We live in a DIY world. If there is a video online for how to do something, there’s a good chance you can figure out how to do it. While saving money by doing certain projects yourself can be rewarding in many different ways, there are some projects that should be left to the professionals. Unless you have training in specific fields, these 5 things usually require a professional contractor:
Electrical Wiring
Without any electrical experience, you run the risk of causing damage to both yourself and your entire electrical system. Even if you do shut off the power before messing with any wiring, there can still be many issues that arise afterwards – including electrical fire. Avoid the danger and call an electrician!
Wall Removal
Knocking down a wall can sound like a fun idea. Even if you were getting excited to release any anger on that wall in your home, this is a time when it is best to call a professional. Walls are a key component in maintaining the integrity of your home and it’s structure. If you accidentally knock down a load-bearing wall, you could cause catastrophic damage.
Foundation Alteration
The name of the structure itself should already make you proceed with caution. Your foundation is the most integral part of your home, and messing with it without experience could land you in a very tough spot.
Flooring
While some flooring can easily be done alone, some of the bigger projects should be left to the professionals. If leveling the floor is part of the project, it may be time to call someone in. Having a floor that isn’t level can cause you headaches for years to come.
Plumbing
Just like electrical projects, plumbing projects can be extremely complicated. When not done correctly, you can end up with burst pipes, flooding, and interior water damage. Save the stress and call a plumber!
Homeownership has plenty of perks. You can make changes whenever you want, but that also means you are responsible for making any fixes you want (or need)! Instead of calling the local handyman every time something small goes awry, you can try out these quick fixes for common bathroom issues that arise while saving yourself some money along the way.
1. Shifting Toilet Seat
Is your toilet seat wobbling every time you sit down? Sometimes, there are visible bolts to tighten, but that just doesn’t fix the issue. Many are unaware that you can actually purchase a toilet seat tightening kit. Home improvement stores will carry an inexpensive kit, usually around $10. Rather than investing in a new toilet seat, you can save time and money by picking up a kit the next time you’re out.
2. Slippery Shower
There are two main options to remedy a slippery shower. If you have a geriatric family member, a shower chair may be the best option to provide security. These chairs can be as affordable as $20 and can offer peace of mind when it comes to the safety of your loved ones. If chairs aren’t for you, a non-slip bath mat will keep you from falling in the shower and cost as much as a few coffees.
3. Clogged Shower Head
Do you normally have great water pressure, but now your shower feels like a slow leak? Your shower head is likely clogged from a build up of minerals in your water. Instead of calling the plumber or heading to the store to buy toxic chemicals, you can use ingredients already in your home to fix your problem. All you need to do is fill a sandwich bag halfway full with white vinegar, submerge the shower head into the vinegar in the bag, and tie the bag to the piping and allow the head to soak overnight. When you remove the bag, you should wipe the head to remove any excess and then your shower should be back to normal pressure.
4. Slow Drain
Consider trying a Zip-It tool. You can find one at your local hardware store for around $5, but you must be willing to deal with a little gunk. The tool is placed in the drain and pulls out whatever is clogging it, usually hair and soap. If you can get past that, you’ll save yourself the price of a plumber.
5. Leaking Water Valve
Instead of heading to the store for a replacement water supply valve, try tightening the packing nut on the valve. A quick video search online will show you which nut to tighten, and it will only take a few minutes. Now you’ve saved time and money!
While these are easy fixes to do yourself, selling your home isn’t nearly as easy to DIY. Call Scott and Mary Tynell today if you are ready to put your home on the market!
Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, like the excitement of welcoming a new addition, retiring, and starting a new adventure, or the bittersweet feeling of an empty nest. If something like this is changing in your own life, you may be considering buying or selling a house. This is because, amidst all these life-altering events, there remains one common thread—the necessity to relocate.
Reasons People Still Need To Move Today According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) there have been a lot of this type of milestone or life change over the last two years (see graph below):
And, these big life changes are going to continue to impact people moving forward, even with the current affordability challenges brought on by higher mortgage rates and rising home prices.
Because high mortgage rates, elevated home prices, and stubbornly low inventory make today’s housing market particularly challenging, many of today’s buyers are motivated by life changes, such as growing families, supporting elderly parents or grown children, or accommodating professional needs.
Lean On a Real Estate Professional for Help Whether you are beginning your search for a home or preparing to sell your current house, you do not have to go it alone. With their expertise, Scott and Mary Tynell an invaluable partners who can help you smoothly transition through these big moments in your life. Here are just a few examples.
