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.

 

Finances and Buying a Home

 Home ownership has always been a top dream for millions of Americans, and with the many television shows, magazines and other media geared toward owning a home in the U.S., buying a home is very much a reality in our country. 

While we can get caught up in the very fun aspect of looking at homes, browsing the many websites dedicated to real estate, looking for a home or property is just one aspect in the entire home buying process. One part, of which is fairly important and might be casually looked over at the beginning, is that of getting one's finances in order to begin a home search. Finances area huge part of buying, especially if you'll be applying for a mortgage loan. To put yourself in a great position before your begin your home or property search, use the tops below regarding credit, a home budget and having cash for a down payment and closing costs to help you ensure you have your bases covered before you begin your property search. 

Credit

One of the most important aspects of your finances when it comes to buying a home, or even in general, if your credit. Your credit is your ability to obtain goods or services before payment. Credit, when it comes to home ownership, generally means a mortgage loan. The majority of buyers in the United States will have to obtain a mortgage loan in order to purchase a home or property, and that's ok. Mortgage loans have been around for decades, helping buyers who might not have a cash payment be able to afford a home. If you are one of the thousands of home buyers that will need to look into a mortgage loan, getting your credit in order before looking at homes in an excellent step to take in getting your finances in order. 

Your credit is made up of your credit score and your credit report. A credit score is a three digit number that is generated based on what is in your credit report, and it basically tells banks and other lenders what your creditworthiness. Your credit report is a detailed report of your credit history, and the information is used to generate your credit score. 

When most people consider buying a property, one of the first things that's suggested is to get one's credit in order. This can mean a number of things, but it includes running a credit report, checking a credit score, and paying off or paying down any debts that might be outstanding in order to have a better credit score and higher creditworthiness. If you're looking at buying, run your credit report to make sure it's current, up-to-date and that there's nothing 'off' on the report. You want to make sure all the information that's listed is true and only pertains to you. 

Budget

We all can get wrapped up in the fun and excitement of property searches, and many times our wants and likes go beyond what our budget can afford. Once you have your credit in check, the next thing to do is determine your budget. The best advise to heed when thinking about your budget: you want to be financially comfortable. You already know your monthly expenses as a non-homeowner, but if  you don't, dedicate some time to sitting down and writing out all your monthly expenses to get an idea of how much you or your household spends each month. Compare this number to the amount of money you bring in each month. If you're already renting, you know how much of your income goes toward you rent, renters insurance, and any other expenses that come along with your rental unit. 

If you don't rent, once you have all of your spending written out, you'll have a good understanding of how much you have left each month that can go toward a mortgage payment or toward a down payment. An excellent tool that can be found on the internet is a Home Affordability Calculator - this helps to determine a comfortable monthly payment based on all of the other recurring expenses a household might have. 

Cash for a Down Payment and Closing Costs

Another part of finances when it comes to buying a home or property is a down payments and closing costs. You've made sure your credit is in order; you've figured out a comfortable budget for a monthly home payment; now is the time to set some cash aside. A down payment is generally required when taking out a mortgage loan. Most lenders require a down payment and it goes toward the total amount of the mortgage loan. Your down payment is going to be based off of the type of mortgage loan you get - which, percentage wise, can range all the way up to 20% of the total purchase price. There is no limit to the down payment, as you can pay as much as possible toward it, but for the majority of home buyers the down payment will be anywhere up to 20% of the final price.

Another cash expense of home buying is the closing costs. Closing costs are fees that are associated with the closing of a real estate transaction, and they are paid either by the buyer, seller, or both parties together. The costs are based on the type of property that is purchased, the location of the property, and a number of other things, but for the most part closings costs can range anywhere from 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price. Closing costs, just like a down payment, are made with cash, and sometimes buyers can negotiate for a seller to cover closing costs. To be on the safe side, have enough cash set aside to cover both a down payment and closing costs when buying a home or property. 

