Hello,
The days may be starting to cool off, but that doesn't mean the real estate market has. Whether you're a seller looking for some ideas to spruce up your curb appear for the fall or a homeowner thinking about refinancing your mortgage, we're here to help. Plus, read about some of our top fall maintenance tips that can help you prepare for the winter months, while also protecting the value of your home.
Fall Home Maintenance Tips
With the cold days of winter getting close, it's time to think about important home maintenance jobs for the fall. Preparing your home for the coming months can be one of the most important things you do as a homeowner to protect the value of your property. Here are three jobs to complete during the fall to keep your home in pristine condition.
Inspect your roof
If you live in an area that tends to get a lot of snow, this is critical. Check your roof for any damaged areas or loose shingles. A small issue now could turn into a big problem come springtime. While you're up there, clean out your gutters too.
Water your lawn
Before your lawn goes into dormancy for the winter, give it some extra water during the fall to protect it from drying out. This is also a good time to put down a final spreading of fertilizer. Once you know a heavy freeze is coming, then you can shut off your water for the season.
Check your seals
Take a look at your windows and doors to ensure they're well sealed to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. If anything needs to be replaced, it's better to do it now than when the temperatures really drop. This can also help to reduce your energy bill during the long winter months.
Things to Consider Before Refinancing
With the economy fluctuating, many homeowners may be considering refinancing their mortgage. While this may be a good option for some, it's not the right fit for everyone. Here are three things to think about before refinancing.
Check your credit
It's important to always keep an eye on your credit score, but if you're looking to refinance, it's even more critical. The higher your credit score, the lower interest rates you're likely to receive. You may even end up paying more in the long run if your score is subpar.
Think toward the future
Before refinancing, you need to know your long-term goals. If you're looking to reduce your monthly payments or make them as low as possible, you'll want to find something with a low interest rate spread over a long period of time. If you want to pay off your loan more quickly, look for something with the shortest time period at a rate that you can still afford.
Look at different options
As with anything, look at a number of different lenders before you make a commitment. Talk to your current lender first to see what options they'll offer. After that, you can look online at other lenders to see if their rates are comparable. Don't be afraid to look around to see what works best for you and your needs.
Curb Appeal Tips for Fall
Decorating is often one of the most exciting parts of the fall months. If you're selling your home, this is the perfect time to add some seasonal curb appeal to boost the attractiveness of you home. Here are some of our favorite fall inspirational tips that will help to catch the eye of potential buyers.
Seasonal with style
While some like to go all out, keep in mind that you don't want to go overboard with the seasonal decor. Keep it classy and minimal, and focus on coordinating colors and natural elements. A simple wreath, a few pumpkins and some bright blooms are a great touch, but a spooky inflatable and glowing pumpkin arch is going too far.
Spruce up your landscape
Install a couple chrysanthemums in large planters and place them on either side of your door. Alternatively, you can plant smaller blooms along your walkway if you'd like to extend the focus outward. While you're outside, trim your bushes and tress, and spread some new mulch in your flower beds. Not only does this create a clean look, it's also great to prepare for the winter months.
Check your lighting
Now that the days are getting shorter, make sure all of your outdoor lighting is fully functional. This could mean anything from replacing light bulbs to installing new fixtures. If buyers drive by in the late afternoon or evening, you still want your home to shine in the best light possible.