Coldwell Banker R.M.R. Real Estate, Brokerage

Coldwell Banker R.M.R. Real Estate, Brokerage

Thursday 3 November 2016

Real Estate Stats GTA/Uxbridge


October 2016 Home Sales Up Year-Over-Year
GTA is setting a Record Pace!

TORONTO, November 3, 2016 – Toronto Real Estate Board President Larry Cerqua announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported a record 9,768 sales through TREB's MLS® System in October 2016 – up by 11.5 per cent compared to October 2015. For the TREB market area as a whole, the largest annual rate of sales growth was in the condominium apartment market segment. Detached home sales were up by 10 per cent year-over-year, driven predominantly by transactions in the regions surrounding Toronto.

“The record pace of GTA home sales continued in October, with strong growth observed throughout the month. As we move through November and December, we will be watching the sales and listings trends closely, in light of the recent policy changes announced by the Federal Minister of Finance. TREB will once again be conducting consumer survey work, in order to report on home buying intentions for 2017,” said Mr. Cerqua.

The MLS® Home Price Index Composite Benchmark was up by 19.7 per cent on a year- over-year basis in October 2016. Similarly, the average selling price for all home types combined was $762,975 – up 21.1 per cent over the same time period. Double-digit increases were experienced for all major home types for the TREB Market Area as a whole.

“New listings were up slightly in October compared to last year, but not nearly enough to offset the strong sales growth. This meant that seller’s market conditions continued to prevail as buyers of all home types experienced intense competition in the marketplace. Until we experience sustained relief in the supply of listings, the potential for strong annual rates of price growth will persist, especially in the low-rise market segments,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Director of Market Analysis. 



UXBRIDGE, November 3, 2016  - The average selling price for all home types for the Township of Uxbridge combined was $745,988 - up 22.7% year-to-date.   There were 31 sales reported in October compared to 36 in October 2015 down 14%.  New listing for the month were 42 compared to 40 in October 2015 and increase of 5%.  However there were 82 active listings in Uxbridge for October 2015 well over the 53 listings on the market in 2016.   With the tight supply prices are still increasing and homes are selling quickly (the average days on market October 2016 are 17 days, 10 days shorted that in 2015)


From the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch, October 2016

Friday 28 October 2016

Save Money on Home Energy This Winter


Save Money
On Home Energy This Winter



As we head into the winter months, you may notice one thing: an increase in your energy bill. The reduced amount of daylight drives us to turn on our lights sooner, while the cooler temperatures cause us to crank up the heat inside. The winter and summer months tend to be the most energy-intensive times of the year, as we try to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, despite what the thermometer says. 

8 Tips to Save Money and Stay Warm this Winter 
  
1. Set the thermostat to 20° C (68°F) when you’re home.  Studies show you use 3-5% more energy for each degree the thermostat is set above this number.  Instead of increasing the heat, put on a sweater to stay warm. 
2. When you leave the house, lower the thermostat.  Why heat your house if no one is home? Lowering your
thermostat 10 -15 degrees can save 5-15% a year on your energy bill.
 
3. Close your curtains or blinds at night and when you’re not home to keep warm air from escaping. Go the extra mile and invest in thermal blackout curtains, which can help keep warm air where it belongs—in your home.
4. Check for drafts around windows and doors. Caulk gaps and cracks when you see them to prevent heat from escaping.
5. Close the damper of your fireplace when you’re not using it. Being mindful of this small action can keep your house noticeably warmer.
6. Insulate. Up to 25%of heat is lost through the small cracks and holes around the house.  Properly   insulating your walls, doors and attic can save you up to 10% on your total energy costs.
7. Replace old windows. Depending on the climate, windows can account for 25-50% of a home’s heating and cooling needs.  Make sure you’re not losing precious heat in the winter by replacing your old windows with high performance, energy-efficient windows. The added bonus? These windows not only regulate the amount of heat that is absorbed, they also help block outside noise.
8. Maintain your heating and cooling duct system.  By keeping your HVAC system in great shape, you can avoid costly and sudden repairs that might leave your home without heat, plus save money on your energy bills. 

