6 Homeowner Tips for the Fall

Get your home prepared for the cold months with these 6 tips:

Stopping air from seeping in from the windows and doors.

The best way to save money on energy bills from the heaters on full blast is to stop any airflow from the outside. This usually happens when windows, doors or even air conditioning units aren’t completely blocked off. Hanging insulated curtains is an option for your windows. Try door sweeps or weather strips to seal your doors.

Cleaning your air conditioning and heating units.

This promotes healthier air in your home. On average, this should be done twice a year: spring and fall. If you have the right equipment you can do this yourself.

Check your fireplace.

Look for damages and just make sure everything is in order. Also, test your fire alarms. The last thing you’d want to do on December 24th is to climb the chimney to do handy work.

Clean your water heater.

Make sure your water heaters are clean from any build-ups. You can drain the water to get rid of those build-ups. Consult a professional if needed.

Store away your hose.

Any garden hose left lying around are vulnerable to freezing and cracking. By simply remembering to store this away from open-air saves you money for a new one in the spring season.

Roof check!

Now that everything is taken care of downstairs, look up! Make sure there aren’t any missing shingles or holes. Also, remember to clear out the gutters!

FAQ

Your mortgage payment typically consists of the following components, often referred to as PITI:

  • Principal: This is the portion of your payment that goes towards reducing the original loan amount.
  • Interest: This is the cost of borrowing money, calculated as a percentage of the remaining loan balance.
  • Taxes: Property taxes that are paid to your local government. These are often collected by your lender and held in an escrow account.
  • Insurance: Homeowners insurance, which protects your property from various risks, such as fire or theft. This is also often included in your escrow account.

 

Choosing the right mortgage depends on your financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. Fixed-rate mortgages offer consistent payments over time, making budgeting easier. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) might start with lower rates but can adjust over time. To determine the best fit, consider your long-term plans, how long you intend to stay in the home, and your comfort level with potential rate changes.

 

A fixed-rate loan maintains the same interest rate and monthly payment throughout the life of the loan. This offers stability but might have a higher initial rate. An adjustable-rate loan starts with a fixed rate for a set period, then adjusts periodically based on an index. Initial rates are often lower, but future adjustments can lead to rate increases.

 

Start your mortgage application process online now!

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