homeowner tips – Easy Agent Blogs

Homeownership brings both joy and responsibilities. Keeping your home well-maintained throughout the year is essential for its longevity and comfort. To help you stay on top of things, here’s a comprehensive checklist tailored for every season:

Spring Cleaning and Preparation

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home after a long winter. Start by:

Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts

Remove debris and leaves to prevent clogs that could lead to water damage.

Inspecting Roof

Look for any missing shingles or damage and address them promptly.

Testing Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Ensure they are working correctly to keep your family safe.

Checking HVAC Systems

Schedule a professional to clean and service your heating and cooling systems.

Inspecting Windows and Doors

Check for drafts and reseal as needed to improve energy efficiency.

Summer Maintenance

As the weather warms up, your focus shifts to outdoor areas. Here’s what to do during summer:

Landscaping

Maintain your lawn, trim bushes, and remove any dead plants or trees.

Power Wash Exterior

Clean your siding, deck, and patio to keep them looking fresh.

Checking Irrigation

Ensure your sprinkler system is working properly for a lush garden.

Inspecting Pool Equipment

If you have a pool, service the pump, filter, and clean the pool itself.

Sealing Windows and Doors

Check for gaps or cracks and reseal them to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Fall Preparation

Fall brings cooler temperatures and falling leaves. Prepare your home with these tasks:

Cleaning and Storing Garden Tools

Properly clean and store your gardening equipment.

Inspecting and Cleaning Fireplace and Chimney

Ensure your fireplace is safe for use during the colder months.

Clearing Gutters and Downspouts

Remove leaves to prevent blockages that could lead to ice dams.

Servicing Heating System

Schedule a professional to inspect and clean your heating system.

Sealing Cracks in Driveways and Walkways

Prevent further damage by sealing any cracks.

Winter Ready

Before the snow and freezing temperatures hit, make sure your home is winter-ready:

Insulate Pipes

Protect your pipes from freezing by insulating them.

Stocking Emergency Supplies

Have essential supplies like flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food items ready.

Checking Roof and Gutters

Ensure your roof is in good condition and gutters are free of debris.

Weatherstrip Doors and Windows

Prevent drafts by adding weatherstripping where needed.

Servicing Snow Blower

If you have one, ensure it’s in working order before the first snowfall.

Year-Round Tasks

Some tasks should be performed year-round to maintain your home’s overall condition:

Regular Cleaning

Maintain a clean and clutter-free environment to prevent issues.

Pest Control

Keep an eye out for pests and take action if needed to avoid infestations.

Inspect for Water Leaks

Regularly check for leaks in faucets, pipes, and appliances.

Check Electrical Wiring

Look for any frayed wires or signs of electrical issues.

Monitor HVAC Filter

Replace or clean HVAC filters as needed for efficient operation.

Conclusion

Remember, regular home maintenance is not just about preserving the value of your property; it’s about ensuring the safety and comfort of your family. By following this comprehensive checklist for every season, you can keep your home in excellent condition year-round and enjoy all the benefits of homeownership with peace of mind.

Black Friday – it’s right around the corner. If you’re in the market for new appliances, this may be the day for you to find a good deal, according to consumer expert Andrea Woroch at Clark.com.

Yes, September and October are typically the best time to buy major appliances, but Black Friday deals abound. Before shopping, get clear on what you need, hone your negotiating skills and get out there and save!

Do you really need ALL the bells and whistles?

The so-called “smart” appliances are cool, aren’t they? But, do you really need a refrigerator that tells you you’re running low on milk or to keep track of your shopping list?

Doing without the high-tech and high-priced bells and whistles can save you a ton of money.

Do your homework

Learn about the different models and read reviews to help you determine what you really need and what you can live without.

Consider pre-owned appliances

You know exactly what you want (if you followed our advice, above) so why not check the used appliance stores in your area or on Craigslist.org to see if someone just happens to be selling the exact model?

Items on Craigslist may not work as described, so ask the owner for a demonstration to ensure that it’s in good working order.

Although some sellers offer to deliver to your home, most don’t, so factor in the cost of transporting the appliance as well.

It’s just a little dent

The “open box” concept means that the appliance is in some way not fit to be sold as “new.”

Sometimes they are customers returns and others contain cosmetic defects.

The defect may be glaring or it may be minimal

Whichever it is, the appliance will be discounted – sometimes up to 50 percent off the regular price – because of it.

Display models are typically the least defective but are sold at a discount because they are “missing original packaging or instruction manuals,” according to Laura Harders at U.S. News & World Report.

You’ll need to do some driving around, from store-to-store, for the most part, although some dealers, such as Best Buy and Sears Outlet, list their open-box inventory online.

Look for rebates

Many manufacturers are offering rebates as well as other special promotions for Black Friday 2017.

Check the manufacturer’s website to learn the offerings. For instance, GE Appliances lists their specials here and you’ll find Frigidaire’s specials and rebates here.

In addition, Appliancesconnection.com offers a database of rebate offers by manufacturer.

Learn the art of the deal

Consumer Reports surveyed 2,000 adults and found that only 33 percent of them tried to bargain down the price of an appliance. Of those who did, 89 percent were successful.

One of the tactics hagglers use includes finding the item online or at another retailer for less and asking the store to price-match. If they won’t budge on price, ask for a free extended warranty, accessories (hoses, etc.) or complimentary delivery and setup.

Consider future costs

Woroch reminds us that quite often the lowest-priced appliance won’t save you money over the long haul. Sure, you’ll pay more for an energy-efficient model, but the future savings may make up for the extra dollars spent now.

Find out how much you can save each year with an energy-efficient model at energy.gov.

Skip the extended warranty

Consumer Reports cautions appliance shoppers not to pay for the extended warranty that will most likely be offered.

“Extended warranties can have many gotchas, relying on contract fine print to deny coverage for almost any reason,” they caution. “You’d be smarter to set aside the money you’d spend to cover repair costs yourself.”

There’s money in that old appliance

As handy as Craigslist.org is to buy items, it’s even better when you need to sell something. If the old appliance still works, consider selling it to offset the cost of the new appliance.

If it’s junk, consider parting it out to an appliance repair shop or sell it as scrap metal.

Learn how much your appliance may be worth as scrap metal and how to sell it at recraigslist.com.

By the way, Consumer Reports offers a handy buying guide for Black Friday appliance shoppers.