Extend The Life Of Your Heating System
Your heating system will not only last longer if it is well maintained, but it will maximize its efficiency and minimize loss.  If you follow these steps you can extend the life of your heating system.
  1. Every month clean the air filters and replace them on a regular basis.  Minimum replaced once in spring as you get your air conditioner ready and again in the fall as you get ready for the heat to come on.
  2. Inspect to be sure the air ducts and heating pipes are properly sealed.
  3. Inspect for dirt or corrosion. 
  4. The heat exchanger should be kept clean to maintain heating levels.
  5. Make sure the air vents are clear.  No furniture or curtains covering any of the vents and the vents are in the open position.
How Efficient is Your Furnace?
When your furnace converts the fuel it is using to heat, the more heat you will retain in your home is based on how efficient the furnace is.  The efficiency of your furnace is measured in AFUE - Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.  The AFUE is found when you divide the annual fossil fuel energy your furnace uses by how efficient it is at converting the energy from its fuel to heat. 
Use the AFUE from your furnace to know if its time to upgrade.   If you do not know your furnaces AFUE, usually you can visit the manufacturer’s website by model or serial number to find your furnace’s rating.
56-70% AFUE: Heating systems that fall in this range are older, low- efficiency systems, and should be upgraded
80-83% AFUE: Heating systems that fall in this range are mid-efficiency systems.
90-98.5% AFUE: Heating systems that fall in the range are HIGH-EFFICIENCY systems
Keep Energy Costs Down All Year
Keeping your home warm in the winter uses the same things to keep it comfortable all year round.  Things like fixing drafts, keeping your filters clean and using a programmable thermostat.
Clean your systems filters once a month
Have a HIGH-EFFICIENCY HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM installed
Switch your thermostat switch to ‘AUTO’.  This way your system will not run continuously.
Program your thermostat to turn the temperature down when you are not home.
Consider purchasing a ‘SMART THERMOSTAT’.  These you can control from your smart phone even if your are not home.


Sources:  PG&E, Energy.gov, Natural Resources Canada, EnergyStar, Buffini

Monday 24 October 2016

Yard Maintenance You Need To Do Before Winter Comes

Don’t Forget to Do These 6 Things in Your Yard Before Winter Comes

Summer might be coming to an end, but your time out in the yard taking care of your property is far from done.

Guest Post by Andrea Davis
Fall is a critical time for yard maintenance because the manner in which you care for it in the fall determines how well it bounces back in the spring. Follow these imperative yard-care tips and you’ll have the nicest lawn in the neighborhood come spring.
Tip #1: Keep Mowing
Many homeowners assume that with cooler weather comes a reduction in the growth of grass. While this is partially true, it doesn’t mean you should skip mowing your yard. The arrival of fall weather might mean that your grass takes longer to reach a height that requires trimming, but it will continue to grow until the first frost of the season. Keep mowing and watering your yard as necessary to keep it healthy in the fall. Also, be sure to lower your mower’s deck height to a low setting for the final two cuts of the season.
Cutting your grass shorter the last two times you mow for the season allows more of the sunlight to reach the soil. Just remember not to go too low and scalp your lawn.
Tip #2: Aerate the Soil
Fall is the best time of year to aerate the soil on your property. You can rent a gas-powered, walk-behind aerator from your local Home Depot or Lowe’s for roughly $70. Aeration enables more water, oxygen and fertilizer to easily reach the roots of your grass. One of the reasons it is critical at this time of year is because most northern grass varieties have their greatest level of root growth in the fall. Feeding that growth now powers a better bounce back in the spring.
Tip #3: Fill in Bald Patches
As we just mentioned, fall is the most potent time of year for root growth, which makes it a great time of year to fill in those bald patches in your lawn. Depending upon the size of those bald spots, an all-in-one lawn repair mixture is the ideal option because it combines grass seed, lawn fertilizer and organic mulch all in one bag that you spread over the bald spot. Simply water the mixture and it will germinate in the coming weeks for full coverage and a healthier yard in the spring.
Tip #4: Fertilize for Spring
Speaking of healthy grass in the spring, now’s a good time to fertilize your entire yard. There’s never a bad time of year to fertilize, but if you are only going to do it once a year, fall is the time. Again, remember that your grass roots are growing at their fastest rate in the fall. Also, the rhizomes — horizontal planes below the soil that sprout your blades above and sink roots below — are growing quickly at this time of year. The best time of year to add fertilizer is late in the fall.
Tip #5: Kill Weeds
Broadleaf weeds grow quickly because of their ability to capture water and quickly go to seed.  This makes fall the best time to apply a weed killing herbicide because the weeds will drink it in thinking it’s a nutrient.
Tip #6: Clear the Leaf Falls
Last but not least, don’t forget to clear the leaf falls from the trees on your property. It might not be fun, but it’s important to get out as frequently as you can to remove the leaf fall from your grass because the longer it sits there, the more problems it can cause. The thicker your leaf cover gets, the more moisture it holds in from rains and morning dew. The additional moisture not only suffocates your yard, but it also breeds fungal diseases. If you have a riding mower already, it’s likely worth investing in a collection bag and vacuum system attachment to make the job quicker and easier.
Andrea Davis is the editor at HomeAdvisor, which connects homeowners with home improvement professionals in their area for free. Connect with Andrea on Google+

