Six Home Maintenance and Repair Do It Yourself Jobs

DIY-6

If you are like Nick you are saying it’s just easier to pay someone to take care of this because I have no idea on what I am doing. Well this can become very costly, really quick. It can be intimidating and seem to complex, but over the years we have learned so much in doing some things ourselves that wound up saving us in the long run.

Simple Home Maintenance Tips

Toilets

Water leaking toilets tank will not only cost you money every month in the utility bill, but it can cause damage to your bathroom floor and wear out the internal parts of your toilet. A simple trick is to add red colored food dye in the water tank of your toilet. Check back in an hour or so and see what color the water in the tank is. If it is pink, you have a leak.  To replace flapper; turn off water valve, which is normally right behind toilet. Remove the lid and flush the toilet to empty the tank out. Use a towel or sponge to mop out any excess water left in the tank. Remove the flush chain from the lever and then slide the old flapper off the overflow tube. Slide new flapper in place, reconnect the chain and then turn water back on.

Washing Machine and Dryer

Regularly checking your washing machine water supply for leaks is so important. One of the top reasons for insurance claims is for water damage caused by supply lines that are leaking. You should inspect the lines at least once a year and replace them at a minimum of every three years if they are plastic. When checking you notice the metal ends are discolored or rusty, replace them immediately.

You should also check to ensure that the drain lines are tightened properly. A pair of pliers or crescent wrench. You should not be able to tighten any further if the line is properly tightened.

With regards to the dryer, it is important to always make sure you regularly clean your lint screen in order to prevent fires. This will also increase the life of the heating element. You can also remove any fabric softener residue by washing the screen in warm water and dish detergent every week or two.

Air Conditioning

Air Conditioners are normally one the most overlooked appliances when it comes to regular maintenance. And one of the mostly costly when it comes to getting them repaired.

You will want to regularly check the condensation line where the water comes out of the house and make sure that you can see water freely flowing from the line. This will ensure that the line is not clogged. If this is not occurring you can attach a Shop VAC to the line and turn it on for 3-5 minutes and attach it to the drain line. You will hear if anything comes out and then remove the Shop VAC and you should notice that the water is flowing freely again.

Air Filters

Change the Air Filter in your central air and heat often, especially during the peak usage months. Usually 30 days in longest you want to go between changing the filters.  Nick puts it on the calendar with the sizes we have in our house, so if he is out he always has the sizes available.

We use the cheap fiberglass filters; which are actually preferred as opposed the HEPA filters for the following reasons: 1. it is more cost effective to use the cheaper ones. 2. The fiberglass filters actually allow for more air flow into the climate controlled unit which will reduce the amount of energy used to effectively cool or heat your home.

Refrigerators

Door Seals are the main thing that you should keep an eye on. By doing this you will reduce the amount of energy it takes to keep your food cool or frozen. This will also keep you refrigerator working more efficiently and prevent premature wear on internal parts.

Easy test for your door seal. Use a dollar bill and close the door on the bill. Then attempt to pull it out with the door closed. If you cannot easily pull the bill out, then your seal is in good shape. If the bill slides out easily, it is time to replace the seals. This is something you can purchase at any local hardware store. Recommendation before heading out the door, take a picture of the tag which has make, and model number of your refrigerator so you show the sales person. This will prevent you from making multiple trips.

If you have a refrigerator with coils along the back, it is recommended that you periodically vacuum the coils to remove dirt and dust build up. The coils contain the coolant that the refrigerator uses to keep the inside temperature cold. If they are dirty, they will not work the way they are supposed to and your refrigerator may stop keeping your food cold.

Hopefully we have given you some very simple DIY tips that even a novice person can accomplish. It really is all about routine maintenance. Which could wind up saving you big money in the long run.  Especially if you are considering selling your house. Remember a buyer will do a home inspection and lack or routine maintenance can add up real quick. Please check back regularly as we are always updating our site with good to know information.  Feel free to email us any comments or questions to NickandCindyDavis@TampaHomesSold.com

4 Last-Minute Gift Ideas for New Homeowners

4 Last-Minute Gift Ideas for New Homeowners

4 Last-Minute Gift Ideas for New Homeowners

 

 

You’re running out of time to find a gift for everyone on your list. If you’re shopping for someone who recently moved, these last-minute gift ideas could be the perfect addition to their new home!

