FALL/WINTER
Home Guide THE JOURNAL PRESS, INC.
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2015 • WINTER HOME CARE
Winterize to safeguard your home from harsh weather Metro Creative Autumn is a beautiful time of year marked by welcoming cooler temperatures and the natural beauty of leaves changing colors. Autumn also has a tendency to fly by. With such a seemingly short time between the end of summer and the dawn of winter, homeowners know they don’t have too many weekends in between to prepare their homes for the potentially harsh months ahead. But such preparation, often referred to as “winterizing,” can make a home more comfortable when the mercury dips below freezing, while saving homeowners substantial amounts of money. Clean the gutters Leaves falling in fall can be a beautiful sight but many of those leaves will lodge in your gutters and cause a host of problems. If the leaves and additional debris, such as twigs and dirt, that pile up in your gutters are not cleared out before the first winter storm, the results can be costly and even catastrophic. Winter rain and snowfall needs a place to go upon hitting your roof, and gutters facilitate the travel of such precipitation from your roof into street-level drainage systems. If gutters are backed up with leaves and other debris, then ice dams may form, forcing water to seep in through the roof. That
it belongs. Leaks around windows can be snuffed out with caulk or weather stripping.
damage can be costly and can even cause the roof to collapse inward in areas with heavy snowfall. Clean gutters throughout the fall and check gutters one last time before the arrival of winter.
Test the furnace Homeowners typically do not devote much thought to their furnaces in spring, summer and fall. But with winter on the horizon, fall is the time to test the furnace to ensure it’s ready. Expect a somewhat foul yet brief odor to appear when starting the furnace. That odor should dissipate shortly, but if it does not, your furnace likely needs repair. Even if the smell does not linger, consider having the furnace cleaned by a professional. Such cleanings ensure the furnace works efficiently throughout the winter.
Tend to your attic Homeowners who have attics might want to add some extra insulation up there, especially those who recall feeling cold inside their homes last winter, which is often a telltale sign of improper insulation in a home. A good rule of thumb when determining if your attic needs more insulation is to look for the ceiling joists. If you can see the joists, then you need more insulation. Address leaky windows and doors Sometimes attic insulation is not the culprit when it comes to a cold home. Oftentimes, leaky windows and doors are the real bad guys in a drafty home. Fall is a great time to inspect for leaky windows and doors, as the wind outside can serve as your partner. When the wind outside is blowing, take a tour of your home’s windows and doorways, standing next to them to determine if there any holes or leaks that are letting outdoor air inside. If you notice any leaks beneath exterior doors, install some door sweeps to keep outdoor air where
Cleaning gutters is just one of many steps homeowners can take each fall to prepare their residences for coming winter weather.
Clean the garage You might not mind parking in the driveway during the warmer months of the year, but why subject your vehicles to harsh winter weather if you don’t have to? Clean the garage in the fall so you have an indoor parking spot throughout the winter season. Protecting your car from the elements can add years to its life and also saves you the trouble of digging your car out of the snow. Fall is a time of year for homeowners to spend a weekend or two preparing their homes for the often harsh weather that awaits when winter arrives.
Holiday decor ideas BPT Here are some easy ideas to create a welcoming environment: for your holiday entertaining. Restyle your shelves If the shelves in your living or dining room are full of books and baskets the rest of the year, take replace them with elegant holiday décor like pretty dishes, serving pieces or china you’re not already using on the dinner table. You can also sneak in pops of color with ornaments and sprigs of pine. Install new window treatments Dressing up your windows is an easy way to give a room a fresh look. Consider motorized window coverings for comfort and convenience, as well as energy savings. Combined with timers and sensors, your draperies and
blinds will adjust automatically. Create the perfect sunrise or sunset scenery with a built-in clock that adjusts daily, optimizing the natural light in your home. Create acheerful greeting display Don’t just stuff all those holiday cards in a drawer or basket - show off your favorites in a festive way. Weave a colorful ribbon along the banister of your staircase or a blank wall and use clips or clothespins to string them throughout. Balance your color palette While bright red and green tend to be the favored holiday hues, this color scheme isn’t for everyone. If you find yourself shying away from these colors, opt for metallic tones like silver, gold and bronze. These shades bring warmth and cheer to a room without taking away from your existing décor.
