John's Real Estate Blog

Spring Maintenance Checklist

Spring is best known for blooming flowers, warm sunshine and longer days. But, the arrival of spring also brings with it some key maintenance tasks all homeowners should tackle in order to prevent structural damage, save energy and keep their home's systems running properly.

Take some time in the coming weeks to closely examine your home's interior and exterior so you can get it in tip-top shape for the upcoming warm-weather seasons:

·         Ensure gutters are free of leaves, sticks and other debris. Do it yourself by clearing the muck and then flushing the gutters with water to make sure it drains properly, or hire a professional gutter cleaner.

·         Inspect your roof, chimney and siding for winter damage. Look for and replace any loose shingles, bricks or boards. This is also a good time to clean your siding with some soap and water from the garden hose.

·         Have your air-conditioning unit serviced, change your air filters and vacuum out your floor registers. The first really hot day is not the day you want to find out your air conditioning no longer works.

·         Make sure your child's swing set is still safe to use. Tighten bolts, remove any sharp edges or splinters that are sticking up, and clean off any mold growth.

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This is a great artice in the Asbury Park Press on how to file a tax appeal!

How to File a Tax Appeal

If you need help getting comparable sales, just let me know.

John

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The National Association of Realtors recently released its 2010 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the annual survey that evaluates demographics, preferences, marketing and experiences of recent home buyers and sellers. Among the survey's main findings are that the typical seller is experiencing positive returns, and that homeownership remains a fundamental goal of most home buyers.

In fact, 85 percent of recent home buyers surveyed see their home as a good investment, and nearly half think that investment is better than stocks. What's more, the single biggest reason most people buy a home is the simple desire to own a home of their own.

Other reasons for buying a home cited in the survey include:

• Desire for a larger home

   

• Change in family situation

   

• Home buyer tax credit

   

• Job-related move

   

• Affordability of homes

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Steps to a Successful Home Purchase

Buying a home is a big deal, and ranks among the most important decisions that a person makes in their lifetime. While they occur millions of times a year, real estate transactions can be complex. That's why it is wise to become educated and to surround oneself with skilled experts prior to purchasing a home.

By following these important steps, you can help ensure a successful purchase of your dream home:

• Work with the Pros: Rely on the expertise of a real estate professional, lender and attorney who are familiar with the area in which you would like to buy a home. Make sure you are confident in the abilities of the people you choose for your team, and that you are comfortable asking questions and sharing information with them.

   

• Ready, Set Go: Once you start looking at homes, the process can move rather quickly and you may have to make critical decisions on a moment's notice. Before you begin looking at homes, be sure you have a clear idea of what your wants and needs are, as well as the price you are willing (and able) to pay.

   

• Think Long Term: You probably won't live in your new home forever, so carefully consider each home's resale value to make sure its features will appeal to a broad range of future buyers.

   

• Be Reasonable: Everyone wants to get the most house for the best price, but be careful not to insult the seller with a starting bid that is unreasonably low. Not only can this start negotiations off on the wrong foot, but you could wind up missing out on the home altogether

   

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FALL MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

Cool, crisp air has returned and the leaves are showing their brilliant hues. That can only mean fall is here, and with it some key maintenance tasks all homeowners should tackle in order to prevent structural damage, save energy and keep their home's systems running properly.

By completing these tasks now, you will allow plenty of time to sit back and enjoy all the fun fall festivities:

• Spend some time outdoors picking up around your property. Put away gardening tools, summer toys, patio furniture and pool supplies. To help prevent water damage, you should also check regularly that your gutters are clear of falling leaves.

   

• Inside, remove your screens and install storm windows which will help keep heat in on cold days. Change your air filters, too, to reduce allergens.

   

• Have your heating unit serviced, and drain your hot water heater to improve the efficiency of these systems. The first really cold day is not the day you want to find out your furnace no longer works.

   

• Prevent a chimney fire by arranging for the chimney to be cleaned and checked for cracks and leaks.

   

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