Buying a home is an exciting life event, but it's also a large financial event. Before you begin your home search, have all your bases covered when it comes to finances and the home search will be much more rewarding and less stressful in the long run.

 

Real Estate Tips for Buyers and Sellers

Thinking about starting a home search or selling your home soon? The 2016 real estate season is upon us, and if you are anticipating a home search, or selling a property, here are some top tips to help you navigate the real estate market in  your area this spring and summer. 

For Buyers

Don't Go Overboard With An Offer

 While you might be inclined to get into a bidding war over your dream home (the market is pretty competitive), don't overspend to the point where if the market stabilizes your home will have an overly inflated price and make it difficult to resell in the future. If you plan on living in the property for along time, paying a high price isn't a bad thing, but it's a good idea to set a limit on how high you're willing to bid for a home. 

Start Your Search Ready

If you're already looking into purchasing a home or property, and you know you'll need a mortgage, you should already be shopping for a loan. Buyers with a mortgage pre-approval are a step above those that haven't even looked into loans. You can also help your purchase game by having fewer contingencies or conditions that affect the purchase. If you can start your home search with some of your bases covered, and the ability to be flexible, you'll already be far ahead of those just entering the real estate race. 

New Doesn't Mean Pristine

While we all dream of buying a brand new home, complete with absolutely no projects, it's quite common for brand new construction to have issues. The reality is that builders can and do cut corners, and the last thing that you want is to invest your money into a brand new home only to find out that certain things were not completed 100%. If you're looking to buy new construction, it's not a bad idea to hire an independent inspector to make sure your new home is up to all current building codes and standards. 

Beware of Hidden Costs

While you might find a home that is the perfect price for your budget, beware of the hidden costs that come along with buying a property. You may or may not have a mortgage, but you will have yearly property taxes that will either be monthly payments or a large payment once a year. If you do need a mortgage, you can expect an origination fee, and depending on the amount of your down payment or your credit rating, you can also expect to pay private mortgage insurance. You can also expect fees by way of the home inspection, appraisal, and in some communities there will be monthly HOA fees. 

Don't Be Afraid To Go Outside Your Comfort Zone

Many buyers have a specific neighborhood, town or city picked out before they begin their property search. With the U.S. real estate market being as competitive as it is for buyers, don't be afraid to look into areas that are developing when you look for a new home or property. Homes and property prices might likely be lower in developing areas, and if you can find an area where new businesses are being introduced and other amenities will be available, home values may significantly increase over the coming years. 

For Sellers

Play To Your Advantages

The U.S. real estate market is being called a Seller's Market, meaning there are more people trying to buy houses and properties than there are actual properties to buy. Because of this, as a seller, you can play to your advantages: you can likely get away with not paying closing costs; you can dictate the terms of the sale and any contingencies a buyer might have; you can entertain multiple offers and choose the best one for you. But in all of this, don't try to price your property outside of your area - you want to sell your home not keep it on the market forever. 

Know The Best Area Of Your Property

If you're considering selling your property, there are two room updates almost every buyer appreciates: kitchens and bathrooms. If you have the time and money to invest in updating these two areas of your home, try basic face lift (you don't need to go overboard!). Add some fresh paint, clean up the cabinets, and install new lighting or hardware. Make the kitchen and bathrooms pop: buyers always react best to a fresh, clean and clutter free kitchen and bathroom. 

Do You Have A Replacement Property Picked?

You might be considering selling your home or property - have you started your property search yet? With the market being as competitive as it is, it's a good idea to start your property search when you put your own property on the market, and sometimes even before. You don't want your home to sell before your have a place picked out. If you do find yourself in a bind, you can always work with your agent to make the closing period longer. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you start your property search as soon as possible.

Flipping Homes

 What's the Deal with Flipped Homes?

Americans love their home improvement and design shows. With entire channels dedicated to DIY, home decor and design, and everything related to U.S. real estate, we love the possibilities that lie within the real estate market in America. One popular aspect of many shows and publications is home or house flipping. We hear a lot about flipping homes, but what does that really mean? Is it feasible for everyone? Are there risks? Should you buy a flipped home, and what questions should you ask if your property search lands on a potentially flipped property?

