Date Archives: January 2020

The first home purchase a person makes is exciting. There is furniture to buy, appliances to put in, that first house warming party to have with friends and family, too. With all the great things happening, it is easy to overlook the challenges of home maintenance. Things break and need repair. When a new homeowner gets a house, they may need to do some things upfront to keep things running smoothly or perhaps something breaks along the way. Here is a deep dive into home maintenance to-dos that need to be handled the first year. 

Furnace

The last thing a person wants to worry about is the furnace going out. Dust and grime can build up in a furnace. Clogged filters can make them less efficient, but also a fire hazard. Harmful allergens can get stuck in there and this can harm air quality. Don't let this happen. Do regular checks and look for some issues:

• Turn off the system and pull filters
• Inspect for dirt and grime
• Get replacements at the store
• Remove old filter and toss
• Be sure to do this right away upon move-in and every year thereafter

Caulking Windows

Winter heat loss happens with cracks inside a home. Sealing the space around windows really goes a long way to helping this issue. Caulking products vary depending on windows and siding. Ask a salesperson what kind of caulk that is needed for a certain finish. With the right caulk, there is no need to repeat again next season. How to do it well:

• Apply caulk carefully
• Make sure surfaces are dry
• Look for temperature specs in the product info
• Start the project after things have leveled out

Do this on an as-needed basis. Inspect every summer and touch up but it may not need a full overhaul every year.

Inspect Basement and Crawl Spaces

To avoid water damage to the foundation, it is best to check for any leaks. Get into a crawl space and look around for any signs of water. It helps to also look for mold. Flashlights are helpful to inspect corners, edges, and other small nooks for changes in color or odor. Home inspectors are good for this process because they make sure everything checks out and can fix the problem by calling in someone qualified to handle the leaks. 

It is best not to let things slide. Make a yearly checklist to follow up with things. Make note of some things to check more frequently, but don't hesitate to keep up with things as they need work because it will be better for the home (and safety) overall to stay on top of it.

Choice Properties knows buying that first home is hard. It is a big commitment and decision. We help you make it easier by giving you space to look at the homes you want, understand the type of property you are looking for, and spend time finding just the right space for your needs. Call us if you are ready to get started.

When a home is near water, people usually look for certain features. They may like the serenity and peace or maybe they are looking for a vacation getaway property. Waterfront property is usually expensive due to high demand, but it may also cost more for flood insurance and upkeep, depending on the property. With a waterfront home, there is also a view people love. It is a good feeling to come home and show off the property to others and host gatherings. Find out more about why people flock to waterfront homes and how to buy the right home for your family. 

Lifestyle

There are a certain lifestyle people like by the water. People love to have access to water sports, jet skiing, and wake-boarding. Maybe they need equipment to do certain things. In some cases, a boat may cost half as much as the house or more, depending on the model. It is a good idea to look into rentals as well as purchase deals. There may be some ways to lower the costs of waterfront property to afford a lifestyle. For instance, if walking into town is not necessarily high on the list, maybe getting one further away is acceptable to have a better view of the water. Keep in mind lifestyle when looking at properties to find just the right one. 

Value

The value people get from their homes is not just in how much they love spending time there.  Oftentimes, there is monetary value in buying waterfront property. Resale values are higher for homes by the water because they tend to hold value while other homes decline. People who should want to move may be able to rent the property out or do other things with the property if they are not there year-round. This adds value but also brings in extra income for upkeep. 

Community

A community of people who live by water usually love being on and around the water itself. This might mean boating, skiing, and recreating. This makes for a great environment for children because they get to participate in water activities with friends and family. Parents may want their kids to grow up near water, including lakes and rivers. Waterfront homes tend to have low crime and be close to good schools. This depends on the home and where it is located.

Getting the most use out of a waterfront home is key for so many reasons. A good broker can help people navigate what they are looking for in a waterfront home and help them make the best decision possible for their family.

Families who go with Choice Properties are going with the best choice out there. The goal of buying property is often to find the dream home people have always wanted. With Choice Properties, we specialize in the Ohio market to find the right property for you. Call us if you are ready to move forward with your home search.