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A few tricks can make older homes more energy efficient Metro Creative Older properties tend to have a sense of charm that newly built homes may lack. Perhaps it’s their lived-in feel or design elements that remind homeowners of yesteryear that make older homes so popular among home buyers. What older homes have in character they may lack in modern amenities. For example, whereas many homes are now built with energy efficiency in mind, older homes may not be so eco-friendly. Fortunately, there are many ways for homeowners who love their older homes to keep that love going strong while making their homes more energy efficient at the same time. Check for leaks and plug any you find. Homes may develop air leaks that let air infiltrate the home. When that occurs, homeowners instinctively turn up the thermostat in winter to combat the cold air getting in. Come summertime, they run their air conditioners on a higher setting in order to stay comfortable when hot air creeps through the cracks. Rather than adjusting the temperature inside, fix any sources
Homeowners can make older homes more energy efficient by replacing old or inadequate insulation. It’s one of many steps that can improve your home’s value.
of air infiltration. Run your hand along doorways and windows to determine if any drafts are coming through. Older homes may also develop cracks in bricks, around the foundation and in siding or stucco. Seal any areas where you feel air infiltrating your home, which will save money, reduce your energy consumption and make your older home more efficient. Add insulation. Many older homes are poorly insulated. But according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, adding insulation can reduce energy costs by as much as 50 percent. Installing insulation can be tricky, especially if insulation was not originally included in your home, as is sometimes the case with older homes. Insulation can become damp and prove ineffective if installed improperly. Damp insulation also may contribute to mold growth and rot in the home’s framing. Older homes may lack adequate insulation around attics, crawl spaces, basements, heating and cooling ducts, and water pipes. Cover your water heater with an insulated water heater blanket so it consumes
less energy to heat the water. Stay on top of your home. Much like older vehicles, older homes require a little extra TLC on the part of homeowners. Don’t allow your home to fall into disrepair. Even if your energy bills are not on the rise, inspect windows and doors to make sure they are closing tightly, as over time such seemingly minor problems can add up to substantial energy loss. Don’t forget to clean gutters and downspouts, removing debris that can lead to water damage that may compromise the effectiveness of your home’s insulation. Book an energy audit. Energy audits, which may be offered free of charge by your utility company, can help detect any additional areas where a home may be using energy inefficiently. Even if you have to pay for an audit, the cost savings if any additional inefficiencies are discovered will likely add up to more than the cost of the audit. Older homes are attractive to many homeowners, who can take several steps to make sure their homes are operating as efficiently as possible. .
Top five renovation tips to create more space in your home Metro Creative
As real estate prices continue to climb, the cost to trade up to a larger home is on the upswing across the country, especially as markets remain hampered by tight inventory levels. As a result, more and more Americans are choosing to renovate their current homes instead of relocating. In fact, some forecasts predict that 2015 renovation spending could exceed the record of $324 billion set during the peak of last decade’s housing boom. While the hunt for more square footage can be challenging, homeowners shouldnÕt feel like a costly second story or complete addition are the only options. Here are five great ways to create or optimize space in your existing home. 1. Finish an unfinished basement: A basement renovation can hold limitless potential and increase the resale value or income potential of your home. Think about the possibilities: a home theater, office, spare bedroom, basement apartment or recreation room. The key to doing it successfully is to focus on whatÕs behind
the walls, especially since moisture is a common issue in basements. Choosing the right insulation is critical. Look for products that are vapor permeable, dimensionally stable and mold and moisture resistant. Many contractors use Roxul Comfortboard IS semi-rigid sheathing board paired with Comfortbatt batt insulation to combat thermal bridging and protect against mold and mildew growth. An added benefit of this type of mineral wool insulation is that it’s also fire-resistant to 2,150 F. For interior walls and ceilings, Safe-n-Sound insulation is ideal because of its ability to absorb noise and indoor traffic sounds, ensuring your newfound space is a peaceful one. 2. Create a more open-concept feel with light and color. If your home wasnÕt blessed with towering windows, installing French doors and pot lights can encourage light to travel more freely, creating the illusion of space. Likewise, choosing a paint color for walls, trim and moldings that is lighter and cooler in tone (think soft grays or blues) will help to reflect light and give the room a more open feel.