 What is Flipping?

Flipping is a predominately U.S. term used to describe purchasing a property with the intent of quickly reselling it for a profit. Most of the time, properties that are purchased with the intent to flip are those that are distressed, abandoned, or otherwise in need or repairs that make the property less desirable to other potential buyers. Flipping has become increasingly popular throughout the U.S. in the last decade, and many people have become successful real estate flippers with the vast and varied real estate markets throughout the United States. 

Can Anyone Flip a Property?

Many programs on television make house flipping look easily attainable to anyone and everyone. The fact remains that flipping a property is risky business that requires a large amount of work experience, funding (preferably cash), excellent credit and a good understanding and almost intuitive knowledge of the real estate market. If you're interested in flipping properties, the best way to get started is by talking to someone who has experience and has had success in flipping real estate. There are many things to know about flipping real estate that should be addressed before the idea is even entertained. 

What are the Risks of Flipping a Home?

There are risks with any kind of real estate investment, but inexperienced flippers can make a number of mistakes. There are a number of costs that comes with flipping a property, and new flippers can make the mistake of not having enough money to cover the entire project - from the acquisition of the property, to the renovations, taxes, utilities and more. Another risk of flipping properties is time, or lack of time. Finding the right property can take months, and once you own the property there is a time commitment to renovations, commuting, inspections, and ultimately the marketing and selling of the property. Other risks that new flippers run in to are not having enough knowledge about the real estate market and failing to purchase the right property for a flip; a lack of skills when it comes to working on the property and putting in the sweat equity (hard work) required to get it up to market standards; and ultimately lacking patience when it comes to the entire project as a whole. 

Should I Buy a Flipped Home?

Often, flipped homes have mostly cosmic changes done in order to attract buyers and ultimately get the property sold. You might fall in love with fresh paint and brand new appliances, and generally speaking, most flipped homes attract many buyers because they have a smaller initial to-do list than other properties on the market. If you're looking at a property that could be a flip, be sure to ask these questions: What is the home's sale history? If the homes recently sold for much less than its current asking price, it's possible it is a flip. Does the outside of the home match what's inside? If the exterior of the home is older, and the interior looks brand new, it's very possible someone is trying to flip the property. Information is your best friend when it comes to a flipped home, so getting the most information up front will help guide you toward pursing the property or not.

If you believe you're looking for a flipping home, consider asking the seller what changes have been made to the property, and check to see if any permits were issued for the work. Also, some buyers might be blinded by all the new interior cosmetic updates that they forgot about the bones and foundation of the home. Regardless of whether a home is old or new, always hire an experienced and licensed inspector to check over the home to make sure you're getting the most for your money when it comes to buying a property.

Common Household Hazardous Waste and How to Dispose

Common Household Hazardous Waste and What to do With Them

We want to believe our homes are as safe as they can be, and for the most part they are. But there are items we use every day that are in fact hazardous. Knowing what products are hazardous, and the proper ways of disposing household hazardous waste, is not only good for the environment, but it will help you feel even safer in your home. 

Batteries

We all use batteries in our homes, and most of those will be the regular alkaline batteries purchased at the grocery or hardware store. These batteries can be thrown away in the garbage once used, but it is suggested that if you have the ability to recycle them, please do so. Should you have other batteries in your home such as rechargeable batteries, automotive batteries, or lithium, lithium ion or zinc air, these should definitely be recycled through proper facility as the contents inside the batteries are toxic and harmful to humans, animals and the environment.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Touted as a great way to save energy, compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) became popular in the mid-2000s and they continue to be a top choice for American households. But while these bulbs provide energy and money saving opportunities for homeowners, they do contain mercury, which is known to be a potent developmental neurotoxin. Because of the mercury in the bulbs, it's best to not put them in the garbage, as they can end up in landfills (or end up outside landfills) and contaminate the environment. Recycle CFLs at your local hardware stone (the larger retailers have places to put used bulbs) or contact your local jurisdiction to find out the best way of recycling your used CFLs. Should a CFL break in your home, wear gloves to pick it up, and contact your local hazardous waste disposal company to ask for information on disposing of the broken bulb.   