Wednesday 19 October 2016

Keep Your Heating Bills in Check This Winter

Keep Your Heating Bills in Check This Winter

In the middle of January or February, your gas or electric bill can be pretty shocking. You don’t have to turn the heat down to 60 degrees and pile on the blankets to keep your heating bill under control. Stay warm with these tips.

Winter is coming, and with it sky-high heating bills. If your Philly gas or electric bill spikes every year from December through March, it’s time to do something about it. There’s no reason why you need to pay an arm and a leg to keep you Philadelphia home comfortably warm all winter long.
Fix Up Your Furnace
If your furnace is working harder than it needs to, you’re likely to see higher heating bills throughout the winter. Before the temperatures fall too much, have a repair company come out and tune up your furnace for the winter. During a tune up, a heating contractor will fully inspect the machine, replace the filters, and perform any maintenance needed. The tune up helps your furnace run more efficiently throughout the winter.
Use Your Fans
Ceiling fans don’t just help keep your home cool in the summer. They can also help warm it up in the winter, as long as the blades are spinning the right direction. In the winter, adjust your fan so that the blades turn slowly clockwise, this creates an updraft, helping distribute the warm air in your home.
Seal Up Any Leaks
Your heating costs will increase if the warm air is able to sneak out of your home and if cold air is allowed to seep in. To keep things toasty, caulk around windows and doors to keep warm air in. Look at where your outlet boxes are too, as cold air can often seep in through them. If your home has a fireplace, make sure the dampers are closed (when not in use) so that air doesn’t leak up and out through the chimney.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
You know that lowering your thermostat a degree or two can cut the cost of heating your home. But it can be difficult to remember to raise or lower the temperature as needed. If you want to lower your bills, it can be helpful to purchase a smart thermostat. There are a number of brands available, but the basic concept is that they learn to automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on your habits and preferences and based on the time of year. Some smart thermostats let you know when to tune up your furnace or change the filter for maximum efficiency.
Work with Your Utility Company
You want to reduce your bills, and your utility company wants you to pay your bills on time. It should be no surprise that both PGW and Peco have programs designed to help you with your heating costs. One option offered by both companies is budget billing. With budget billing, you pay the same amount each month, based on your past use and averaged out over the year. You don’t save money with the budget bill plan, but it can help you avoid a bit of a shock or having to scramble to come up with money to cover a higher than usual bill in the winter.
PGW also offers a program called CARES, which provides payment help if you’ve had an unusual circumstance that’s keeping you from paying your bill. Job loss and a medical emergency are two examples of situations that might qualify you for the CARES program.
Pennsylvania offers LIHEAP for households that meet certain income limits. The program usually starts taking applications in November.
Don’t let high heating bills leave you cold this winter. You have lots of options for reducing your bills, without sacrificing comfort.

