility company because the fridge isn’t running efficiently.

Do it twice a year or more often if you have shedding pets. Their fur clogs up the coils fast.

Condenser coils are located on the back of the fridge or across the bottom. These coils cool and condense the refrigerant. When the coils are clogged with dirt and dust, they can’t efficiently release heat. The result is your compressor works harder and longer than it was designed to, using more energy and shortening the life of your fridge.

Clean the coils with a coil cleaning brush and vacuum. A coil cleaning brush does a thorough job and will easily pay for itself. The refrigerator coil brush is bendable to fit in tight areas. They can be used for cleaning your dehumidifier and air conditioner coils too.

7.  Check for Air Leaks Around Windows...

Want to save some real money on the energy bill? Make sure your home is shut tight by running a simple candle test.

Take a look at all places in your home where two different materials meet as well as external facing doors and windows. Hold a lit candle and slowly move it around the window frame to see if the flame follows a draft. A simple helping of caulk around these leaks could save you 5-15% on your heating and cooling costs.

You can even use weather sealing tape around windows instead of caulk, but the finished product will rely heavily on your ability to tape cleanly.

8.  Gutter Cleaning Is Very Important...

Leaky & clogged gutters could cost you tens of thousands of dollars!

Gutters are an integral piece of your home’s well being. They serve to control the flow of rainwater to protect your roof, walls, foundation and landscape.

But when neglected, experts say gutters can turn from a necessity to a nightmare. A gutter clogged with leaves, sticks and other debris can cause a leaky roof or water damage to the interior or exterior of your home. Contractors say gunked-up gutters also make nice homes for pests, rodents, mold and honeycombs from bee infestations.

Although cleaning gutters is a task most homeowners can do themselves, it can be dangerous work. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, falls from ladders sent more than 240,000 Americans to hospital emergency rooms in 2009 (the most recent year available).

During a cleaning, a professional should remove of all debris from the roof, gutters and downspouts, while checking and repairing any loose gutter spikes. The cost of gutter cleaning ranges from $75 to $225 for an average home, depending on the length of gutters, height of the home and scope of work. Most companies charge a flat fee per foot of gutter, but the cost can go up depending on the complexity of the work.

9.  Clean Out Your Dryer Lint Vent...

Corral those lint bunnies. Those deceptively harmless looking little fluffs love to snuggle down in your dryer vents and lint traps. Before you know it, they multiply like, well, rabbits. Dryer lint is extremely flammable if you let it build up in the vents. You can hire someone to do this for you, or you can do it yourself and buy a vacuum attachment made specifically for cleaning out dryer vents.

Chances are this task has not been done in years. It's okay! You know what you have to do, and you'll feel better and more safe once it's done. This will not only save you money, it will protect you, your family, and your valuables.

10.  Water Heater Flushing - So Hot Right Now...

Regularly flushing out your water heater is an important task. Getting rid of the gunk and mineral deposits that accumulate will help your hot water heater run more efficiently as well as prolong its life, saving you money in the long run.

Depending on your model, aim to flush your water heater every one to three years. Really, the job is so easy, it wouldn’t be a bother to do it at least once a year.

However, if your heater is old and has never been flushed, it may be better to call a professional to get advice specific to your situation. On the same note, if you're not comfortable with the follow steps, always err on the side of caution.

1. Turn the knob on your water heater’s thermostat to “Off”
2. Turn off the gas line or electricity to the unit.
3. Turn off the cold water supply (usually a blue knob similar to an outdoor hose spigot).
4. Important: turn on a hot water tap in a sink or tub. This prevents a vacuum from forming in the system while draining the tank.
5. Connect a garden hose to the drainage spigot. Then turn on the spigot and drain the entire tank.
6. Once drained, turn back on the cold water supply to flush the tank. Look for water coming out the hose to be clear and free of sediment.

That's it! Simple right? Once completed, just follow the steps in reverse order to get the system back up and running.

Real Estate Agent vs FSBO...

Home Maintenance - How To Avoid Foundation Issues...

Here are some important details to stay up with:

Drainage

Drainage --- Your yard should slope away from the house and landscape borders and flat work should not interfere with drainage.

Gutters --- They should be adequate to handle the runoff for the roof and kept clear of leaves and debris. They should be replaced if rusted through or broken.

Downspouts --- They should discharge water from the gutters at least 3 feet from the building. Buried (French) drains or pipes may be needed to keep water away from the foundation.