Getting ready to move is a big endeavor. When people have small kids, it is especially daunting. With really little kids, like babies, they come with extra baggage and things they need to keep them entertained. Getting settled can feel like a bigger chore than anyone ever realized. Try some helpful tips when thinking about whether or not to move with small children and how to make it more successful. 

Packing

This may seem like a no-brainer, but packing with kids is pretty difficult (if not impossible). There may be no way around it, but packing and unpacking is easier when they are asleep. Toys are especially hard to wrestle away from them. Leave a box of toys out until the end and leave a few things to play with at the new house. 

Get Support

Family, friends, and loved ones are especially helpful for taking care of kids. They need to be entertained, but sometimes adults have to do the cleaning and getting the house ready for the buyer. If friends or family want to serve them, it is best to ask in advance. Plan ahead and bring in recruits to keep things fun and easier to manage. They might even consider taking them away from the house to get things done quicker.

Do it Early

Don't wait until the last minute (unless there is no choice). Start months earlier than seems necessary. It may take twice as long to get things done with kids. Get small stuff done, like decluttering, donating unwanted items, and putting things into storage bins now. Hands are full of kids, but even more full when it comes to dealing with packing up a house. Get a head start to keep things moving more smoothly. 

Use Social Media

Social media sites are huge right now for selling unwanted items. It is like a big garage sale. Craigslist and mom's groups on Facebook are a great place to get some help. Just leave it on the doorstep (for most things) and people can come to pick up what they want and leave the money. It is surprising what people may buy (old toys, unused clothing, furniture or accessories) and give some pocket money to buy new things for the next home.

Take the time to say good-bye properly to the old house. Walk around the neighborhood, meet people, and say good-bye to each room, one by one. Honor the memories made in those rooms and acknowledge the new days ahead. It will be challenging for a while, but then things settle and it begins to feel like home again.

Families who are looking for properties to purchase need look no further than Ohio. We provide a service for you that is stellar and professional. Our goal is to help you find the right next home for your family. With our resources, we are able to support your journey of finding the next home while navigating the sale of an existing home or becoming a first-time buyer. Let Choice Properties be the place you go to get help with your home search.

Getting older can be challenging for people. There are greater risks of injury for older people. The home that used to be secure and safe now feels like it is full of hazards. Seniors who want to remain at home often feel they are left with few choices as to how best to stay in place rather than move somewhere else. Giving up a home is difficult, including moving belongings and going somewhere new to start over again. Find out some of the tips to eliminate falling risk in the home and to maintain safety.

Balance

Many times older adults struggle with balance. As people age, their bones and muscles weaken. The best way to prevent this side effect of aging is to do yoga, Pilates, and water aerobics classes to improve balance. Many seniors have the option to take classes for free. Health insurance may also offer plans that cover benefits for seniors who want to age well. Check with local park district programs, fitness centers, and gyms to find out more information.

Check Flooring

One of the most high-risk situations for seniors is flooring. Hardwood, linoleum, or similar types of flooring are hazards for older people. Carpeting can also be tricky to navigate. Certain rooms have an increased risk of falls, including bathrooms and kitchens. Replace floors with non-slip flooring to make walking safer.

Enhance Bone Strength

Bone density wanes over time. The more a person can work to keep their bones healthy, the better. If bones are frail, they are more likely to move out of joint or break in a fall. Seniors who experience serious fractures or breaks are often susceptible to more diseases, surgeries, and shorter life expectancy. Prioritize taking care of bone health by getting screened by a doctor and speaking with them about supplements to support stronger bones.

Stairways and Handrails

Stairs are almost a no-brainer for aging adults. They are a huge fall hazard for seniors, especially those living alone. It may be time to think about how to move living quarters into another area of the house or live on one floor of the home. Handrails are also important. In rooms where seniors might not be able to navigate a home well, handrails can help seniors move around the bathroom, stairs, and hallways with less risk. 

Falls can be scary and even life-threatening. They may be a sign of other things going on like Alzheimer's. It is best to check in with older adults to see how they can best set up their homes to keep them there as long as possible. If necessary, an adult child or family member may have to move in with them to support their journey of healing into their older years in a healthy way.

Families who are looking for properties to purchase need look no further than Ohio. Choice properties help families make good decisions when it comes to their home purchase or sale. Call us if you are ready to make the choice to move forward with buying or selling your home.