Home Repairs

More often than not, as homeowners, the last thing we want to do is home repairs. Not only do they take time (and many of us don't have a lot to spare), but they can also be costly and sometimes tedious. Sure, changing a light bulb or fixing a leaky faucet can be put off until it's absolutely necessary to fix, but there are some home repairs that should never be put off. Unfortunately, many of these involve major things (and can come with an even more major price tag), but avoiding the repairs listed below could actually cause bigger problems down the road for your property. The following are some of the top home repairs that should never be put off.

Roof Issues

No house is complete without a roof. Probably one of the most important parts of any building, the roof is a major player when it comes to keeping up on repairs. With a roof, there are a number of things that should be fixed as soon as possible: leaks, missing or damaged shingles/tiles, and any kind of sagging. Leaks mean water is getting into the home, and water can lead to things like mold, structure damage and even fire should it come into contact with anything electrical. Missing or damaged shingles or tiles can lead to a number of issues if not fixed and create weak spots in a roof. A sagging roof could signify moisture in the attic space (a result of poor ventilation), broken or cracked joists, rafters or the ridge line itself.

Foundation Issues

The foundation of your home is extremely important - it essentially holds up your home's entire structure. Cracks in the foundation are definitely something not to overlook when it comes to repairs. The last thing you want as a homeowner is for a crack to spread. Any crack has the capability to grow, but large cracks that are not addressed by a professional can eventually lead to leaks and even possibly the concrete collapsing. Foundation issues can be extremely costly, so addressing things like cracks while they are still small should be a top priority for any homeowner.

Plumbing Issues

Water anywhere other than in a pipe or a sink basin is bad, especially for your home. Plumbing issues and leaks anywhere in your property should be addressed as soon as possible. Water can cause a multitude of issues - from mold to structural and cosmetic issues. Plumbing issues, if left untreated, can become even bigger issues, especially when they occur inside walls or areas that are difficult to get to, and repairs carry a very big price tag if left to the last minute.

Mold

Some might argue that there is good and bad mold, but in reality, any mold in a home is bad mold. Yes, there are certain types of mold that are health hazards and can greatly negatively impact one's health, but mold in general means there is a moisture issue that needs to be addressed. Mold is something that a homeowner can easily overlook, feeling it unnecessary to treat. Not only should the mold be treated, but the root cause of why mold is growing in the property needs to be addressed as well. If the root cause is not fixed, even when professionally treated, mold can come back. Being aggressive when it comes to mold is not only good for the property, but it's also good for the health of all those who live in it.

Electrical System

Electricity is no laughing matter, especially if you're having issues with it in your home. Overtaxed, poor and outdated electrical systems pose a number of issues to a homeowner if not repaired. Electrical issues generally have early warning signs too, from circuit breakers buzzing or even blowing, to flickering lights and hot switches and outlets. If electrical system issues go ignored, there is definitely a possibility for a fire, and should water get into a troubled electrical system, the result is anything but good.

The Best Time of Year for Real Estate

The Best Times of Year for Real Estate

For many in the United States it seems as though real estate season starts in the spring and ends just as the kids head back to school in the early fall. While many home and property sales take place in the spring and summer, the reality of the real estate market in the United States is that it's all about timing. Whether you're a buyer or a seller of a home or property, there are optimal times throughout the year, but for the most part, the real estate market and when it's 'hot' depends on where you're located and the time of year or season. 

Spring and Summer

Real estate inventory fluctuates with each season. For many of us that peruse the market throughout the year, the spring and summer months (for the majority of the country) seem to be when the most properties are available. Spring and summer and even early fall are considered the best times for real estate for buyers as the market will see a wide variety of properties, but it also likely means more competition from other buyers. The reality of this, though, is that if you live in a competitive real estate market, no matter the time of year people will search for real estate and sellers will be able to sell their properties.

One of the main things that drives an influx of real estate in the spring and summer are households with children - parents want and like to move when kids are out of school. If you live in an area where there are a number of families, or where schools are relatively close, spring and summer are great seasons for properties.

Location plays a huge part in the best time to list a property. Areas that are known for their seasonal visitors (think snowbirds) will see more traffic during those seasonal times when people are in town. For example, if you live in a mountain area that sees more visitors in the winter because of snow or winter sports, listing in the winter might be a better way to attract potential buyers than listing in the summer when visitors are limited.

A handy tip for sellers: if you're going to have an open house, the first Sunday of every month is considered the best day to host it. Many listings will hit the market on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning and have a rushed open house the Sunday after. To create intrigue and build momentum for your property, talk with your agent or Realtor to have your listing appear on Monday or Tuesday and follow with an open house the following weekend.

Fall and Winter

Early fall is also a very popular time to list property. Buyers will find a good number of listings hitting the market by those sellers who were not quite ready to list over the summer. If you're a buyer, the winter is also a great time of year for buyers as sellers who are motivated and eager to sell will have no issue listing in the winter and making a deal. Listing in the winter allows sellers to get what they want for their property rather than feel pressured to make quick decisions in the spring or summer when competition is hot.

Real Estate in General

The real estate market in the U.S. will always see motivated sellers and buyers throughout the year. There are times in each season when listings and properties will be more plentiful. But it's important to remember that while there might be more properties in the summer, that doesn't mean the market will be any less competitive. Competition is the name of the game in many U.S. markets; if you're interested in a new home or property, start your search as soon as possible.

Spring and summer will see more properties and greater competition while the late fall and winter will attract more serious sellers and buyers will find less competition overall. If you're looking to buy or sell remember to enjoy yourself, and work with your agent or Realtor so you have the best real estate experience you can have.