Corrosives

 Many household cleaners are considered corrosives, which means they can cause skin damage or corrode metal. Because of this, there should be caution when using them and when they are discarded. Yes, some corrosives are used in drains, but that doesn't mean you should pour corrosives down the drain to get rid of them! If you need to dispose of corrosives, it's best to bring them to a place that will dispose of household hazardous waste for you, and be sure to wear gloves and protective eye wear whenever handling corrosives. 

Pesticides and Herbicides

 If you have a yard, it is likely you've used a pesticide or herbicide before. While these chemicals can come in handy when battling weeds or common yard pests (bugs and other insects), they are generally very toxic to humans and animals (especially pets!). When handling pesticides and herbicides, make sure you protect your eyes, face, arms and hands with gloves and a mask or goggles, and should you need to dispose of these chemicals, it is best to bring them to a hazardous waste drop-off site. Whatever you do, don't put these items in the garbage or dump them into a drain or onto the street. 

Electronic Waste

We don't often think of old electronics as waste, but that old computer or outdated television that's been sitting in your garage for a few years is definitely waste. Electronic waste (also known as e-waste) can come in many forms: cell phones, computers, televisions, VHS and DVD players, and anything else that is an electronic. While we may be inclined to just throw these items into the garbage can, many of these items contain hazardous materials within them, like lead or mercury, and they require special recycling. Should the materials in them get into the ground of find their way into a water system, it would be detrimental to the local environment. You can do a general internet search to find companies that are more than willing to take any old electronics you might have in your home. 

Aerosols

Aerosol cans come in many shapes and sizes, and weather they contain oil for greasing baking pans or WD-40, cans that are full or partially full have the ability to explode if punctured or exposed to heat. Empty aerosol cans can be put in the garbage, as long as they are indeed empty of contents, but if they are not, it's best to take the cans to a household hazardous waste drop-off point, especially if they contain chemicals or anything flammable in them. 

Automotive Products

If you have a garage and a car, it's likely you might have some automotive products; you might even have some if you have yard equipment like a lawn mower or a blower. Automotive products (fuel, oil and other fluids) can be highly flammable, and all of them are not safe to dispose of in a garbage can or in an outdoor drain. Because of their designations as hazardous materials, these fluids should be taken to a hazardous waste facility when being disposed of to ensure that they are being properly taken care of.

 

When to Use a Professional

As homeowners, we want our properties to reflect our styles and the designs of the current day. If you have purchased an older property, or you just want to update your current home, a certain degree of work and projects are required to bring your property up to the level you strive for. While many of us have experience with home projects, there are some of us that don't. Below are some of the commons projects homeowners embark upon, and suggestions on when it's best to do it yourself  or call a professional for help.

Walls

Most painting job are DIY, pending you have a steady hand. Should you have structural repairs or water damage, call a pro, especially if you're going to demolish the existing wall, replace or re-frame anything, install new Sheetrock or drywall or anything else that is labor intensive. 

Floors

Floor repairs can be fairly easy, from cleaning to repairing small nicks in the flooring. If you want to take on a larger project, it might be worthwhile to hire a pro if your project requires installing hardwood floors or laying tile. With the  amount of work required to install a new floor, hiring someone with the experience can save you time, money and a lot of body aches.

Windows

If you're doing minor maintenance and repairs (like repairing or replacing wood sills or caulking around windows), you should be able to do this type of project no sweat. But if you're looking to replace a window, or need to rebuild a window frame, count on calling a professional for help.

Electrical

If you have no experience with the electrical system of your home, keep your improvements limited to changing outlet covers and switch plates. You can also change your current light bulbs with energy saving bulbs. 