 

Watering (Should Supplement Rainfall)

Automatic sprinklers --- These should be checked to assure that they are not leaking and are dispensing the correct amount of water. Their cycles can be interrupted if the yard gets too wet. The number of heads, location, and adjustment may need to be changed to maintain stable soil.

Shrubs and Flowers --- Beds close to the house must be checked to maintain proper moisture. A gap between soil and foundation indicates poor conditions and potential problems with the foundation.

Trees --- They extract water through their roots everyday of the year. They must be watered in extremely dry periods. Barriers can be installed to keep roots from growing under the foundation if the trees are too close to the building.

 

Foundation Repair/Maintenance Tips

Expansive soils act like a sponge. As they absorb water, they swell and as they lose water they shrink. Soils tend to dry out (and shrink) during the summer, and absorb water (and swell) during the winter and spring.

As the soil under a house shrinks and swells with the seasons, the house and foundation will move up and down. As long as the foundation movement is not great enough to damage the house and/or foundation, it is not a problem. If the up and down movement of a foundation always returns the foundation to its original level position, then damage to the house and foundation may appear and disappear on a regular basis as the seasons change.

If a homeowner wishes to stop seasonal house and foundation damage, the first course of action should be to follow a controlled watering program. By keeping the moisture content of the soil under the foundation constant, foundation movement can often be stopped. All-American Foundation Repair Inc. has written this to assist the homeowner in performing a simple foundation preventive maintenance program.

 

Foundations and Water

The goal of a foundation watering program is to maintain a constant level of moisture in the soil under the house and foundation. The best way to water a foundation is to install a buried foundation watering system. If you do not want to go to the expense of installing a buried watering system, soaker hoses will provide you with many of the same benefits. The best way to use a soaker hose is to bury it three inches deep, one foot from the edge of your foundation. Placing the hose a short distance from the foundation allows the water to soak into the soil evenly.

The hose should not be placed against the foundation. When soil has dried and cracked, water can travel along the cracks for several feet in all directions. If the soil around your foundation is dried and cracked, then water placed next to the foundation will run through the cracks and accumulate at the bottom of the grade beam (the thick portion of the foundation that is under the exterior walls). In some cases, an accumulation of water in the soil at the base of a foundation can cause the soil to lose some of its load bearing capacity. If the soil loses enough load bearing capacity, the house will sink into the ground.

Obviously, it is necessary to water more during hot, dry weather and less during cold, damp weather. The amount of water required to keep a foundation stable during the summer can be surprisingly large. A single large tree can remove as much as 150 gallons of water, or almost 20 cubic feet of water, from the soil each day. Shrubs and other plants can also remove large quantities of water. During persistent hot dry weather, it may be necessary to water a foundation daily. Watering should supply enough water to keep the moisture content in the soul under the foundation constant. If the amount of water applied is only enough to keep the surface damp, the watering program will not work. Obviously, the homeowner is the only one who can weigh the benefits of controlling foundation movement versus the increased size of the water bill.

Upheaval

Water that collects under the foundation, regardless of origin, is a major problem. This water is confined, accumulative, and particularly serious; it accounts for a high percentage of all failures. The source can be either domestic leaks, or nature. Foundation failures resulting from this excessive water under the foundation are classically termed “upheaval.”
“Upheaval” relates to the situation in which the internal and on rare occasion, external areas of the foundation raises above the as-built position. In high-plasticity soils this phenomenon results, almost without exception, from the introduction of moisture under the foundation. Once the slab heaves, the reinforcing steel is stressed into what amounts to a permanent elongation.

Just The Facts...

DFW’s Million Dollar Home Sales Are No Longer Rising

After several years of ever-increasing sales, there are signs that North Texas’ million-dollar home market has hit a ceiling.  Sales of high-priced Dallas-area homes have shot up in recent years, rising at a much greater rate than the overall housing market.  There are now more than a dozen Dallas-area mansions on the market with price tags of more than $10 million, according to Realtor.com.  While demand for low- and moderate-priced houses is still rising in North Texas, the latest sales numbers show that purchases of million-dollar properties have leveled off.  For the last few years, million-dollar home sales in the Dallas-Fort Worth area have grown at double-digit percentage rates.  Housing analysts say that the inventory is rising while more moderate-priced properties are in short supply.  “The inventory is mostly at the upper end,” said George Ratiu, senior economist with Realtor.com.  “That’s not where the most demand is.”