When Buying a Home If you are welcoming a new addition and want more space, the need for a new home may be a top priority. While higher home prices and mortgage rates are creating challenges for buyers, you may have to find a way to meet your changing needs, even with today’s mortgage rates.
Scott and Mary Tynell can help. Their expertise and knowledge of the local housing market can save you a considerable amount of time and stress. They will take the time to understand your specific needs, budget, and preferences, allowing them to narrow down your search and present you with suitable options.
When Selling a House If you are retiring or going through a separation or divorce, your main focus may be to make the most out of your investment when selling your house, so you can find one that works better for you moving forward.
This is another place where Scott and Mary Tynell expertise truly shines. They can accurately assess your home’s market value, suggest improvements to enhance its appeal, and craft a strategic marketing plan. Their negotiation skills are a big asset when it comes to making sure you get a fair price for your house, allowing you to move on to the next chapter of your life with confidence and peace of mind.
No matter your situation, lean on a trusted professional for help as you buy or sell a home.
Bottom Line If recent life-changing events have you wanting or needing to move, it’s even more critical to make informed decisions. Connect with Scott and Mary Tynell for expert guidance on navigating your options.
If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, you might have heard it’s tough right now because mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been over the past few years, and home prices are rising. It is true. Take a look at the graph below. It breaks down how the current affordability situation stacks up to recent years.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains how to read the values on the graph:
“To interpret the indices, a value of 100 means a family with the median income has exactly enough income to qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced home.”
The red dotted line represents 100 value on the index. Essentially, the higher the bar, the more affordable homes are. As you can see, the orange bar for today shows higher mortgage rates and home prices have created a clear challenge. But, while affordability is definitely tighter right now, that doesn’t mean the housing market is at a standstill.
According to NAR, based on the pace of sales right now, just under 4 million homes will sell this year. With some simple math, let’s break down what that really means for you:
3.96 million homes divided by 365 days in a year = 10,849 houses sell each day
10,849 divided by 24 hours in a day = 452 houses sell per hour
452 divided by 60 minutes in an hour = about 8 houses sell each minute
So, on average, over 10,000 homes sell each day in this country. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, this goes to show there are still ways to make your move possible, even at a time when affordability is tight.
An Agent Can Help You Make Your Move a Reality You may be wondering how other homebuyers and sellers are making this happen now. One of the biggest game-changers in today’s market is working with a trusted local real estate agent. Great agents are helping other people just like you navigate today’s market and the current affordability situation, and their insight is invaluable right now.
Scott and Mary Tynell will be able to offer advice tailored to your specific wants, needs, budget, and more. Not to mention, they’ll also be able to draw on their experience of what’s working for other buyers and sellers right now. This could mean broadening your search, if needed, to include other housing types like condos, townhouses, or neighborhoods a bit further out to help offset some of the affordability challenges today.
Bottom Line You might think there are not many people buying or selling homes right now since affordability is tighter than it is been in quite some time, but that is not the case. Buying a home has indeed become more expensive over the past couple of years, but people are still moving.
If you are hoping to buy or sell a home today, know that other people are still making their goals a reality – and that’s happening in large part because of the help and advice of skilled local real estate agents. Want to talk to a trusted professional about your own move? Connect to Scott and Mary Tynell today!
All pet parents want to keep their fur babies safe. So they may be shocked to learn their home can be a minefield of potential hazards that can cause severe harm or even death for their feline and canine family members. Cats and dogs are curious animals and tend to get into things, so nothing is foolproof. But there are some easy precautions that you can take to make it less likely that they will find something that they shouldn’t.
Most people know to keep chocolate hidden away from their pooches—it can be toxic to dogs and the APCC (Animal Poison Control Center) handles about 76 cases of chocolate exposure per day. But there’s a host of seemingly innocent items in your home that cause harm. In 2020 alone, the APCC helped more than 370,500 animals. So here’s what to keep out of paws’ reach and information on what to do if your pet is accidentally exposed to a toxin.
Crucial poison information
First things first: If you suspect your pet has ingested any poisonous substances, contact your veterinarian or call APCC’s hotline at 888-426-4435 immediately. You’ll need to provide your pet’s breed, age, weight, and health history, as well as what symptoms the animal is exhibiting. Symptoms of toxicity can vary depending on the hazard, amount consumed, size, and animal species.
Signs you may notice if your pet ingests something poisonous may be stomach upset, loss of coordination, increased or decreased urination, and seizures. All poison exposures and items cause different signs, but these are most commonly observed while others are more internal. Your vet or the APCC will ask about the product package, the strength of ingredients, and the amount your pet was exposed to, so having the product close at hand when you call is always a plus.
