Real Estate Tips Archives | Page 22 of 24 | Blessings Realty

From Minor to Major: Roof Damage to Look for After a Bad Storm

September 9, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

Depending on where you reside, bad storms may be a frequent occurrence. Even if you don’t live in these storm-prone areas, when they do eventually hit, they can leave unspeakable damage.

While you may be safe inside, the same cannot always be said for the exterior of your home. One part of the house that takes the brunt of a storm is the roof. Here are different types of roof damage to look out for after a storm:

Damaged, Broken or Missing Shingles

The kind of roof damage you have depends on the type of storm that hit your area. If your roof has damaged or missing shingles, it’s most likely due to a wind storm. Shingles are roofing materials that keep water, debris and even pests from infiltrating the interior of your home. While shingles are made to withstand turbulent weather conditions, they aren’t indestructible.

If your roof is old, it’s not uncommon to experience an issue with shingles. If you notice damage or missing shingles, contact a professional roofing company to replace them.

Faulty Gutters

Your gutters are one of the main safeguards to keep water from damaging your home. However, if they become clogged or break after a storm, you might start to see water inside. Water damage caused by faulty gutters can include a leaking roof and structural damage. It can also cause mold to grow, which can ruin your home’s foundation and could also make you sick. If your gutters are in disrepair, you should contact a roof restoration service for help.

Attic Issues

When a storm blows over, the first place you should check is your attic. This area of your home can show tell-tale signs of roof damage from the inside out. If you notice any stains or leaks, there’s a good chance your roof is damaged. Even the tiniest of leaks can cause serious damage to the drywall inside. Furthermore, if you feel a breeze in your attic, it can also be a sign that your roof has lost some shingles or it has sustained damage from hail.

Storms can affect your home in many ways, but the truth is, your roof is vulnerable. If you notice any of these issues, be sure to call a professional to repair your roof!

REMEMBER: Make sure you go with reputable local companies for the most affordable options! It’s also a good idea to get free bids from 2-3 roofers before choosing one and don’t forget to have your insurance company involved if your bid is significantly over your deductible so that they can pay for the difference over your deductible.

Article originally published at http://blog.rismedia.com/2020/roof-damage-bad-storm/.

How Window Replacement Improves Home Value

September 2, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

If you’re looking to enhance the value of your home, one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades you can make is to install new windows. Older windows could make your home appear out-of-date and raise questions about their ability to insulate the home’s interior.

New windows are available in many styles that can let more light into your home, filter or adjust the light that enters and even offer built-in shades that can be managed digitally. Here are four ways that new windows can increase your property value:

Update the Home’s Decor

Replacing your older windows can make any room more attractive and functional. Many homeowners have all their windows replaced at the same time for consistent style and effectiveness, but even one room with upgraded windows can add that ‘wow’ factor to your home. You can choose from options like a bay window, a skylight, a stained glass effect, various pane designs and windows with an internal shading feature. With incoming light adjusted through the new windows, you can arrange for each room to have its own ambiance.

Eliminate Air and Moisture Flow

The frame seal on older windows can begin to deteriorate over time. Moisture from rain, snow and ice can creep into the property to create a damp or chilly effect. Strong breezes may cause older windows to rattle, revealing your home’s age and reduced ability to control airflow to the interior of the home. Having new windows installed will seal up any leaks to prevent further problems from outdoor air and damp weather.

Maintain Value

Newer windows are built to last with sturdy materials and expert construction. You won’t have to worry about replacing your new windows anytime in the next few years. They’ll continue to look good as well; keeping your home up-to-date and aesthetically appealing. With a firm seal and quality products, your windows will hold their value without breaking down due to inclement weather conditions.

Reduce Utility Bills

Replacing your home’s windows will keep the cold air out so you don’t end up paying to heat your home against cold air squeezing into aging window frames. The glass of newer windows is also tempered to withstand strong heat, which may also help to reduce heating costs. Windy days won’t cause your new windows to rattle and you don’t have to worry about moisture seeping into the home to increase humidity or glass condensation.

Consider updating the windows in your home for a new look and more efficient heating and cooling. Windows can improve the appearance and overall comfort of your property!

REMEMBER: Make sure you go with reputable local companies for the most affordable options!

Article originally published online at http://blog.rismedia.com/2020/window-replacement-home-value/.

New Construction or Existing Home: Which Is Better for Your Family?

August 19, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

Are you in the market to buy a home? If so, then you may be trying to decide between new construction or purchasing an existing home. With your home being such a huge purchase, you need to be sure you make the best choice for your family.

Here are some things you should consider when trying to determine whether new construction or an existing home is better for your family:

Your Budget

The biggest deciding factor for many individuals is their budget. Existing homes often come with a cheaper initial price tag; however, there may also be some incentives for purchasing a new construction home that can make them more affordable in the long run.

Whether or Not You Want to Make Repairs

Existing homes usually have repairs that need to be made. Things may break more often than you think, and fixing them requires time, energy and money. Some individuals are handy and don’t mind making a few repairs here and there, while others don’t want to deal with the repairs and maintenance often associated with existing homes. Most new construction homes won’t need to have repairs made to them in the immediate future. If the home is well made, it may be years before any repairs are needed.

Future Insurance Premiums

Many individuals don’t realize that new homes tend to have lower insurance premiums. This is because they’re seen as less of a risk to insurance companies than existing homes are. It’s not uncommon for some homeowners to pay hundreds of dollars more in insurance premiums each year simply because they purchased an existing home instead of new construction.

The Importance of Energy Efficiency

Existing homes typically aren’t anywhere near as energy efficient as new construction homes, which can often lead to larger electric bills each month. There are some updates you can make to improve the energy efficiency of an existing home, but it takes more money and effort. New construction homes are usually built with the most energy-efficient materials available, which can be very beneficial to the buyer and the environment.

If you’re in the market for a home, you need to consider all of your options. This includes determining whether or not you should choose an existing home or new construction. Many choose a newly built home because they’re more energy efficient, have low insurance premiums, don’t require repairs and fit into the buyer’s budget. By keeping this all in mind, you can make the right decision when it comes to which type of home will meet your family’s needs.

Article originally published at http://blog.rismedia.com/2020/new-construction-existing-home-better/.