• Dallas Morning News, October 14, 2019

 

Too Few Moderate Homes; Too Many Upper-End Homes

The number of homes listed for sale with North Texas real estate agents has risen by about 15% this year. But they aren't in the price range most buyers want.  "The inventory is increasing at the upper end — $750,000 and above," Dr. James Gaines, chief economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University said. "If you have a well-located $300,000 house, you can sell it tomorrow. We are seeing evidence of price fatigue in the market."  D-FW home prices are up only about 3% so far in 2019 — nothing like the double-digit percentage home price gains of a couple of years ago.  "The recent spike in mortgage rates did expose how price sensitive the market is," said Paige Shipp, regional director with housing analyst MetroStudy Inc. "Things are not quite as rosy as they seem in terms of what people can afford."  Many home sellers haven't gotten the message, she said. "They want to list their house for more than their neighbors sold for and sell it overnight."  D-FW has an undersupply of homes priced below $250.000.

• Dallas Morning News, October 14, 2019

 

Forecasters – What to Expect Over Next 12 Months

Paige Shipp, regional director with housing analyst MetroStudy Inc. fears home sales might slow next year in the ramp up to presidential and congressional elections.  "We typically have much slower selling seasons right before an election," she said. "After that happens, the flood gates open and people come out. It's not a matter of who wins."   Worries about a recession may also impact the home market.  "We spent the better part of the last decade still looking over our shoulder," said George Ratiu, senior economist with Realtor.com.  "The last recession was so bad that we are still carrying some of the scars from that."   However, Dr. James Gaines, chief economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University states that Texas economy is still expanding.  "And we are extremely unlikely to be in a recession by the end of this calendar year," he said. "We are probably pretty safe through the first six months of next year.”

• Dallas Morning News, October 14, 2019

Money Can't Buy You Happiness But It Can Help You Buy A House And That Can Make You Happy...

What type of home would make you happy? Message me to let me know and I'll help you find it! 

Real Estate HUMOR...

Prepping Your Home For a Professional Looking Paint Job...

Painting requires patience because how your job looks at the end depends so much on how you prepare at the beginning. Skipping steps in the prep process is often the difference between a pro-level finish and a paint job that you'll have to revisit in six month's time. The good news is that prepping for painting isn't hard to do, it just takes an investment of time. Follow these key prep steps to get a pro-level look from your next DIY painting project.

• The Right Tools for the Job
  Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need for the job. You'll want painter's tape, drop cloths, brushes, rollers, roller pads, a roller extension, scrapers, sandpaper, plastic, primer, and paint. Choosing high-quality roller pads and brushes will cost more up front, but makes it much easier to get a professional look.
• Cover Anything You Don't Want to Paint
  If you're painting rooms inside your home, then you'll want to cover or remove everything that you don't want the paint to touch. Painting can be a messy job even when you're careful, which is why even pros cover everything. Use painter's tape to cover edges, plastic for furniture you can't remove, and drop cloths to cover the floor. Removing the outlet and light-switch covers will also make your life much easier when it's time to start painting.
• Pick a Dry Day
  Even painting indoors, it helps to choose a day that's not rainy or humid. High humidity causes the paint to take longer to dry, which can lead to drips and inconsistencies in the finish. If you have to paint on a humid day, take your time and fix drips before they dry.
• Prep Before You Prime
  The real secret to a professional finish is in how you prep the surface. If you're painting an older, outdoor surface, then you may have to wash the surface, scrape old paint, and sand away damaged wood before you start. Even indoors, you'll want to do some light sanding and wash walls before you apply primer. On older surfaces, prep can take almost as much time as painting, but the results are more than worth the effort.
• Prime Every Time
  Once a professional painter has the surface prepped, they apply a coat of primer to seal the surface, prevent stains, and create a smooth surface for painting. After you apply your primer, wait for it to dry completely before you start painting. If prepping is the biggest pro secret, primer ranks just behind. It's an extra step, but it leads to a more attractive, durable finish.
• How to Apply an Even Finish
  When it's time to break out the rollers and brushes, you'll really begin to see your prep work paying off. It's much easier to apply an even finish to a properly prepared surface, but there's still work ahead. To apply an even finish, start by cutting in around the edges with your brush, then work from top to bottom with your roller. Let the roller do the work of applying the paint, and use a roller extension to reach high places. Make sure you let your first coat dry before applying a second coat for a truly professional finish.

It may be a cliché among professional painters, but that's only because it rings so true. The time that you invest into prep work is the key to an attractive, durable finish, and preparation will make your life much easier when it's time to start painting.

Real Estate HUMOR...

Thinking Of Selling? Step #1 Might Be To Decluttering...

Stuff is like dust. It multiplies when you aren't looking, and before you know it, you can't turn around without bumping into something. Whether you're selling your home or not, decluttering is a perfect opportunity to get rid of your excess stuff and enjoying a simpler, more relaxed life.