3. Remove non-load-bearing walls. Homeowners have the opportunity to rethink the layout of their home by removing nonload-bearing walls. Removing structurally unnecessary walls can make your whole home feel larger, improve flow, lighting and the function of your home. 4. Convert your garage into usable living or work space. For many homeowners, the garage becomes an overflow room for storage ÐÐ and is often a walk-in headache. Convert your garage (or a portion of it) into another living space, guest bedroom or home office. Install carpet and quality thermal insulation such as Roxul Comfortbatt to block outdoor noise and keep in warmth. 5. Choose furniture and accessories carefully. Adopt a minimalistÕs eye. Begin looking around your home for furniture or accessories that overwhelm the space. Interior designers recommend choosing low-profile or small-scale furniture for rooms with less square footage. Dual-purpose items, such as ottomans with storage chests inside, are a budget-friendly way to save on space while staying organized.
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2015 • WINTER HOME CARE
Exterior lighting improves home safety, appearance Metro Creative When drafting a to-do list for home improvements that can increase home value and appeal, several renovations may be atop homeowners’ lists. While kitchen or bathroom remodels may be popular renovations, homeowners also should consider outdoor lighting schemes that can make homes safer and more alluring. Outdoor lighting serves various purposes. Such lighting can draw attention to more impressive parts of a property. In addition, such lighting can improve security and deter criminals. To get started, homeowners should first examine the exteriors of their homes and make note of existing lighting and where improvements can be made. If you’re not sure where to begin, speak with an electrician or a landscape designer, each of whom can offer suggestions on lighting and which options are the best fit for your particular property. Next, you’ll want to consider efficiency and function. The United States Department of Energy suggests incorporating energy-
efficient lighting, including energysaving LED bulbs or fluorescent lights, into your plans. Timers and other automatic controls can prevent waste by turning lights on only when they are needed. Solar lights can be used as accent lights, further saving energy. Beauty When addressing aesthetics, think about the appeal of an accented landscape. Include lights to frame the front door and call attention to certain elements, such as decorative trees or water features. Use lights to light up deck stairways or to accent planters. Speak with a lighting professional about how to position lights to cover the most territory in the most attractive way possible. Safety Safety is an important consideration when improving a home. Lighting can help illuminate potential hazards or draw attention to borders or property boundaries. Navigating in the dark can be treacherous, so put lights along pathways and near pools or spas. Be sure that lights will clearly mark other walkways
Revamping exterior lighting elements can improve the safety and the look of a home. A home bathed in a warm glow has a safe, inviting appearance that draws in visitors.. around your home, such as those leading from doors to the yard or from the garage to where trash and recycling pails are kept. If a design element such as a bridge over a water feature or a particular ornamental tree or shrub is difficult to navigate in the dark, use lights to improve visibility.
Security Added security is another reason to install more exterior lighting. Dark homes are attractive to burglars. Eliminate dark corners by lighting up areas where thieves may be able to gain access to your home. This includes areas near doorways and ground-level windows. Install
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motion-sensor lights in such areas so you are not wasting energy. Lighting may not only deter human intruders, but also it can scare away animals. A raccoon, skunk or opossum may think twice about hanging around your home when your property is bathed in a spotlight.
