TeamFrizz

Fall maintenance is all about preparing your home for cooler conditions. Use this checklist to prep your home this season!

1. Clean your gutters - Clogged gutters can damage exterior surfaces. Before the leaves fly this fall, clean your gutters, then cover them with mesh gutter guards to keep debris out.

2. Seal up air leaks - Keep your home warm in the colder months by checking around windows and doors for air leaks. Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal up any drafts.

3. Inspect your roof - Check the entire roof for any damaged shingles and look in your gutters for granules which is a sign that your roof is losing its coating.

4. Protect faucets - If you live in an area that is prone to colder weather, you should take steps to ensure your outside faucets don't freeze. Drain the lines and shut-off valves that go to the outdoor faucets to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.

People often ask, "how do you market my home?" Well, here are some ways to get your home out there so potential buyers see the listing. If you have any questions, please feel free to send over a message at any time.

Buying new construction can seem like a good way to avoid a lot of the headaches that come with older homes. With things built to your specifications and a brand new everything, you’ll pay a lot less in decor and maintenance costs.

But new builds do have some hidden costs that could end up putting a big dent in your wallet. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Understand that the model home is like the top trim package on a car–it has all of the upgrades. And those upgrades probably cost thousands of dollars. When you tour the model home, pay attention to the things that will definitely be in your house like the layout.

2. Know what’s included in the base model. Some base models come with appliances and all of your home necessities included while others come with just the bones of the house. It depends on the builder, but you need to know exactly what you’re walking into.

3. Read the warranty. Not all builder warranties are the same, and they will cover different things. Make sure you understand what will and won’t be covered so you aren’t surprised down the line.

4. Use your own agent. The agents working at the new construction are the builder’s agents–not yours. That means they work to get the builder the best deal possible, even at your expense. Protect yourself and get a fair deal by hiring your own buyer’s agent.

If you’re looking for an agent to make sure you get the best deal while buying new construction, just send over a DM!

Buyers, take note!

You know that buying right now is a unique challenge. But there are a few simple things you can do to make buying a home easier.

1. Set your budget. You may get pre-approved for more than you are willing to spend, so decide what your budget ceiling is early on. Your agent can also help you decide on this part.

2. Set your expectations. Get clear on what your non-negotiables are and communicate these needs to your agent. During this time, you’ll also want to understand what you’re willing to be flexible on. An open mind is always helpful when you’re trying to buy a home!

3. Be ready to walk. Sometimes, a home you thought was perfect won’t work out for one reason or another. Having the flexibility to walk away when a deal isn’t right for you is critical for the best real estate outcome, especially in today’s market.

When you do these 3 things and work with your agent, you’re sure to find the perfect home for you–that works with your budget and meets your expectations.