Fall Checklist for the Homeowner

The end of Summer is rapidly approaching. Children are already back in school (and are looking forward to Halloween), the weather is changing and the days are getting shorter. With the climate change, there are some things you need to do to get your home ready for cooler temperatures and inclement weather. A little preventative maintenance can save you big bucks.

If you have a separate furnace, have it inspected. Usually an inspection should be fairly inexpensive. A typical inspection will consist of checking and cleaning the burners, filters, motor, fan etc. If you haven't had it done in the last three years, it is something you should do. It can help you avoid costly repairs and save money by running more efficiently. If you live in a climate that gets a lot of rain or snow, you should check your roof for leaks. Leaving a leak unfixed can cause health problems due to mold and weaken the entire roof until a section caves in. When you are having your roof repaired, make sure you use a licensed contractor and make sure you check their credentials. Most states have a toll free number you can call to verify the person's license and background.

Another potential costly area of repair is outdoor plumbing. Water faucets must be insulated for cold weather to avoid the pipes bursting. National hardware chains like Ace or Lowes carry cold weather self-adhesive insulation for pipes and the cost is minimal (especially versus spending money on a plumber). Some plants may also need protecting from the cold as well. Also, don't forget to check your water heater, make sure it is insulated with a water heater blanket and the pipes are covered as well. While this won't save you on repair bills, it will help keep your gas bill down in the winter months.

These are the basics you really should do as a homeowner every year. If you have a fireplace, having the chimney professionally cleaned will help keep it working at top efficiency. I would also recommend checking the weather stripping around doors and windows. It is very inexpensive to replace but can save you big bucks on your utilities in the winter and summer.

About the Author:

Charles Richey is a real estate investor and webmaster for his wife's Las Vegas luxury real estate site that focuses on the Las Vegas luxury homes market. He also volunteers to foster homeless dogs in the Las Vegas valley for several rescue groups.

Past Articles by this Author:

• Signs the Real Estate Market is Recovering


• Answers about the First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit

Signs of the Real Estate Market Recovering

Over the past six months there have been subtle signs that the real estate market is finally starting to recover. The foreclosure rate is starting to slow down and unemployment has dropped for the first time in over a year. Cities like Las Vegas that were in the top 10 foreclosure markets last year are seeing their foreclosure rates decline. Consequently, Las Vegas home prices have stabilized and even started to rise in some areas.

But what does that mean for property buyers? The low hanging fruit in these markets is pretty picked over. Buyers will be hard pressed to find homes that originally sold for a half million dollars now on sale for under a hundred thousand. However, that doesn't mean that the market is back to normal. Thousands of homes and condos are still being sold below historic market value.

So how do you determine what is a good deal? The basic tenants of house hunting still apply:

• Location, Location, Location - unless you are planning to move in five years of less, you need to think long term. Location is will be your top factor.
• Bang for your Buck - just how much house are you getting for your money? Price per square foot is another big factor. Most builders recycle their floor plans. So if you really like the plan but hate the neighborhood, you may be able to get the same floor plan elsewhere in the city and pay less for it.
• Get Expert Advice - when buying a home, always use a Realtor familiar with the area. Their services are typically paid for by the home seller, not you. Make sure they have been in business for years and ask questions. But most importantly, follow their advice. Your agent needs to be involved in the process the entire way through. Never talk to a builder or listing agent without your agent present. They work exclusively for you and have your best interests at heart.

There are of course many other factors to consider when buying a home. But if you have been waiting for the market to "bottom out" in certain areas like Miami, Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sacramento, etc then that time has passed. Home prices are stabilizing and going back up in areas. In some cases, the price of rent is higher than the cost of a mortgage on the property.

But before you decide to buy, do your research. How stable is your current employment? Are you planning on staying where you are at for at least the next five years? Just how much house do you really need? A little pre-planning can save you a lot of headaches later.

About the Author:

Charles Richey is the webmaster for his wife's Luxury Las Vegas homes site. Along with listings of property for sale and information articles, the site specializes in Lake Las Vegas realty.

Past Articles:

• First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit FAQ