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Fight roof damage from ice dams before it’s too late BPT Each winter, the inevitable happens as snow falls and the temperature inside and outside the home fluctuates - icicles form. While icicles are considered a common sight throughout the colder months, they can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home. While homeowners may not realize it, icicles are the result of ice dams that form on the roof. Ice dams can silently wreak havoc on roofs, leaving a trail of damage unseen until the snow and ice has all melted away. Wet insulation, damaged shingles, broken eaves and downpipes, and potential mold and mildew can be the result of ice dam formation. Ice dams occur when key areas of your home’s roof space are under insulated. Warm, conditioned air penetrates through the roof to melt snow high on the roof. As the melted snow travels down the roof to the colder areas around the eaves, it refreezes, creating both an ice dam and icicles that trap any melted water underneath.
Ice dams can cause major damage to you home. Check out the insulation in your attic before the winter weather hits to ensure that snow doesn’t melt on your roof and create ice dams. This melted water eventually penetrates back through the roof into the attic space to dampen the existing insulation, which can lead to mold and mildew problems. While it’s tempting to climb onto the roof and attempt to fix the problem yourself, it is dangerous to do so, as is trying to chip away the icicles from the ground. Energy Star recommends taking several
taken these initial steps, you can help prevent ice dam formation by installing a high performance insulation material such as spray foam insulation. The airtight seal and high R-value delivered by spray foam insulation, such as Icynene, helps prevent any warm air from escaping through the roof, which leads to icicles and ice dams. Installed by professionals, spray foam insulation works well in all climates to completely seal the building and stop air leakage. Not only does this help reduce the risk of ice dams forming, but also help reduces the strain on
HVAC equipment that has to work overtime to compensate for the lost air. Spray foam insulation both insulates and air seals the home to help homeowners reduce their monthly heating and cooling bills. As a long-term solution, spray foam insulation helps maintain a comfortable temperature year round while helping to control monthly heating and cooling expenses. While air leakage can cause bills to sky-rocket as well as lead to ice dams occurring, a wellinsulated attic can help you get through the cold winter months comfortably.
steps to address the chance of ice dam formation before winter hits. Prevent ice dams with spray foam insulation Start defending against ice dams early by clearing away leaves and other debris from the eaves before the first snowfall. Energy Star suggests sealing your ducts as well as any air leaks before investing in additional insulation. Once you’ve
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With colder weather right around the corner, many homeowners are once again giving thought to their home heating needs and if it is possible to heat their homes more efficiently. The United States Department of Energy reports that more than half of the energy used in a typical home goes toward heating and cooling costs. With energy costs continually on the rise, many homeowners want to make the most of their heating systems and use the heat in the most efficient manner possible. A heating system is most effective when the home is free from drafts. Before investing in a new furnace or considering other drastic changes, determine if a few simple repairs can help your heating system perform more efficiently. Check around doors and windows for drafts that could force heating systems to work harder, and seal any leaks you find. This also will help in the summer when you are trying to keep the house as cool as possible. Determine if cold air is infiltrating the home elsewhere, such as from around pipes leading to the outdoors. Caulking or foam insulation can remedy the situation. Adding extra insulation in garages and attics also can help. The DOE says if insulation is less than R-30, the home probably can use more. If after increasing insulation your home still feels drafty, it may require additional insulation in the exterior walls. Invest in a quality thermostat. Many modern room thermostats allow homeowners to set different temperatures for different times
of day, and some even allow homeowners to establish a different heating schedule for the weekends. Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to keep their homes cooler when unattended or during sleeping hours. The heat can be programmed to turn on or increase in temperature when residents are expected to return home after school or work. While homeowners are improving heating efficiency, they should reverse the direction of ceiling fan blades. Having the blades spin clockwise will draw down the hot air that rises to the ceiling and allow it to better flow through the home. In addition to these suggestions, homeowners can employ these other energy- and cost-saving measures. Reuse oven heat. After cooking a meal in the oven, open the oven door and let the residual heat escape into the kitchen and the rest of the house. Note, it is not safe to heat a home with the oven, and the oven should be turned off before opening the door. Add a little humidity. Moist air tends to hold heat better. Add some humidity to dry indoor air, particularly if the relative humidity of the home as measured with a hygrometer is below 25 percent. Houseplants and home aquariums can add some warm moisture to the air and reduce reliance on heat. Limit use of exhaust fans. After showering or cooking, keep the exhaust fan on for as little time as possible so that warm air is not drawn out of the home. Heating a home efficiently means reducing drafts, programming the thermostat and making the most of other ways to warm up.