Be personal
Help spice up the new digs with a personalized doormat, a stamp with their new address or a decorative sign with their house number.
 

Get cozy
Little touches are often overlooked in the chaos of unpacking in a new place. Candles, coffee mugs, throw blankets, or succulents are all ideas to consider.
 

Help organize
One can never have too many storage baskets! They add a nice touch to living areas or bedrooms, and they help hide extra clutter. A wicker basket can make a great gift, as well as bins for mail, a bowl to toss car keys in or small dishes for jewelry. Decorative hooks can also be helpful!
 

Send a card
Hopefully the basics made it in the move, including the can opener, measuring cups or storage containers. A gift card to the local cooking store can help fill in the holes – or be an excuse to try out a fun new gadget.

Wish you were stocking up for your own place? Contact Nick & Cindy Davis RE/MAX agents today to start shopping for your own new home.

11 Tips Before You Leave for the Holidays

11 Tips Before You Leave for the Holidays

Leaving your home during the holidays? Follow these tips to keep it safe and save a few bucks on bills while you’re gone.

  1. Put mail on hold
    An overstuffed mailbox or a pile of newspapers at the bottom of your driveway can be an invitation to thieves. Not only is it a sign that no one’s home, identity thieves can find all sorts of goodies while sorting through unattended mail. Go to usps.com to have the US Postal Service hold your mail, and also check on your options for holding newspaper delivery.
  2. Put lights on a timer
    It makes it appear that someone is home. If you can, switch your exterior lights to the “motion-activated” setting.
  3. Check batteries
    Make sure the batteries are fresh in your smoke alarms and that they function.
  4. Remove valuables
    Hiding your jewelry is always an option, but when you’re gone for several days, thieves have more time to hunt through the house. If you can, place jewelry and important documents in a safety deposit box or home safe.
  5. Grab your spare key
    Bring inside any keys that are hidden outside. You can give one to a neighbor along with your contact information where you'll be, just in case there's an emergency.
  6. Unplug
    Your electronics will still suck energy while you’re gone. Unplug the biggies, like your TV and computer.
  7. Don't advertise your trip online
    At least until you return, when it’s safe to make your Facebook friends jealous with photos from your holiday beach vacation. Don’t post the dates when you’re leaving your house vacant.
  8. Switch your water heater to “vacation” mode
    It won’t turn off completely, but it will still save energy.
  9. Lower your thermostat
    Keep it warm enough to prevent the pipes – and the goldfish – from freezing. Your energy company can recommend a temperature that’s appropriate for your climate.
  10. Deodorize the sink
    To avoid returning to a kitchen disposal that belches up the stench of your pre-vacation dinner, run it with a half-cup of vinegar, or lemon peels and ice cubes, before you leave. To keep things smelling fresh, it’s also a good idea to throw out any food that will go bad while you’re gone and make sure to take out any trash.
  11. Bleach the bowl
    Dump half a cup of chlorine bleach into your toilet bowl to prevent mineral stains from developing.

Searching for a home you’ll hate to leave alone? Nick & Cindy Davis can help you in your search.

A 5-Point Action Plan for Your New Place

A 5-Point Action Plan for Your New Place

A 5-Point Action Plan for Your New Place

 

After waiting weeks for the keys to your new home, you probably want to treat yourself to something nice.

Here are some quick home improvements you'll likely be happy with:

1. Practical problems first.
Prioritize easy repairs and upgrades that affect your day-to-day living, such as leaky faucets, dirty or worn fixtures, poor paint choices, holes that need patching or flooring that needs updating.

2. Head-to-toe detail.
Detailing isn't just for your vehicle. Your new home deserves deep cleaning, too. Take advantage of it being completely empty, and hire someone to clean every inch. 

3. Consider the view.
The right window treatments improve a home’s ambiance, comfort and privacy. They can even save you money in the long run. Drapes, curtains, blinds and shutters block unwanted light, let in the right amount of sunshine and keep your home warm or cool when drawn or shut.

4. Bright ideas.
Proper lighting also affects your comfort. After you arrange furniture, pay close attention for a few weeks and note which areas are too dark and which get too much light. From there, you can decide whether new overhead lightning, lamps or bulbs will do the trick.

5. The right appliances.
Major appliances – refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers and stoves – impact your daily life, your home's appearance and your utility bills. Purchasing the right appliances now can set you up for savings and efficiency for years to come.

