Posts with tag 'homeowner tips'

A fireplace can bring comfort and warmth into your home. It can also bring tragedy and devastation if you are not careful with this fabulous feature. Our REALTORS® wish you and your family many memorable gatherings and happy holidays around the hearth which is why we strongly recommend adhering to these six fireplace safety tips.

1. Professionally Clean & Service the Fireplace
   Chimney fires are a leading cause of home loss. Professional chimney sweeps will remove the creosote that causes chimney fires. This byproduct of combustion sticks to the chimney walls and requires special tools and training to remove effectively. Further, make sure that the fireplace is well-maintained. Promptly repair any damaged flues, doors, or other components that could pose a hazard to the home.

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Wouldn't it be nice to keep the temperature of your home more comfortable this winter and save money on your heating bill in the process? Whether through home improvement projects or simple, smart tips for saving energy around the house, there are plenty of ways to save money on heating during the coldest months. As a bonus, some of the best tips for reducing your heating bill will also help you eliminate drafts and make it easier to keep your home at just the right temperature. Our REALTORS® are here to help you get started with five tips for reducing your heating bill.

1. Have Your Furnace Serviced Every Year
   Besides the fact that you definitely want your furnace to be working at its best when the cold weather comes, having your furnace serviced annually helps save on heating bills. An experienced pro can check for any issues with your heating system, make sure it's working at maximum efficiency, and help ensure that you have a cozy, comfortable winter. After your furnace is serviced, don't forget to replace the filter every month or as often as is recommended by the manufacturer.

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Lighting is one of the most important aspects of any kitchen design, which is why our REALTORS® are always quick to recommend good under cabinet lighting. Installing under cabinet lighting fixtures are a great way to add a touch of elegance to your kitchen. Not only does it make for a great decorative element, but it also helps to make food prep safer and more efficient. Best of all, it's affordable and easy to install. 

Different types of lighting provide various degrees of aesthetics and energy efficiency, so it's important to learn about the different varieties available on the market before choosing the option best for your home. These are the four most popular types of under cabinet lighting:

• LED Lighting
  LED lighting is the most popular form of under cabinet lighting, but it's also the most expensive. On the plus side, it's also the most energy-efficient, produces less heat, and lasts two to three times longer than other lighting options. LED bulbs produce millions of colors, which creates a pleasing ambiance. They also have dimming capabilities that provide homeowners control over the appropriate level of brightness. We love how some of these Beavercreek homes for sale have incorporated dimmable LED lighting underneath the kitchen cabinets.

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No matter your age, it's never too early to begin thinking about retirement. Retiring from the workforce is a high priority for many men and women, but there's no single way to achieve this milestone. Some individuals pay into an IRA or 401k, while others invest in diverse assets with the hopes of cashing out when they're ready to retire. Our REALTORS® understand how important your retirement plans are and want to help you consider every possible option that will help you achieve this goal. As you think about retirement, we encourage you to consider where your home factors into your retirement plans.

Your Home in Retirement

Whether you're considering buying your first home, purchasing a new home for your growing family, or downsizing as your needs change, it's wise to consider all of the potential benefits or drawbacks of owning a piece of real estate. In most cases, owning a home has substantially more benefits than drawbacks, especially when you're housing a family with evolving lifestyle needs. Although a 30-year mortgage may be easily affordable as a working professional, some homeowners have concerns about keeping up with these payments when they move into retirement.

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Many people are avoiding air travel these days and are accessing vacation destinations by driving. Camping in parks has ramped up in popularity, and for a growing segment of vacationers, that has meant buying or renting a recreational vehicle. But before you go out and plop your money down, there are some things to think about:

• What type of RV? There are four basic types to choose from, and they vary widely in price.
• Should you buy used or new?
• Will you feel comfortable operating the RV?
• Are you prepared for the cost outlay with RVing? It may be cheaper than owning a house, but it will still cost you.

Our REALTORS® have some advice for would-be RVers. Read on.

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