Robyn Heathcock

preparing for winter As winter gets closer, there are things that you should begin to consider for both the inside and outside of your home to not only protect it but also to maintain your safety, and give you comfort through the colder winter months. Here are a few tips to help you prepare outside your home.

Start with a walk around your home with and keep an eye out for cracks in the foundation or bricks, and caulking or weather stripping that has begun to weaken. Some other things you may want to look for are: evidence of rodents or birds living or nesting in unsafe or unwanted locations, exposed wood that might a fresh protective treatment applied, and items that are too close to heat sources that could become fire hazards. In addition to this, here is a list of other important items to consider:

Hoses/hose bibs – in Texas we don’t get freezes to often but it is still important to disconnect and drain your hoses and either wrap the hose bibs or cover them with insulating covers to prevent freezing of the pipes. Also check for other unprotected pipes that may need insulating this will prevent the nuisance of dealing with broken pipes later.
Sprinkler systems – in Texas we typically do not have to drain our sprinkler systems to protect them, however it is a good idea to make sure the automatic timers are turned off to prevent water from an unplanned interval to freeze and damage expensive landscaping.
Roof – we get enough wind and hail in our area to make it necessary to inspect your roof for loose, missing, worn or damaged shingles, tiles or other roofing material and have any needed repairs made to prevent water damage from the winter rain and snow.
Gutters - after leaves and other debris has fallen and collected in your gutters from the fall, it is important to clean the gutters and downspouts to prevent water from backing up and causing water damage to the fascia board around your home.
Fertilize – don’t neglect your lawn it doesn’t die it just hibernates. Applying winter fertilizer to your lawns will stimulate stronger roots and help produce a healthier lawn in the spring.
Plants - look at your landscaping and determine which plants, if any, that may be sensitive to cooler weather and need to be protected. Some plants may just need to be trimmed, while others could require additional composting materials around their roots to protect them from freezing temperatures, and others may need to be place in sheltered environment. This is also a good time to remove bulbs that won't survive the colder temperatures like dahlias and go ahead and plant your spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils.

You'll find that staging tips can also be useful in organizing your home as well. There are lots of good tips on online for preparing your landscaping for winteras well. Hope these tips prove helpful to you in preparing for winter on the outside of your home.

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Home Sweet Home? How to Determine How Well a Property has been Maintained

12-19-11

home sweet home, home inspections

Once you've found the perfect home, you'll want to try to assess how well the property has been maintained over time, carefully review all property disclosure documents and do a more thorough examination of the property for any hidden surprises. Hiring a home inspector who has extensive credentials is generally considered a wise move.

A home inspection should include a thorough review of:

Structural elements: construction of walls, ceilings, floors, roof, foundations
Exterior evaluation: elevation, drainage, driveways, fences, sidewalks, fascia, trim, doors, windows, lights, and exterior receptacles
Roof/Attic: framing, ventilation, type of roof construction, flashing, and gutters
Plumbing: identify pipe materials for potable, drain, waste and vent pipes as well as condition of toilets, showers, sinks, faucets, and traps
Systems and components: water heaters, furnaces, air conditioning, duct work, chimney, fireplace and sprinklers
Electrical: main panel, circuit breakers, types of wiring, grounding, exhaust fans, receptacles, ceiling fans and light fixtures
Appliances: dishwasher, range/oven, built-in microwaves, garbage disposal and smoke detectors
Garage: slab, wall, ceiling, vents, entry, firewall, garage door, openers, lights receptacles, exterior, windows and roof

You'll also want to know what isn't included in the home inspection. Some areas frequently not included in the inspection, or included only at a cursory level are:

Asbestos
Radon, methane, radiation, formaldehyde
Wood-destroying organisms
Mold, mildew, fungi
Rodent presence
Lead

Many home buyers have found talking to prospective neighbors quite enlightening. Not only can you learn more about the neighborhood and get a feel for who may be your future neighbors, but sometimes these interactions can provide valuable information including why the house is on the market, prior issues with the house (flooding/leaks, repeated pest infestations, illegal drug use/production) as well as general information about the neighborhood such as whether there are problems with vandalism and theft, high homeownership turnover, high level of rental properties, or local issues that may impact your interest (plans for a new road or shopping center, etc.).

Another frequently overlooked source of information may be your insurance company. For instance, if you are looking in an area that is prone to earthquakes or flooding, they should be able to tell you if the specific area has a higher than average level of claims which may impact your insurance premium and whether special insurance riders would be required for coverage. They may also be able to tell you if your premiums would be impacted by a higher incidence of claims due to theft and vandalism. These are key things to help determine how well a property has been maintained.

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Preparing for Winter – Inside Your Home

12-16-11

Keeping it Warm

The first things we think about as winter gets closer is usually has to do with keeping it warm. A couple of preventative things that we can do to ensure both warmth and safety indoors are to assess our furnaces, fireplaces, windows/doors and smoke detectors:

Furnaces - annual furnace inspections will help keep your furnace in good repair and help it to last longer. