Homeowner Resources

August 8 is National Garage Sale Day. Here are 7 Ways to Up Your Garage Sale Game this Saturday. The trick is to set your sale apart from all the others. That may be easier said than done. National Garage Day means that many a family will their "trash" into driveways and yards, in hopes it will become someone else's "treasure" - for a small price, of course. Here's how your sale can shine: 1. Advertise Why spend money when I'm trying to make money, you ask? This is one time it will pay off. If you're active on social media, spread the word. Check out these sites and apps for free advertising, like garagesalefinder.com, yardsaletreasuremap.com - as well as Facebook and Craigslist. What fun can you have negotiating that extra 25 cents if no one shows up to argue with you? Let your … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Up Your Garage Sale Game

Is your Air Conditioner working as hard as you are this summer? De-stress your AC with These Tips. A little AC TLC will go a long way and help you keep cooler, longer. Windows Make sure your windows are properly sealed. Air leaks not only let cold air in during the winter, but they also allow hot air into your cool home. If the temp inside your home remains high, it causes your AC to run longer, use more electricity, and in the end, cost you more money. Fill gaps around your windows with a high-quality caulk to seal any leaks. Take note of any gaps around your doors as well. Quick Fixes for Drafty Windows Ceiling Fans Make sure your ceiling fan runs counterclockwise in the summer. A counterclockwise rotation will create an air current that pushes down and then out. This … [Read more...] about De-stress Your AC with These Tips!

You've been renting for years,  diligently saving your money to get that down payment on the house of your dreams. Now that you're a little nearer to your goal, you may find yourself on housing websites, perusing the goods. Soon you will be out there scouting out neighborhoods and attending open houses. Before you sign your name on (many) dotted lines, read on. It could save you money, time, headaches, and heartaches.  Here are 8 Common Mistakes Made by New Home Buyers: 1. Looking for a home before getting pre-approved Plenty of first-time homebuyers make the mistake of searching for that perfect home before being pre-approved for a mortgage. If housing inventory is tight, and in many markets it is, a buyer stands a good chance of losing that property without a lender in … [Read more...] about 8 Common Mistakes Made by New Home Buyers

Keeping your lawn healthy at the height of summer is no small feat, especially in regions facing ongoing drought conditions.  Here are 5 Tips to a Healthy Summer Lawn that can help you keep your little slice of Heaven hydrated and healthy all season long. 1. Water your lawn in the morning The air is cool and the sunlight is not as strong. Watering in the morning also gives your lawn time to dry out during the day before the cooler night air sets in. Watering in the late afternoon can leave your lawn wet at night. Lawns that stay damp overnight are susceptible to diseases, like fungi and mold. Experts suggest that a once-a-week deep watering (1-1.5 inches) is better than several shallow waterings throughout the week. 2. Adjust Your Mower Blade It's time to mow high! Raising … [Read more...] about 5 Tips to a Healthy Summer Lawn

Summer is here and the heat is on. We have Your July Homeowner To-Do List to get you started a few summer projects that won't break the bank -  or your back. Screen Saver It's summer. We all want to open our windows and let in fresh, summer air. If your window screens have holes, you're letting in a lot more than fresh air. You're letting in more bugs, dust, and pollen. If your screens need to be repaired, remove the torn screen. Stretch new screening over the metal frame and cut it to the correct size. Now, insert a new screening spline into the frame. Use a rolling tool. Finally, trim the excess screening material. Make Your Pool Sparkle Automatic skimmers do a great job of collecting pool debris, but sometimes you need your pole and flat skimmer to catch what floats on … [Read more...] about Your July Homeowner To-Do List