Danger No. 1: Human medicine
Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, vitamins, and supplements ranked as the top toxins in 2020 for the third year in a row, making up about 17% of APCC’s total case volume. Take all medications behind a closed door. Typically, it is recommended to take them in the bathroom with the bathroom door closed. That way if the pill is dropped, there will be time to search for it without having to worry about your pet finding it first. Other medications to keep locked up include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and prescriptions.
Danger No. 2: Edible hazards
Human foods made up 13% of 2020’s total toxicity cases at APCC, with most calls about grapes, raisins, xylitol (a sugar substitute), onions, garlic, protein powder, and snack bars. Yeast dough is another danger. When eaten, yeast can rise in a pet’s moist, warm stomach and cause a dangerous gas accumulation. Beyond being painful, this may result in a bloated stomach or even a twisted stomach, known as gastric dilatation-volvulus, a serious medical emergency. In addition, the yeast can become fermented, thereby producing alcohol within the stomach that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
And of course, there’s chocolate. Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine all contain substances called methylxanthines. These compounds are stimulants. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death. Other edible dangers to keep away from your pets include alcohol, avocado, leeks, chives, and macadamia nuts.
Danger No. 3: Non-Edible hazards
Most homeowners have toxic items lying around their garage and home. Think items such as antifreeze, insecticides and pesticides, pool chemicals, and lawn fertilizer—all of which can be a significant hazard to your pets. Keep all pesticides and cleaners in high cabinets fortified with a childproof lock. Be aware that childproof rat poison containers are not pet-proof and that dogs especially can and will chew into them. Additionally, mice and rats will move blocks of rodent poisons. So they can end up in areas that are accessible to pets, even if they weren’t placed in areas that pets can get into initially. Non-edible items also include personal care products. Keep toothpaste, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and fabric softener sheets out of snout’s reach.
Danger No. 4: Plants and flowers
Consumption of plants and flowers inside and outside the home may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats. The APCC received 9,000 more calls in 2020 than the previous year for pet plant consumption. All plants and flowers should be kept out of reach from your pet to avoid broken glass or pottery, giving them access to potentially contaminated water. And eating that actual plant or flower, could cause stomach upset or even be toxic. Instead, feature nontoxic plants in your home such as African violets, bamboo, roses, or spider plants.
Danger No. 5: Household hazards
Holiday decorations also present a danger to our furry friends. Puppies and inquisitive dogs can chew on electric cords, putting them at risk of serious burns or electric shock. Pet-proof your home just as you would childproof it for a toddler. It is also recommended to tour the house at your pet’s level to spot and remove any potential temptations from their view.
Life in a staged home may seem perfect to some, but there is plenty of work that goes into maintaining a perfect house. With each room comes a set of responsibilities that ultimately contribute to maintaining that immaculate appearance
Home staging tips often touch on one important point: You have to be prepared to maintain a state of perfection from under your sink to within your bedroom closet. While certainly not impossible, this takes dedication. This can also pay off handsomely in the end, when homebuyers, enthralled with the state of your home, begin making offers. There is a lot that goes into perpetuating perfection.
Here are tips, room-by-room, on how to live in a staged home:
The bedrooms These rooms tend to collect clutter. To alleviate that, it is time to make use of those nightstand drawers, and possibly under-the-bed storage. While it is OK to keep maybe a book or two, – maybe home staging books! – and a lamp on top of your nightstand, everything else – tissues, glasses, etc. – should be stowed away in storage somewhere accessible yet hidden. Clothes should also be neatly stored. Make sure to consistently put clothes in the hamper. In a staged home, you’ll probably be doing laundry often anyway – to keep towels, dishcloths, and other similar items clean. Also, it is crucial that everyone in every bedroom makes his or her bed immediately after waking up in the morning.
The kitchen Air freshener is your best friend in a staged home. Of course, you will probably end up cooking in your staged home. Even a smell can turn a potential homebuyer off, though. Use an air freshener to ensure your home smells as perfect as it looks. Clean every surface after each meal is cooked, as well. There should never be dishes in the sink when people are touring the home, either clean them or place them in the dishwasher right away.
The bathrooms Your bathroom should appear as though no one uses it. That means storing away shampoos, soaps, and razors after showers, and cleaning every day. If you have more than one bathroom in your home, have everyone share one to reduce the amount of cleaning required. This is where laundry comes into play again – every time someone uses a towel, it should be washed, rather than hung up to dry, to avoid any sort of clutter at all.