Tile

Tiling a back splash or replacing dirty old grout are projects most homeowners will be able to tackle on their own. But if your project requires tiling floors, walls, or large tile installations, it might be worthwhile to contact a professional for help, especially if your project requires cutting any tile. 

Plumbing

DIYers should be able to do small projects, like replacing toilet flapper, addressing drips, upgrading shower and sink fixtures, and other small things that don't require a lot of tools. If your project requires moving or installing any plumbing or pipes, call a pro for help. 

Home Repairs for a Professional:

 

Plumbing

Small leaks can mean thousands in repairs if they're not caught in time. If you need to modify your plumbing system, then you should definitely call a professional. Welding pipes together requires a torch, and if you don't have that experience, it's best to rely on the experts for this type of work. 

Electrical

If your project requires direct contact with electricity, call a pro. This includes rewiring, adding power to areas that do not currently have power, and any installation of large or heavy light fixtures (think a chandelier). Electricity is no joke, and the last thing you want is to cause yourself harm, or harm your home, during a DIY project. 

Asbestos, Mold and Lead Paint

If you have a new home, you will not encounter asbestos or lead paint. But if you are interested in older homes, asbestos and lead paint are possibility. Once used as insulation, asbestos is toxic, and there are laws that  govern how it's removed and disposed of. Lead paint is also highly toxic, and removal should be done by a lead professional. Should you have mold in your home (certain types are toxic), it's best to leave the removal of all of these to the professionals: they know how to remove and dispose of all toxic materials, and they can do it safely. 

Roofing

Repairing a roof shingle might seem like an easy task, but there is more danger in getting on and off a roof than most homeowners realize. Tools, multiple trips up and down a ladder, and constant attention paid to the incline of the roof make roof repairs tiring, and if you're not prepared, dangerous. Stick with the professionals - they have the proper gear and the experience required to do the job right. 

Anything with Gas

Gas is similar to water: if it can find a way out, it will escape. If you're replacing appliances that run on natural gas, it's best to hire someone to help with installation. The last thing you want is for gas to escape and result in a buildup of carbon monoxide in your home. 

 

November Newsletter 2015

 

 You Can Buy and Sell Real Estate During the Holidays

It's common knowledge that most people are advised to get their home on the real estate market in late spring or early summer as that is 'real estate season'. While that majority of homes do sell in the spring and summer, listing your home during the holidays or in the winter is not as taboo as some would lead you to believe. There are actual benefits to listing or looking for a home during the holidays, and if you've missed out on the real estate scramble of the spring and summer, starting a home search or listing your home now might just be in your best interest. Here are some of the top reasons why you shouldn't avoid listing your home, or looking for a home, during the holidays.

Buyers Never Stop Looking

Many would lead you to believe that the real estate market comes to a complete stand still during the holidays or in the winter, but that's not the case. Every state's real estate market is thriving year-round, and that even includes during the holiday season. Serious buyers never stop looking, and a serious seller (or a seller that wants or needs to sell their property) will keep their home on the market all year long. The holidays bring out the buyers and seller that are determined -- they need something or want to sell now, and they're not willing to wait for the spring or summer. 

Many people with school-aged children want to wait to buy a new home when their kids are not in school, but the reality is that a family or anyone looking for a new home can move at any time of the year. Perhaps if you're in an area with inclement winter weather, you  might want to put off your search or move until better weather arrived, but for those that live in a mild climate, moving in November or December is just as easy as moving in May or June. Buyer can also sign up for new listing emails, which alert them to whenever a new property has come on the market, and the sellers have the ability to sign up for seller reports, so they can stay on top of the market in their neighborhood. 

Inventory and Competition

While it is known that home inventory is largest during the spring and summer months, the MLS always has homes and properties listed on it. Fall and winter will have properties available, but the number of properties will be lower. Unless you're totally transfixed on a certain home, or you have a list of needs and wants a mile long, you can be sure to find a property that will fit you housing needs throughout the year.