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Factors to consider when choosing a neighborhood ing a decision. You might be able to find a compromise in a home that is a short drive away from a town center, but still remote enough that you are not in the middle of the hustle and bustle.
Metro Creative When shopping for a home, it’s easy for buyers to fall in love with a property. A well-maintained home with updated features can be hard to resist, but buyers must consider more than just a home’s appearance before submitting an offer. One variable prospective home buyers tend to value more highly than others is the neighborhood where they will ultimately choose to live. Many buyers even value neighborhoods more than homes, feeling they can always fix a home but cannot necessarily fix an undesirable neighborhood. When considering which neighborhood to begin a home search, buyers should research a host of factors. Crime Crime statistics are public domain, meaning buyers can examine crime figures for any neighborhood where they are considering buying a home. Some real estate websites list neighborhood crime ratings among the information they offer about a given property. In addition, buyers interested in learning about crime in a given neighborhood can visit a site such as CrimeReports.com to access data on crimes committed near a particular address. Home values Home values are another factor to consider when choosing a
Home buyers should consider a varity of factors when selecting a neighborhood in which to settle, including: home values, prospective work commute, and amenities such as shopping, restaurants and recreation facilities.. neighborhood in which to buy a home. Buyers can work with a local realtor to find a neighborhood or area where real estate prices are trending upwards. While buyers might be able to find a great deal on a home in a neighborhood where home prices are dropping, it’s important to remember those home prices are dropping for a reason. Work with your realtor to find a neighborhood
where you can afford a home and where property values are not in decline. Realtors will have access to recent sales figures so you can get an idea of whether a neighborhood is trending upward or in decline. Amenities The proximity of amenities such as shopping, restaurants and parks is attractive to many buyers, and
that’s something all buyers should consider before buying a home. Even if you prefer a home in a remote location, that could limit your market of buyers when you want to sell the home down the road. While your own comfort and preferences should ultimately prevail over potential resale value, it’s important that you at least consider access to amenities before mak-
Commute Quality of life is heavily influenced by commute time. Many men and women feel their quality of life improves dramatically the shorter their daily commute is. When considering a particular neighborhood, do a test run before making an offer on a home. Wake up early and drive to the area where you are thinking of buying, and then commute from there during rush hour. Also, do the reverse commute come quitting time. You might be able to get an estimated commute time online, but a test run can give you a more accurate idea of what your daily trips to and from the office will be like. Choosing a neighborhood where you will enjoy living requires some forethought and research.
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Some tips to make things easier for 1st time home buyers Metro Creative Buying a home for the first time is an exciting period in a personÕs life. Deciding to buy a home often indicates buyers are ready to establish firm roots in a community where they can see themselves living for years to come. The process of buying a home is rarely easy, and first-time buyers may feel overwhelmed at times. Such feelings are perfectly normal and felt by first-time buyers regardless of their budgets or home preferences. But there are a few ways to make buying a home more enjoyable than it is nervewracking. Examine your finances. The first step toward buying a home has nothing to do with deciding if you prefer a craftsman- or Tudor-style home. Before you even begin your search for a home, carefully examine your finances to determine how much is coming in and how much is going out of your household each month. Figure out how
much debt you are currently carrying, be it student loan, automotive, consumer or any other types of debt. Order a credit report so you can see how prospective lenders are likely to see you, and address any errors you find on the report before meeting with any lenders. Peruse past bank statements to track your spending habits, looking for areas where you might be able to scale back if need be. Be prepared when visiting lenders. Prospective borrowers can make the home-buying process go smoothly by having all of the necessary documentation ready when visiting potential lenders. Many mortgage lenders will want to see some recent pay stubs (from both borrowers if buying with a spouse or partner), a couple years’ worth of W-2s and tax returns, as well as your recent bank statements. You can always call ahead and ask lenders what they need to see when applying for a loan. Having these materials ready in
advance means you will spend less time at the bank and more time finding the right home for you. Secure financing before you begin house hunting. Many firsttime home buyers might not realize the benefits of securing financing before they begin looking for a home. Mortgage preapproval lets buyers know how much a bank will loan them, meaning they wonÕt spend time looking at homes they can’t afford. In addition, preapproval means buyers won’t lose out on their dream homes as they scramble to secure financing after making an offer. Work with a local real estate agent. Real estate agents are an invaluable resource to home buyers and are especially valuable to those buyers who have never before purchased a home. Agents can help first-time buyers navigate the often confusing and, at times, disappointing process of buying a home. Choose an agent who is established in the area where you want to buy a home.