Saturday 15 October 2016

6 Reasons Your Agent Wants You Pre-Approved Before Showing You Homes

6 Reasons Your Agent Wants You Pre-Approved Before Showing You Homes


Ever had an agent deny to show you a home because you weren’t pre-approved for a mortgage? It’s not because they’re mean, or they don’t value your business… it’s actually because they’re looking out for your best interests.
Let’s face it, shopping for a home before getting pre-approved for a mortgage is like walking into a grocery store without a wallet. You may have the desire to buy, but you lack the ability. Let’s cover some basics…

What is a mortgage pre-approval?

In a nutshell, a mortgage pre-approval is written assurance from a lender or broker that you’re able to borrow money to purchase a home up to a certain amount. It’s based on the income, employment and asset documentation you supply at the time of application, in conjunction with your credit history.

5 reasons to get pre-approved

1. It carries more weight than a “pre-qualification”.

pre-approval differs from a pre-qualification. With the former, the lender has actually checked your credit and verified your documentation to approve a specific loan amount (usually for a particular time period such as 30, 60 or 90 days). A pre-qualification can be useful as an estimate of how much you can afford to spend on your home, but it’s a less accurate indicator of your ability to purchase. A pre-approval always carries more weight.

2. You’ll know how much house you can afford.

Getting pre-approved before you begin house hunting allows you to know how much house you can realistically afford. Knowing this narrows down the options and makes the selection process more efficient. Not to mention, it protects you from the unpleasant surprise of realizing the home you fell in love with doesn’t fit your budget.

3. It adds clout to your offer.

In many markets, homes attract more than one offer. If the sellers are weighing one offer against another, they may lean towards the one accompanied by a pre-approval letter. That’s because pre-approvals instill confidence that the buyer is financially capable of purchasing their home.

4. It could increase your negotiating power.

In addition to strengthening your offer when compared to buyers who haven’t taken this step, getting pre-approved may give you the upper-hand when negotiating the price. If the homeowner is eager to sell, they may be more willing to accept a lower offer from someone they’ve been assured is financially capable of purchasing their home.

5. It saves time.

Obtaining a mortgage is a lengthy process. Getting pre-approved ahead of time shortens the time between contract to close — this way you’re ready to proceed with finalizing the mortgage once you’ve found the home you want to purchase.

6. Without it, most agents won’t work with you.

Makes sense, too. Right? Think about it: when you hire an agent, he/she will invest countless hours showing you homes over the course of your house hunt. If you were in their shoes, wouldn’t you want assurance that your hard work would lead to a favorable outcome for both you and your client?

Tuesday 11 October 2016

Smart Home Technologies that Matter Most to Home Buyers

25 Smart Home Technologies that Matter Most to Home Buyers

Nearly 60 percent of the real estate agents polled said they are seeing more smart home features in listing descriptions than they did two to five years ago.