 Despite the fact that inventory will be lower in the fall and winter, people still list their homes, especially if they are serious sellers. While the market is slower, it also is less competitive in terms of other buyers looking for homes. It's likely the fall and winter won't create scenarios of multiple, high dollar offers on one property; buyers and sellers alike will have more opportunities to actually think about offers, and especially for buyers, low competition guarantees that you're not making a rushed or rash decision based on emotions or other offers when you do find the perfect property.  

Affordability

This is specifically for buyers, but it's widely known that home prices slightly fall in the fall and winter when the market has cooled down and more serious sellers are keen to get a sale. This is mostly because real estate sales are seasonal. But that's not to say if you list your home in the fall and winter you're doing to have to drastically slash the price in order for your property to sell. While it might sit on the market a little longer than it would in the spring or summer, fall and winter sales happen, and if you're a serious buyer or seller, you know you'll want to do all you can to make your dream of buying or selling a home a reality.  

Homes Look and Feel Charming

You'll see a lot of articles on home to spruce up a home to ready it for the real estate market, and while the tips are definitely valuable, it's not a secret that many people decorate their homes over the holidays. There's something warm and inviting about a decorated home, or a home that feels cozy, and people who list heir homes in the fall and winter can take advantage of a fireplace or wood stove to make a room more invinting. 

If you property doesn't have a fireplace or wood stove, you can use candles and other things to make the home smell inviting to buyers. While it may seem cumbersome to sell a property during the holidays or in the winter, you do have some ways to play up the season. And if you are truly set on avoiding the holidays, you can always put it on the market the first of January, when the chaos of the holiday season is over. 

Common Pests and Your Home

The list of new responsibilities can seem overwhelming when you buy a home or become a first-time homeowner. One responsibility that tends to get overlooked until it becomes a larger issue is that of household pests. A household pest is "a destructive insect or other animal that attacks" your home. Pests range throughout the U.S., but the most common pests are those that have become almost commonplace in our lives. Here are some of the most common pests encountered by homeowners throughout the U.S., and what you can do to help prevent pests in your home.

Most common Spring and Summer Pests:
Termites:

Termites are generally grouped by their nesting and feeding habits: subterranean, soil-dwelling, dry wood, damp wood and grass-feeding. They feed on dead plant material, generally in the form of wood, leaves, soil and animal dung. Termites can cause significant structural damage to buildings. Those classified as subterranean and dry wood are those that are responsible for the damage to homes.

Ants:

Ants are the most common household pests in the north central states. They are social insects, and they have a wide variety of nesting habits. Ants can build nests in soil, behind moldings, baseboards and counter tops, and some types nest in decaying or moisture damaged wood. Ants will feed on all types of food, and ant damage varies. Most ants cause little damage, but carpenter ants can weaken wood structures similar to termites, and the majority of ants don't transmit diseases.

Flies:

Flies are some of the most annoying pests in the home. They land on almost every surface, and their diet includes a wide variety of foods: human food, animal food, animal carcasses, garbage and excrement. Flies also carry germs and diseases. They are known to transfer over 100 pathogens, some of which include salmonella, anthrax, tuberculosis, and the eggs of parasitic worms.

Spiders:

Spiders are generally not harmful and they do feed on other insects like flies and other spiders. Most spiders found in the home are not venomous, but there are some that homeowners don't want to find inside their house. The Black Widow and Brown Recluse are two of the most talked about spiders homeowners do not want to find in their homes. Black Widows can be found throughout the U.S., and Brown Recluse are predominately found in the Midwestern States, most notably Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri. All spiders have the ability to travel to all states by ways of hiding in boxes, packages and produce.

Most Common Fall and Winter Pests:

Stink Bugs:

Stink bugs are found throughout the U.S., and most of the time homeowners don't know they have an issue until early fall, when stink bugs turn up on the sunny side of homes where they can warm themselves. During the summer months stink bugs live outside, feeding on fruits, grains and other crops. During the colder months, stink bugs will hide inside walls or in attics and crawl spaces. These bugs get their name from the unpleasant odor they produce when they feel threatened.


