26
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

5 Things To Do This Fall To Get Ready For Winter

Simple home and yard tips don't have to take a lot of time, but can save a lot of headaches if that first winter storm catches you unaware. Here's a checklist to help you prepare: Assess Your Windows And Doors Take a walk around your interior, preferably on a windy day. Check for drafts and air leaks; replace weatherstripping, align door thresholds. and repair window frames and sills if they're damaged. If you have storm windows, make sure they're ready to install. Replace the screens in a storm door with glass panels. Also check your garage door to make sure…
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30
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

7 Tips To Plan A Spring Yard ‘Tune-Up’ Before Listing A Home For Sale

The oft-repeated maxim that there is never a second chance to make a great first impression is especially true when it comes to real estate. Street appeal may focus on a dramatic approach to the front door, but prospective buyers will be especially "wowed" by an appealing back yard. Early spring is the perfect time to add some new plants, set out pots of blooming flowers and focus on one memorable feature. A little work now will pay big dividends later, in terms of buyer interest, increased showings, quick offers, and even a higher price. Here are 7 ideas that are…
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31
Jan
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

5 Home Maintenance Chores That You Can’t Forget to Take Care of This Winter

Winter may be a time for nesting until the cold weather abates, but there are a number of important tasks that a homeowner should be sure to do during the winter months. If you're readying for the slow season or wondering what you might have forgotten, here are some things you'll want to check off your to-do list. A New Coat Of Paint Getting out the paint may seem like a sizeable task, but any peeling paint is going to be adversely affected by the cooler temperatures of fall and winter. While you may want to hold off if it's…
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24
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Buying Your First Home? Learn These 5 Essential Home Maintenance Skills as Soon as Possible

New homes can be scary. But when you take the time to think about it, and plan ahead, maintaining a home is easier than you think a manageable mix of experience and common sense. Here are five skills that will help maintain your new home for years to come. Fixing A Toilet It's not as daunting as it sounds. Just remember that toilets work with gravity the water wants to flow freely. Don't be afraid to open that tank up and adjust the floater and valves as needed. Occasionally run the water (flush the toilet, turn on the sink) in…
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25
May
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home,

4 Neglected Home Maintenance Tasks That Are a Must

There are a number of home maintenance tasks that are easy to forget about in favor of more obvious renovations, but forgetting to do some of them can end up costing you a lot down the road. If you're hoping to keep your home in tip-top shape, here are a few tasks that you shouldn't forget about. Sealing Off Access Points Small rodents and insects can wreak havoc on your home if they gain access, so ensure that you maintain the foundation of your home and seal off any areas where these pests might get inside. Check all the windows…
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24
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

Have a Weekend to Spare? Consider These Quick Renovations to Add Value to Your Home

Homeowners who are thinking about listing their home for sale in the coming weeks or months may be focused on improving their home to help it sell more quickly, but there also may be a focus on adding value to the home in the process. While each home is unique, there are a few projects that most homeowners would benefit from. In fact, these are a few simple and easy projects that can typicaly be completed over the course of a weekend; that can add value and desirability to the home. Replace The Front Door The front door has an…
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