Just starting the home buying process? Contact Nick & Cindy Davis who will help you find the right place.

A 5-Point Action Plan for Your New Place, getting settled, Action Plan, moving into new place

Books About Moving to Read to Your Kids

Books About Moving to Read to Your Kids

Books About Moving to Read to Your Kids

Moving to a new home, a new neighborhood and a new school can be tough for kids. Luckily, a variety of children’s books are out there to help parents explain things, add some fun and hopefully alleviate fears.

Here are a few classics – and you can post your favorite children's book titles about moving in the comments section below:

1. “Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move” by Judith Viorst
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1995
Poor Alexander. First, the kid had a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Now, his family is moving! Just like your kids, Alexander has to say goodbye to some special places and people, but with the help of his parents he learns to make the most of the situation.

2. “The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day” by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Random House Books for Young Readers, 1981
Little Brother Bear’s pretty worried about moving, and more than a little scared. Kids can relate to his apprehension, and hopefully his positive change of view as moving day gets closer.

3. “A House for Hermit Crab” by Eric Carle
Aladdin Paperbacks, 1987
A little hermit crab has outgrown his shell and needs to find a bigger one – and new friends to help decorate it. This book will reassure kids that it will be easy to make new friends in their new town.

4. “Tigger’s Moving Day” by Kathleen W. Zoehfeld
Disney, 1999
Tigger needs a place with more bouncing room! His friends aren’t as close to his new house, but they still come and visit. A story to help kids understand they’ll still be able to hold on to old connections.

5. “Goodbye House” by Frank Asch
Moonbear Books, 1989
This book is a terrific way to talk about moving with preschoolers. After the moving van is packed, a little bear returns to say farewell to his old house, saying goodbye to everything, except, of course, the memories.

Other favorites include: “Big Dan’s Moving Van,” by Leslie McGuire, “Neville,” by Norton Juster, “The Moving House” by Mark Siegel, “I’m Not Moving, Mama” by Nancy White Carlstrom, and “The Leaving Morning,” by Angela Johnston.

Looking to a move to a neighborhood that’s great for kids (and parents)? Nick & Cindy Davis have a team ready to assist you with. Meet the Team

 

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Vacation Home

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Vacation Home

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Vacation Home

 

Have you and your family fallen in love with a vacation spot and you're wondering whether it makes sense to buy there? Here are some key questions to ask yourself (And keep in mind that a great real estate agent can always help you talk through them!).

  1. Do you really, really love the location?
    It's a good idea to visit the area during the low season. Do you still enjoy it when the ski slopes are green, or when those ocean breezes are too chilly for lounging on the sand?
  2. How often can you get there?
    Calculate how many times a year you'll be able to use the home. Carefully consider the commute as well as your career and family commitments to determine how much time you realistically can spend there relative to the costs of owning and maintaining the property.
  3. Have you talked to the locals?
    Spend some quality time at the local coffee shop or microbrewery and chat with people who live in the area year-round. Ask them what they like, and don't like, about living there – and about any cultural trends they've noticed.
  4. Could you rent your place if you had to?
    Renting out the home when you're not there brings with it a host of other considerations. Does the HOA allow rentals? Would potential renters be interested in the property's amenities, such as a fireplace in a ski town or an inviting deck or patio in a beach community?
  5. What about the taxes?
    Taxes for a second home can be more complicated than those for your primary residence. Talk to a tax pro and learn more about the tax implications for your specific situation, including taxes on rental income if you plan to rent out the place for part of the year.
  6. What's the tab when you're not there?
    Calculate the true, year-round cost of owning the home, including utilities and property management when the home isn't occupied.

Looking for more guidance on vacation properties? Let Nick & Cindy Davis assist you.

November 2015 Item of Value – 4 Ways to Express Gratitude Today

As this is the time of year we pause to give thanks, in this month’s Item of Value you will find great tips on simple ways to express gratitude, improve your happiness and well-being! 

 

November 2015 Monthly Item of Value - 4 Ways to Express Gratitude Today

How to Decide Between Multiple Offers

How to Decide Between Multiple Offers


What a splendid dilemma! You’ve received several offers on your property. Which one should you choose? It’s not always the highest one.

Here are just some of the areas Nick & Cindy Davis could ask you to pay particularly close attention to as you're weighing the options.