Use these five easy-to-do decluttering tips to help you keep your home clutter-free all year long. 

1. Start Slow and Build Up Speed
   It can be hard to get into the decluttering groove. Ease into the decluttering mindset by choosing one or two items a day to give away or set aside for a garage sale. Taking it one step at a time can help you build momentum and establish a habit of getting rid of the things you no longer need or want. Once you get rid of that first item, it becomes possible to get rid of one hundred more.
2. Garage Sale It or Give It Away
   Garage sales are a great way to declutter quickly and put a few bucks back in your pocket in the process. When you are organizing a garage sale, be sure to cast a wide net when advertising. Also, don't set your prices so high that people won't be willing to buy. Always be prepared to negotiate a lower price for that treasured item. When the sale is over, and the garage doors come down, load up the remaining pieces and take them straight to the nearest donation center. Your belongings can help others get back on their feet plus you will receive a receipt for you to claim the donation on your taxes. It's a home improvement win for everyone involved.
3. Set a New Schedule
   Clutter doesn't appear overnight. It builds up slowly and creeps into your life. One way to avoid the slow creep of clutter into your home is to set a regular decluttering schedule for each room in the house. Once a week, once a month--whatever works for you. On the assigned date, go through the designated room and remove any broken, damaged, or outdated items.
4. Invest in Organization
   Custom storage solutions fall into the category of "stuff you must have." Purchasing special hangers, storage containers, vacuum-sealed bags, etc. can help keep your things organized and out of your way. Custom storage solutions protect your possessions from season-to-season from insects, moisture, or damage.
5. Get Selective with Your Purchases
   Once you get everything cleared out and freed up more space than you thought possible, you will want to keep your home free and clear all of the time. To do this, limit your shopping trips, avoid making those "cute" purchases around the holidays, and inform family/friends to limit gifts on Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, or other celebrations.

Decluttering is a simple way to simplify your life that makes it easier to relax and enjoy sharing your home with friends and family. Incorporating these five steps into your life will help you maintain a clutter-free home year after year.

The Pros & Cons Of Selling Your Home As-Is...

Seeing a home listed "as-is" will excite some buyers and raise a red flag for others. If you're thinking about selling your home as-is, you may be imagining a quick sale without having to make any repairs. And you may be right, but there's a lot to consider when you put your home up for sale, and selling as-is has some potential drawbacks, as well as some tempting advantages.

Pros of Selling a Home As-Is

• Sell it fast: One of the biggest reasons for homeowners to list their homes as-is is to save time. Homes listed as-is are typically priced below market value, and as a result, they tend to sell quickly. If you're in a hurry to sell, there's a good chance that selling as-is will save you some time. 
• Avoid repairs: If you're selling a fixer-upper, you may not have the time or inclination to make the necessary repairs. You may also not want to deal with the stress, or you may not be able to afford the repairs. In any case, many homes are listed as-is because the owner would rather leave any repairs that may be needed to the next owner. 
• Attract eager buyers: Not every buyer is willing to invest in a home that needs work, but listing your house for sale as-is will catch the eye of certain buyers. That includes those who are looking to fix up the property and flip it for a profit, as well as those who simply enjoy a DIY project, or who don't mind doing some work if it means spending less on a home.
• Match the market: If you live in a city where real estate prices are on the rise, then listing your home as-is can be a great way to attract buyers (especially first-time homeowners) who may not be able to afford the market value of the average house in your neighborhood. 

Cons of Selling a Home As-Is

• Lower sale price: One significant drawback of selling your home as-is is that you won't get as much for it as you would if you made the necessary repairs. Even if your home doesn't need major renovations, the simple fact that it has "as-is" as part of the listing means that it will likely sell for less. 
• Limited buyers: While some buyers are attracted to homes that need work, others will be immediately turned off. Some buyers may assume that, because your house is listed as-is, it must have hidden flaws. Others simply want a move-in ready home that doesn't need any work. 
• Full disclosure: While listing a home as-is does free you from certain responsibilities when it comes to making repairs, it does not free you from the obligation to list your home accurately. You still need to disclose any defects, flaws or repairs that need to be made; and potential buyers may still have the home inspected to confirm its value before committing to buy. 
• Haggling: If you're listing your home as-is, you'd better be prepared to negotiate. A lot of buyers will see that listing as permission to submit a lowball offer, and many will negotiate harder because they sense that you are eager to sell. Take that into account when listing your house, and don't be surprised if you get some offers that are well below your asking price.