Everyone is talking about the connected home. Smart home technology is becoming the new norm and now according to a survey of more than 500 Coldwell Banker sale associates it’s taking off in real estate as well. Nearly 60 percent of sales associates surveyed said they are seeing more smart home features in listing descriptions than they did two to five years ago, and one in three sales associates noted that properties with smart home features and technologies sell faster than homes without them.
The relevance of the smart home was also apparent at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas earlier this year. Members of the Coldwell Banker Real Estate marketing team attended CES. The team couldn’t walk more than a few feet without encountering a new piece of smart home technology. From security systems with advanced motion sensors to innovative systems that allow for lighting control from mobile devices, the connected home was ubiquitous.
Inspired by CES, Coldwell Banker compiled a list of the top 25 smart home products and technologies that matter most to buyers, based on the Coldwell Banker survey and CES favorites. The list is grouped into seven categories: security, temperature, safety, lighting, entertainment, appliances and overall connectivity.
Check them out below, and follow along all week as we continue to highlight smart home technology on the Blue Matter blog and through social media with #smarthomeweek.
Smart Security
1. Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock – With Kevo the smartphone is now the key. Home sellers can allow their realtors, or anyone else such as a neighbor or a housecleaner, to have access to specified doors for a designated time. Eventually when the new buyer moves in all they have to do is download the app and they’re ready to go.
2. iSmartAlarm –Meet one of the DIY smart home security leaders, with no monthly fees and no contracts. This easy-to-install wireless DIY system is great for apartments or small homes. The iSmartAlarm system is almost infinitely expandable via door and window motion sensors, smart switches, and iCamera and iCamera KEEP models with streaming video and video storage. Packages start at $199.
3. Oplink Connected– Oplink Connected is great for a slightly larger home, and provides a premier service for a low monthly fee. The DIY alarm package includes door and window sensors as well as video cameras which are controlled through its mobile app. 
4. SAGE Security & Home Automation– Coming soon — SAGE allows for management of the entire connected home through mobile devices and televisions. The television-centric SAGE system enables consumers to check on children in another room via a video feed, see who rang the doorbell or lower the room temperature — all from the comfort of the TV room couch.
Smart Temperature 
5. Nest Learning Thermostat – Tell a buyer that the home has a Nest thermostat and their ears will perk-up. The Nest Learning Thermostat absorbs its owner’s daily routine and adjusts the temperature accordingly. The Nest thermostat can be controlled through a phone, its built-in sensors detect an empty home allowing Nest to set itself to an energy-efficient temperature. Oh, and it also saves customers about 10 – 12 percent on heating bills and 15 percent on cooling bills per year — a huge win.
6. Honeywell Lyric Thermostat – Honeywell is known for temperature control and their new smart thermostat, the Lyric, is a solid entry into the smart home market. The most talked about advantages of Lyric are its geofencing feature and humidity sensor for more accurate comfort, control and savings. All of these qualities are definitely pluses for families.
7. Canary – This sleek-looking product is mostly about security, but it made this smart temperature list for its ability to monitor air quality, temperature and humidity. It’s cool enough to make an impression with potential buyers, at only $249. The Canary system is available in white, black or silver.
8. Big Ass Fans’ Haiku with SenseME – The world’s most advanced ceiling fan knows exactly when to speed up and when to slow down. Not to mention, it is a gorgeous and luxurious addition to any room. Starting at $1,045 it’s a better fit for luxury homes, but it will certainly set any listing apart.
Smart Safety
9. Iris Safe & Secure Kit – With Iris, Lowe’s is making it simple for just about anyone to make their home smarter. Feel more confident that families, homes and pets are safe and secure with the DIY, self-monitored home security system. Receive notifications directly to a smartphone, tablet or computer whenever an alarm event is triggered.
10. First Alert Onelink – This suite of smart home safety products is fresh to the market. Included in this offering (and available for presale on Amazon.com) are a Wi-Fi combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm as well as a watch, both of which send phone notifications if something is amiss. The First Alert Onlink safety products, including the already available Wi-Fi thermostat, will be compatible with Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem.
11. Nest Protect – This smart home device is a smoke and carbon monoxide smart alarm that speaks in a human voice, telling the user if there’s smoke or CO, which room it’s in, and if there is immediate danger. Definitely comforting for families!
12. Leeo Smart Alert Nightlight – This genius little nightlight keeps track of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and home climate. If something’s not right, it sends immediate phone notifications.
Smart Lighting 
13. Sengled Pulse Smart Bulb – This combination light and speaker had everyone buzzing at CES 2015. Simply twist the bulb into an existing light socket, download the app and connect to the Pulse bulbs. The Sengled Pulse Smart Bulb can stream music and control lighting at the same time.
14. Lutron Caséta Wireless – This connected home solution allows for lights, battery-powered shades and temperature to be controlled from a mobile device. An easy DIY solution that’s affordable, these products are less than $150. For example, hit “morning,” lights will turn onto a certain level, shades will rise and room temperature is adjusted to the desired level.
15. Philips Hue – Philips Hue delivers more than 16 million colors and all shades of white light to personalize lighting to suit any occasion, mood or moment. With more than 230 apps, Philips Hue can sync lights to music, or even simulate a sunrise effect. Bulbs and lamps are now all controllable via the Hue app or MyHue portal.
16. Belkin WeMo LED Lighting Starter Set – With this simple starter set, turn lights off-and-on from anywhere, create schedules and dim to create the perfect ambiance. The set includes the WeMo link, which allows users to connect up to 50 WeMo Smart bulbs. Can’t get enough of Belkin WeMo products? Get tricked out with complete Belkin home automation.
Smart Appliances
17.LG Studio Collection – LG Studio, LG’s premium line of kitchen appliances, seamlessly blends best-in-class innovation with an uncompromising approach to design. Its full suite of appliances — including refrigerators, cooktops, ranges, ovens and microwaves — delivers integrated and timeless styling, embodying LG’s finest expression of aesthetics and performance.
18. Whirlpool Smart Duet Washer and Dryer – Whirlpool has made it easy to control every load at anytime from anywhere. The Smart Front Washer and Dryer now work with the Nest Learning Technology, helping to keep clothes fresh if the cycle ends while the user is away.
19. LG Mega-Capacity French-Door Refrigerator – LG’s Mega Capacity Refrigerator boasts incredibly impressive size. As the largest in its class, families have room for even the biggest shopping expeditions with space to spare! It also includes the Slim Spaceplus Ice System and the Smart Cooling Plus System, which help keep food fresher, longer. The LG Mega-Capacity Refrigerator includes a 10-year limited warranty.
20. GE ChillHub This first-of-its-kind smart refrigerator has two USB hubs, WiFi and an open-source IOS-compatible app that integrates with the refrigerator by allowing access to sensor data and control of fridge components. The first ChillHub accessory, Milky Weigh, will even tell you how much milk you have left!
Smart Entertainment 
21. N’FINITY PRO HDX Dual Zone Wine Cellars – The N’FINITY PRO is the most advanced wine cellar on the market. Equipped with an energy saving cooling system, telescopic shelving and dual zone cooling, these smart wine cellars will take care of all wine storage needs in the most cost efficient way!
22. Vizio 60″ P-Series Smart TV –This Ultra HD TV is crystal clear and lets users stream popular apps and favorite shows in UHD quality and use UHD playback from next generation cable and satellite receivers, Blu-ray players and more.
23. TCL Roku TV – The TCL Roku TV was released in August 2014 and quickly became a favorite because of its price and comprehensive smart TV features, such as its selection of more than 2,000 streaming channels, easy-to-use interface and simple remote. Recently, Roku announced plans to support 4K UHD streaming in future Roku TV models.
24. DishWorld TV App – The DishWorld app allows viewers to stream live TV on any smart phone, computer or tablet. The app can be used on Roku, Slingbox, Samsung Smart TV, Apple, Windows or Google Play devices.
Connected Home Platform
25. Iris Smart Kit: With so many ways to make a home smart, it can be a lot to digest and manage. Thankfully Lowe’s is making it easy with a single app to manage a Smart Home. Iris offers three starter kits and basic or premium service plans.