Rodents:

Rodents are warm-blooded and are found throughout the U.S. The most common types of rodents are mice and rats. Both rapidly breed and are capable of squeezing through spaces that appear smaller than their bodies. Rodents seek warm shelter in the cold months, particularly mice, who seek food, water and warmth within homes. Generally, if one rodent is found, many more are hiding nearby.

How to Avoid Pests:

Most home pests can be avoided by doing simple, everyday things. As a homeowner, make sure your doors and windows are closed, as these are the most common ways for pests to enter a home. Make sure window and door screens are in good repair or working order. By eliminating moisture buildup in small areas and basements you reduce the risk of creating hospitable environments for pests. Sealing openings in a home's foundation will help reduce access to your home.

Trees harbor pests -- by keeping tree branches trimmed and away from the home you deter pests (especially spiders) from having easy access to your home's roof. Moisture attracts pests -- direct rain water away from the home and foundation to prevent possible moisture buildup. If you have fire wood, store it at least 20 feet away from the house. Flies and other pests are attracted to garbage, so ensuring that garbage cans are sealed tight and all animal deposits are picked up will help reduce the risks of attracting pests into your home. The best deterrent to pests remains a clean, uncluttered home, where food, crumbs, and anything else that has the potential to attract pests is put away, covered or thrown away.

DO’S AND DON’TS WHEN APPLYING FOR A MORTGAGE

DO

1.      Save ALL pay stubs.  A mortgage application requires one month of consecutive pay stubs.

2.      Save ALL bank statements.  A mortgage application requires two months of your most recent bank statements.  You must provide every page of each statement even if the last page is blank!

3.      Keep credit card balances around 30% of the available limit.  Once you exceed this amount it could lower your credit scores!

4.      Provide documents to your loan officer as quickly as possible to avoid closing delays.  You will need to provide documents before and during the mortgage application process.

5.      Check your email frequently for communications. Questions and documents will be emailed to you during the mortgage process.

6.      Shop for homeowner’s insurance right away after your purchase agreement is accepted.  Provide the name, phone and email address of the homeowner’s insurance agent that you obtained your quote from to your loan officer as soon as possible.

7.      Let your loan officer know any changes to your debts or income.  This could positively or negatively affect your debt ratio.

8.      Be careful with “fixer uppers”.  Mortgage lenders are looking for properties to be “move-in condition”.  So, if the property is missing light fixtures, kitchen cabinets, sinks, carpet/flooring, has a damp basement, water stains on the ceiling, etc.  There is a good chance that those items will cause appraisal and underwriting issues.

DON’T

1.      Deposit any funds that do not come from your employer without speaking with your loan officer.  Most other deposits are not acceptable to be used towards your closing costs. Gifts from immediate family members are okay with a fully executed gift letter and a proper paper trail. Retirement funds are acceptable with a documented paper trail and the terms and conditions of withdrawal from your retirement account holder.

2.      Transfer money from one account to another unless absolutely necessary.  This can cause delays as each transfer must be proven to come from one of your other accounts.

3.      Open any new accounts or have your credit pulled.  This will negatively affect your debt ratio and possibly result in a denial!

4.      Change jobs if at all possible.  You will need to provide a pay stub with one month year to date earnings which may cause a delay in the processing of your loan application.

5.      Co-sign for another loan.  This will negatively affect your debt ratio and possibly result in a denial!

6.      Miss any payments on accounts you currently have.  One missed payment could lower your credit score as much as 100 points!

7.      Consolidate credit cards.  This will cause a delay in waiting for the new credit card statement that the other cards were consolidated to and proving the other accounts are paid off.

8.      Payoff any collection accounts unless your loan officer specifically asks you to.  This could actually lower your credit score!

9.      Close credit card accounts.  This could actually lower your credit score!