Other rooms and spaces You can treat the family and living rooms similar to bedrooms – plenty of hidden storage space, spotless floors, and no clutter whatsoever. Also, it is important not to forget closet and pantry space. While storing clutter away is important, overfilling closets and pantries will make them seem tiny. Organize these spaces to ensure their sizes are accurately represented.
Prioritizing perfection is paramount in a staged home, but if you can maintain it there’s a good chance buyers will fall in love with your spotless house.
Keeping a home in good condition requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs. As a homeowner, understanding the essential home repairs can save you time, money, and potential headaches down the road. In this blog post, we will explore some common home repairs that every homeowner should be familiar with.
Plumbing Repairs: A leaky faucet, clogged drain, or running toilet are common plumbing issues that homeowners encounter. Knowing how to fix these minor plumbing problems can prevent water wastage and avoid costly repairs. We will discuss simple solutions and when to call a professional plumber.
Electrical Repairs: Faulty wiring or malfunctioning electrical fixtures can be dangerous and should be addressed promptly. We will provide guidance on basic electrical repairs, such as replacing a light switch or installing a ceiling fan. However, it’s important to emphasize the importance of hiring a licensed electrician for complex electrical work.
Roof Repairs: A well-maintained roof is crucial for protecting your home from the elements. From replacing damaged shingles to fixing leaks, we will discuss some common roof repairs that homeowners may encounter. We will also highlight the importance of regular roof inspections to identify potential issues before they become major problems.
HVAC Repairs: A properly functioning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. We will provide tips on troubleshooting common HVAC problems, such as uneven cooling or heating issues. However, it’s important to note that complex HVAC repairs should be left to certified technicians.
Structural Repairs: Over time, homes may experience structural issues, such as foundation cracks or sagging floors. We will discuss signs of potential structural problems and provide guidance on when to seek professional help. It’s crucial to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your home.
Bottom Line By familiarizing yourself with essential home repairs, you can become a proactive homeowner and tackle minor issues before they escalate into major problems. Remember, while some repairs can be handled independently, it’s important to recognize when it’s time to call in a professional. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs will not only keep your home in good condition but also help preserve its value in the long run.
There’s no place like home, so why not make home the most beautiful and cozy place you can stay in? Let’s dive into some techniques that can help you showcase the best features of every room in your house. Just a touch of color, texture, and personality can transform your home into something new. Here are a few tips that aren’t a lot of hassle:
ADD SOME COLOR
Sticking with a neutral scheme can never go wrong, but if you’re feeling like your room is a little drab, don’t be afraid to go with a bold color. You can do an accent wall that compliments the current color scheme or use your furniture or accent pieces to bring a touch of color. Color doesn’t have to mean clutter – you can keep the rest of the room simple and add a dramatic touch with a few elements.
USE SOME MIRRORS
Bringing in some mirrors can add light and room to your space. Using mirrors in staging is known to help the room look like it’s much bigger than it is. Add a few accent mirrors, preferably right across the room from a window, to brighten up your space and keep it from feeling too tight and small.
PLAY WITH ACCESSORIES
We get it, furniture can get expensive, but there is so much you can do with a room by just getting creative with accessories. Get some unique decorative pieces and let your room tell a story through them. Hop down to your closest antique store and grab some pieces that are bold. You can also head into Hobby Lobby or TJ Maxx, where they have beautiful and unique decorative pieces that are incredibly affordable.
ADD SOME GREEN
Nothing gives a space some life like some life, literally. Add some plants to your rooms, lots of green ones that are easy to keep alive, to add a unique touch to the room. You’d be surprised how much a room looks “finished” when you add a beautiful tree to the corner of a room.
EMBRACE THE LIGHT
The natural light, we mean. Don’t block out your windows with heavy drapes or hide them behind furniture. Decorate your room in a way that compliments the windows and brings the natural light in.
ADD TEXTURE
Use fur throws or pillows, use patterns in your fabrics, etc. Don’t be afraid to add unique textures throughout the home. It gives your eyes something to land on as they are looking around the room. You can even use metallics! Don’t overdo it, because then it can get overwhelming. Just get a few textures that complement each other and put them in clever places around your room.
REMOVE CLUTTER
A tip you’ll hear often is that nothing brings the best out in a room better than getting rid of all the clutter and junk. If you have a hard time walking around your room or finding things, it may be time to get a few boxes and start cleaning out the things that don’t really belong.
It’s easy to get sick of your home decor, especially if you have been staying home a lot. With the warmer weather approaching, take some time to give your home a little refresh. There’s no need to do a complete makeover of your home, just switch up a few things. You’ll be surprised how a few simple changes can give you a whole new outlook!
