REGULAR HOME MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

By doing regular maintenance to your home and taking care of small repairs right away, you’ll avoid the more expensive unnecessary costs later on. One of the best things you can do is to get to know your home as best as possible. Wishing I had decided to do so sooner than later, but a lesson learned after a recent flood in my home due to the ice storm of December 2013. Knowledge is power and sharing is caring so here are some things I feel you need to know:

• Your home is made up of various components that work together. These include mechanical systems (heating, air conditioning and ventilation) and the building envelope (foundations, floors, walls, windows, doors and roof).

• You need to learn enough about the major mechanical systems of your home to be able to perform routine maintenance and handle various emergencies.

Every adult member of your household should know the location of and how to operate the following:

– Main shutoff valves for water and fuel (oil or natural gas);

– Emergency switch for the furnace or burner;

– Hot water heater thermostat and breaker;

– Main electrical switch;

– Fuse box or circuit breaker box.

• Renovations targeted at increasing energy-efficiency may affect appliances venting by a chimney. Check chimney performance if you tighten the envelope or add exhaust fans. Remember that homes, like people, get old. Just as we require regular checkups as we age, It’s a good idea to inspect your home regularly and replace or repair parts and materials that wear out with use and time. And remember that since different components of your home work together and affect each other, minor repairs can quickly become major ones if they are not taken care of quickly.

You will probably be able to do many of the repairs yourself. If I can do it, trust me you can too! However, if you feel it’s too complex of a job to handle on your own, it is best to call an expert. Feel free to contact me for a list of referrals. It’s not too important who carries out the repair, just remember that the work has to be done correctly. Bad materials and poor workmanship will end up costing you more in the end and devalue your home.

Makini Smith

Sales Representative

RE/MAX First Realty Ltd., Brokerage

www.makinismith.com

IS HOME OWNERSHIP FOR YOU?

Buying a home is one of the biggest emotional and financial decisions you’ll ever make, so prepare yourself to make a knowledgeable decision. When we know better, we do better. Do your research and make informed decisions.

Although buying a home almost always seems like a great idea, it is important to understand what homeownership involves. Being a homeowner is a proud accomplishment but it also means having to invest money, time and energy and take on added responsibilities. So, before you decide to buy a home, make sure you’re ready.

Here are some things to consider:

• Financial Security. If housing prices rise, your home can provide you with some financial security due to capital appreciation. The equity built in your home can be taken out or used as a secured line of credit.

• Stability. Having a place of your own gives you a sense of permanence as opposed to the displacement some renters feel. There is security in knowing the home belongs to you.

• Financial Load. Coming up with the down payment, meeting regular mortgage payments and other ongoing costs will tie up a lot of your cash, and can put considerable stress on your finances. On a positive note, you are building your own equity which can’t be done through renting.

• Maintenance. Keeping your home in good shape requires time and money. Pride in ownership can be cashed out when it’s time to sell. A well kept home is most appealing to buyers.

• Responsibility. You alone are responsible for payments, repairs and maintenance. But this gives control, power, and leadership to do as you wish (within legal boundaries).

• Flexibility. You can decorate or renovate your home to meet your own family’s personal tastes and needs. Most condos may have restrictions on color of window coverings, pets, noise, etc.

Now that you have an idea of what to expect, it’s important to work with someone that understands homeownership is not for everyone. To find out if owning a home is right for you, contact me at 647-308-5148. If busy, send a text!

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HIRE A PROFESSIONAL

A fish is an expert at swimming. A bird is an expert at flying. A realtor is an expert at buying/selling homes.  The internet has the world believing they are experts at everything. The Do-It-Yourself era has made people forget the need for experts. You wouldn’t cut your own hair or perform your own surgery. You’d have the job done by a professional. So when it comes to real estate, there are many reasons to hire a professional.  Some benefits include but are not limited to:

·         They provide and assist with the legal paper work necessary. Disclosures, legal forms, contracts and laws that must be followed to avoid lawsuits frequent in the real estate industry. A realtor is insured to protect against errors and omissions.

·         They are educated and experienced in the entire sales process. They view homes every day so they can easily determine market value. Preventing sellers from over pricing due to sentimental value and sitting on the market, and buyers from purchasing an overpriced property.

·         They act as a buffer between all parties in negotiations. Sellers want top dollar. Buyers want to pay the lowest price possible. A professional realtor helps the two come to a compromise so all parties walk away satisfied.

·         They get your home maximum exposure. From lawn signs, inter office promoting, multiple listing service, and many other powerful tools available to realtors.

·         They screen the tire kickers. A realtor pre qualifies a buyer before showing them homes. They have a copy of their ID and know their financial status. Selling your own home subjects you to endless calls and unannounced visits.

A real estate sales professional is paid solely based on their efforts, so they only get paid once the job is complete. Getting the job done to your satisfaction is the main objective. If the deal doesn’t close no one is happy. Why not leave the hard work for the professionals

Makini Smith

Sales Representative

RE/MAX First Realty Ltd., Brokerage

www.makinismith.com