1. Do the math.
This goes beyond simply calculating the dollar difference between the various offer prices. Before you do that, be sure to do all the math. Subtract things like closing costs, fees and potential repairs to determine the net proceeds of each offer.

2. Consider the financing.
Can the buyer provide proof from the bank that there are funds to back the offer? Your agent can help verify this – and help you understand the terms of the buyer's financing.

3. Motivation.
Do the buyers have a baby-sitting parent in the neighborhood? A new job just around the corner? Buyers with extra motivation to purchase your home are less likely to press for concessions and more likely to work harder to close the deal. Some buyers even include a personal letter with their offer to explain why they want the home. These letters can be particularly helpful in multiple-offer situations.

4. Timeline.
Note the closing date each offer proposes. You'll want a closing date that best meets your needs. You can always counter a closing date, too, if the best offer doesn't quite meet your timeline.

Weighing the pros and cons of each offer can be tricky. An experienced agent can help you clarify, calculate and secure the very best deal for you. Nick & Cindy Davis have proven track records when it comes to negotiating the best price for you. Visit www.TampaHomesSold.com or contact us directly at 813-300-7116 we are here to help.

Small Outdoor Spaces -7 Staging Tips

 Small Outdoor Spaces -7 Staging Tips

 Small Outdoor Spaces -7 Staging Tips

An attractive outdoor space, even if it’s just big enough to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or evening cocktail, can be a major selling point for potential buyers. Here are a few suggestions for maximizing your outdoor living space.

1. Floor it.
If you have a small outdoor area, it won’t break the bank to invest in higher quality tiles or stones. Snap-in deck tiles are another option for adding a touch of class.

2. Envision clarity.
When it comes to tables, go for glass-topped: It will help create the illusion of a larger space.

3. Watch your back.
Chairs and benches with more open backs don’t interrupt sight lines as much. They’ll keep your space feeling open, and looking larger.

4. Focus.
Creating a focal point in a small space adds visual interest. A simple piece of garden art, a small flowering tree or a tiny water feature in a corner can add style and distract buyers from focusing on square footage.

5. Scale down.
The world’s largest outdoor chaise lounge may be a napper’s dream, but it won’t do much to help your patio or deck. Choose outdoor furniture scaled to set off your space, not smother it. You can even find fire pits in smaller sizes.

6. Get vertical.
Wall gardens help add green without sacrificing space. Wall art made from succulent plants is another low-maintenance option for adding foliage, and drawing attention to the edges of your space, which helps visually enlarge it.

7. Don’t hide the grill.
A clean barbecue can help buyers imagine their own outdoor meals. Unless you have a grill or smoker large enough to hold the entire pig, or if your grill is in disrepair, keep it out.

Ready to show off your newly decorated deck or patio? Start by Contacting Nick & Cindy Davis with RE/MAX Premier Group here: Nick & Cindy Davis

4 Resources for First-Time Homebuyers

4 Resources for First-Time Homebuyers

4 Resources for First-Time Homebuyers

Surveys show that first-time buyers aren’t aware of how much they need to save for a down payment. Many people believe that buying a home requires they put down at least 20 percent of the purchase price, but down payments aren’t as big of an obstacle as people think. For example, a loan through the Federal Housing Administration could require a down payment as low as 3.5 percent; Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have similarly low requirements.

If you qualify for a loan with a low down payment but still have trouble coming up with the cash, here are a few of the many programs out there that can help. Do some research to find out what’s available in your area.

  1. Help getting down
    The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gives community development block grants to states and local governments across the country to help revitalize certain areas. HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program(HOME) is one such program. States often have their own programs for down payment assistance, too.
  2. Opening up options for closing
    The Federal National Mortgage Association, a.k.a. Fannie Mae, designed the HomePath Ready Buyer program to attract new homebuyers to the market. Through the program, qualifying first-time homebuyers can get assistance of up to 3 percent of closing costs after they pass an online homeownership course.
  3. Making ownership less taxing
    Some state governments provide first-time buyers with a tax credit to boost homeownership.
  4. Helping heroes
    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Guaranty Servicehelps veterans or surviving spouses obtain better terms for their mortgage by guaranteeing a portion of the loan. Some VA mortgages require no down payment.

Check the National Council of State Housing Agencies for more opportunities available in your state.

A buyer’s agent will be able to help you find the programs that operate in your area and are appropriate to your financial situation. Nick & Cindy Davis are here to assist you with your home purchase.

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