Take Advantage of Natural Light With spring on the horizon, we are starting to see a little more sun peeking out, so open those blinds and bask in the natural light. Instead of flipping on your lights in the morning, pull back the curtains and let sunshine fill your home. The simple act of opening your windows can help lift your mood, and you’ll save a little on your electric bill too.
You can also take advantage of the natural light to add in some more houseplants or help your current ones thrive! By simply adding in natural light, you have so many options to refresh and enjoy your living space.
Give Your Home a Good Clean It seems simple but giving your space a deep cleaning and decluttering can instantly revitalize a room and make your home much more livable. Even if you only go this far, it will surely make a major difference in refreshing your home. Set goals to clean and declutter one space at a time, and then work to organize anything left behind. This is an easy and rewarding way to give your home a quick refresh!
Change Up Your Bedding Making small updates to your bedroom, like changing up your bedding can change the whole look of your room and give it a fresh feel. This is the perfect time of year to wake up your bedroom with some new bedding. Or simply refresh your look by switching out your heavy winter blankets, throws, and pillows with lighter-weight and lighter-toned versions. You could also add some throw pillows or a blanket at the end of your bed to add different textures and colors.
Rearrange Your Furniture Rearranging your furniture is an easy and free way to completely transform your space. Try changing up things or even losing pieces that just don’t fit. You’d be surprised how doing this can make your space seem more open and change the whole look of the room, while also becoming more functional. Plus, it’s kind of fun to shake things up a bit and change your furniture layout.
If you are feeling bored with your space, you don’t have to completely remodel your home to switch things up! By swapping out a few pieces, adding in some new decor, or even letting more light in, you can achieve the looks you want. These are all cheap and easy alternatives that will have a major impact on your living space!
Thinking about buying? Be sure to include these five items in your calculations. Homeownership may be a goal for some, but it’s not the right fit for many.
Renters account for 37 percent of all households in America — or just over 43.7 million homes, up more than 6.9 million since 2005. Even still, more than half of millennial and Gen Z renters consider buying, with 18 percent seriously considering it.
Both lifestyles afford their fair share of pros and cons. So, before you meet with a real estate agent, consider these five costs homeowners pay that renter do not — they could make you reconsider buying altogether.
1. Property taxes As long as you own a home, you will pay property taxes. The typical U.S. homeowner pays $2,110 per year in property taxes, meaning they are a significant — and ongoing — chunk of your budget. Factor this expense into the equation from the get-go to avoid surprises down the road. The property tax rates vary among states, so try a mortgage calculator to estimate costs in your area.
2. Homeowners Insurance Homeowners insurance protects you against losses and damage to your home caused by perils such as fires, storms, or burglary. It also covers legal costs if someone is injured in your home or on your property. Homeowners’ insurance is almost always required in order to get a home loan. It costs an average of $35 per month for every $100,000 of your home’s value. If you intend to purchase a condo, you’ll need a condo insurance policy — separate from traditional homeowner’s insurance — which costs an average of $100 to $400 a year.
3. Maintenance and repairs Don’t forget about those small repairs that you won’t be calling your landlord about anymore. Notice a tear in your window screen? Can’t get your toilet to stop running? What about those burned-out light bulbs in your hallway? You get the idea. Maintenance costs can add an additional $3,021 to the typical U.S. homeowner’s annual bill. Of course, this amount increases as your home ages. And don’t forget about repairs. Conventional water heaters last about a decade, with a new one costing you between $500 to $1,500 on average. Air conditioning units don’t typically last much longer than 15 years, and an asphalt shingle roof won’t serve you too well after 20 years.
4. HOA fees Sure, that monthly mortgage payment seems affordable, but don’t forget to take homeowners association (HOA) fees into account. On average, HOA fees cost anywhere from $200 to $400 per month. They usually fund perks like your fitness center, neighborhood landscaping, community pool, and other common areas. Such amenities are usually covered as a renter, but when you own your home, you’re paying for these luxuries on top of your mortgage payment.
5. Utilities When you’re renting, it’s common for your apartment or landlord to cover some costs. When you own your home, you’re in charge of covering it all — water, electricity, gas, internet, and cable. While many factors determine how much you’ll pay for utilities — like the size of your home and the climate you live in — the typical U.S. homeowner pays $2,953 in utility costs every year.
Ultimately, renting might be more cost-effective in the end, depending on your lifestyle, location, and financial situation. As long as you crunch the numbers and factor in these costs, you’ll make the right choice for your needs.
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