What if A Home Inspection Fails?

Home Inspection: What to Do if a House Doesn’t Make the Grade

You’ve found a home that seems perfect, and your offer was accepted. Then you get the bad news: The home inspector found a lot of issues with the property. What should you do when a house doesn’t pass inspection?

A home inspection is an essential part of the process of buying a home. While you don’t technically need to hire someone to inspect the house you’ve made an offer on, having a professional come in and assess the state of the home can save you a considerable amount of stress and money in the long run. A home inspector can find issues that the average person wouldn’t notice in a home and will outline the process involved in fixing those issues.
So what happens if the home inspection unveils a surprising number of problems with the house, from pest damage to structural concerns? You have a few options if your potential dream home doesn’t put its best foot forward during the inspection.
1. Go forward with the sale and pay for repairs yourself. Even if the inspection turns up a variety of problems with the home, you might be so enamored of the property or might be getting a good enough price on it that you decide to continue with the purchase and will cover the cost of repairs out of your own pocket. Before you decide to take care of any problems with the home on your own, it’s helpful to actually read through the inspection report to get a sense of what needs to be done. Contact several licensed contractors in Philly, and ask them to provide price quotes on the type of repairs that you need. Use that information to determine if going ahead with the sale makes sense for your budget and your peace of mind.
2. Work with the seller. It’s fairly common for buyers and sellers to work together and to negotiate who will pay for what when a home inspection turns up a lot of problems. If there are structural problems with the home, if the furnace or air conditioning are broken, or if the home isn’t up to code, it is usually in your best interest to get the seller to cover at least some costs for repairs. Be careful about expecting a seller to pay for minor problems or cosmetic issues, as most won’t. A seller might cover costs in a variety of ways, such as doing the actual repairs him or herself, issuing you a credit for closing costs, or reducing the price of the home to make up for the cost of repairs.
3. Walk away from the home. Provided that your contract with a seller had an inspection contingency clause, you have the option of going nuclear — abandoning the home and the deal — should the inspection reveal more problems than you want to deal with. Look at the anticipated cost of making repairs to the home versus the value of the home. If the cost of those repairs is more than 2 percent of the home’s value, it’s usually not worth going ahead with the sale.
When it comes to having a home inspection, the value of your inspection is only as good as the person who performs it. Your Real Estate Agent should be able to provide a list of reputable home inspectors.