Buying a home for the first time doesn’t have to be an intimidating process. By following a few simple tips, first-time homebuyers can sale through the process smoothly. The process should always start with a thorough review of your finances. He or she can provide information about local property taxes and schools as well as a multitude of additional issues that first-time buyers may not think of. Agents also know the lay of the land regarding home prices, which can ease first-time buyers’ fears
about overpaying for their first homes. A home is the biggest purchase many people will ever make. Firsttime buyers may be intimidated as they begin searching for their homes, but there are several ways to make the process go smoothly.
Key steps to the home loan process & what to expect BPT
The home loan process can seem intimidating, especially for a firsttime homebuyer. It is not a simple process, but it doesn’t have to be too complicated. There are many resources available to help you prepare for your home buying journey, and your mortgage lender can answer the questions you have throughout the process. Here are some of the key steps to the home loan process, as well as some tips to help you understand what you can expect: 1. Preparation and selfassessment Before you dive head-first into buying a home, make sure that you know how much you can afford. The first step is to calculate your “debt-to-income ratio.” You can do this by adding up your current monthly bills then subtracting your total current income. This will help you determine whether you can afford a mortgage payment, and if so, what amount might fit into your budget. Using an online mortgage calculator is a good way to help you determine what the estimated cost of your monthly mortgage payment will be. Doing these calculations first will help you assess your resources and determine your budget to purchase a home.
2. The loan application Download a blank loan application ahead of time so you can look it over and familiarize yourself with it. This will give you an idea of the information you need when completing and submitting the application. The necessary documents may include: proof of income, proof of employment for the past two years, proof of identity, proof of residency and your social security card. 3. Origination and Underwriting Origination - The loan officer will review your financing options, work with you to complete the credit application and create the loan account. Underwriting - An underwriter will review the application and determine the level of credit risk you represent based on your credit score, income, existing debt and down payment. You may be asked to provide additional information about your finances during this step. 4. Satisfying loan conditions and full loan approval In this step, you will receive a “conditions to approval” list from your lender, which outlines the tasks you must complete before the loan can be closed.
For example, the lender may ask for additional documentation to verify income, savings or emergency funds or other proof that you can afford to repay the loan. At this point in the process the lender may offer a conditional loan approval and start the document verification process. If you accept the conditional loan approval offer, once all conditions have been met, the lender will issue a full loan approval.
the process. Once this process is complete, you’re ready to move into your
dream home. The home loan process may take some time, but these steps are well worth the wait.
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5. Processing Once you’ve selected your dream home, you’ll sign a purchase agreement with the seller. The purchase agreement tells the lender how much you have agreed to pay to purchase the home. The lender may then have the home appraised and will provide you with a copy of the appraisal. 6. Closing In the final step of the process, the lender works with a title company to obtain and review a title report and then finalize your title on the home. The titling company receives a closing package, which contains the documents that need to be signed, recorded and become part of your mortgage loan file. At the closing, you will sign all closing documents and pay any closing costs. The lender then receives all of this signed paperwork to complete
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