Homeowner Resources

According to the FBI, there were 7,196,045 property crime offenses in the U.S. in 2019. Forget Halloween. One of the scariest things that can happen any season is that you or your family are the victims of a crime. Here are 5 Ways to Prevent Property Crimes, from trustedchoice.com.  1. Lock it up! Think about locking more than just your front door. Experts remind us to lock fence gates, garages, garden sheds, and windows when you're not around. Thieves can gain access to your back yard through open side gates, thus allowing them to operate out of the view of your neighbors. Many of us keep valuable items like tools and bicycles in our garden sheds or garages. 2. Light it Up! Keep your home's exterior illuminated with motion sensor lighting. It's easy to install and is … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Prevent Property Crimes

The mornings are cooler and each passing day grows a little shorter. Fall is here in all its glory, and with it comes those seasonal tasks we like to tackle before winter arrives. Fall is the perfect time to get your home ready for whatever the upcoming season brings our way. So, Bring on the Season with Our October Checklist, then sit back and enjoy the long nights that break into those brisk mornings we all love. Plant Flowers Perfect for Fall Yes, there is such a thing. Fall is the perfect time to add welcoming color to your yard and the front of your house. Costafarms.com offers 12 Spectacular Annual Fall Flowers. They include the classic Chrysanthemum (mums), the dainty Pansy, the colorful Aster, the charming Black-Eyed Susan, and several other vibrant varieties to keep your … [Read more...] about Bring on the Season with Our October Checklist

So, you're ready to put your house on the market, but don't have a lot of extra money on hand to make those much-needed improvements. Take a look at our list of Low-Cost Projects to Help You Sell Your Home. Believe it or not, you can spend a little money and make a big impression on potential buyers. A Fresh Coat of Interior Paint According to the Zillow Group Report, 36% of sellers paint their home's interior before putting their homes on the market. A new coat of paint gives your home a fresh, updated, clean look. Choose a neutral color - experts suggest beige or gray walls with white trim. Did you know that homes with light blue or blue-gray bathrooms will sell for a premium? Create Curb Appeal Get the front of your house in order. Make sure your yard is free of debris, … [Read more...] about Low-Cost Projects to Help You Sell Your Home

September 28 is National Good Neighbor Day. Being a good neighbor comes naturally to most of us. These days it's more important than ever to be a positive neighbor and to let others know you have their back. Here a just a few ways to celebrate National Good Neighbor Day, and thank a neighbor you appreciate. 1. Get to know your neighbor. You can still maintain your privacy, but let them know you're there for them. 2. Keep the area around your home neat and attractive - take pride in your neighborhood. 3. Respect your neighbor's privacy. 4. Be aware of the noise coming from your home - like a continually barking dog or loud music all hours of the day. 5. Be conscientious about ending your parties at a reasonable hour, or better yet, consider inviting your neighbor to come, … [Read more...] about How to Be a Better Neighbor

According to EnergyStar.gov, the average American household spends half of its annual energy bill on heating and cooling the home. Having the ability to control your temperature setting throughout the day saves energy, money, and keeps your home at its optimal comfortable temperature. If you're considering replacing your home's traditional thermostat with a smart thermostat, we've taken a closer look a the Highs and Lows of a Smart Thermostat. What is a smart thermostat? A smart thermostat adjusts the heating and cooling temp setting of your home by using WiFi, which enables you to manage it remotely from your smartphone.  ranges The Highs: What are the benefits of having a smart thermostat? While smart thermostats vary in their capabilities, some standard … [Read more...] about The Highs and Lows of a Smart Thermostat