Fall Yard Care Tips You Should Be Doing Now

Fall Yard Care Tips to Do Now

Fall has finally arrived! As you settle into autumn, and the weather begins to cool, it’s important not to neglect your yard. Keep your DFW backyard looking its best year round with our easy fall yard care tips.

Fall has finally arrived! As you settle into autumn, and the weather begins to cool, it’s important not to neglect your yard.
Keep your DFW backyard looking its best year round with our easy fall yard care tips.
Take Care of Your Lawn
Lawns can take quite a beating over the course of a hot DFW summer, so managing your lawn is an important part of fall yard care.
As the weather cools, lawn growth will slow. Make sure to continue mowing your lawn (adjust the mower blade as needed) until it becomes dormant. If any pesky weeds sprung up, get rid of them now or risk having them take over your yard by spring.
It’s also time to overseed with rye grass for a green lawn during winter and to fertilize for a healthier lawn come spring.
Did summer heat and lots of backyard activity compact your yard’s soil? Make it a point to aerate your lawn. Doing so will encourage healthy root systems, plus aerating allows water to penetrate deeper, helping to avoid runoff.
Fall Yard Care Tips: Take Care of Your Lawn
Adjust Your Watering
As temperatures dip, plants and grass need less water. Reduce manual watering and make sure to keep an eye on automatic systems, adjusting them as needed.
Fall is also an excellent time to start practicing water conservation techniques. Set up a rain bucket, if you don’t already have one. When you mow the lawn, don’t bag the clippings. Leave them on your grass to conserve water and naturally fertilize your lawn. And make sure you continue to follow the twice-weekly watering schedules for Dallas, Fort Worth, or your community.
Beautify with New Tress, Shrubs, and Annuals
Fall is the perfect time to whip your yard into ship shape!
Keep your yard looking beautiful by removing wilted summer annuals and replacing them with cool-weather varieties (make sure to fertilize the soil first). You’ll also want to stop fertilizing perennials. This will allow them to rest during winter and be healthier come spring. Replenish mulch around trees and flower beds, as well.
Planning to add trees or shrubs? Fall is a great time to do it. Cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall will help to encourage root growth before it gets too cold. Choose native plants for best results. If you need help deciding what to plant, consult the Earth-Kind Plant Selector.
Fall Yard Care Tips: Beautify with New Trees, Shrubs, and Annuals
Clean Up Debris
Of course, a big part of fall yard care is cleaning up debris, including dead plants or leaves.
Did you know that yard trimmings make up 20 percent of the waste generated by Texans each year? Thankfully, it’s easy to reduce your waste with a few easy tips.
First, there’s no need to remove a few straggling leaves from your lawn. Just mow right over them, and they’ll help to fertilize your lawn.
For yards with more trees, consider starting a compost pile. Compost can be used as mulch, and using it in your yard helps save on your water bills, reduces the need to fertilize (which is better for the environment), and saves you time (no bagging leaves). Simply add your yard waste to a compost pile instead of throwing it out.
You don’t need a lot of space to begin a compost pile. Check out this mulching and composting guide for tips on getting started.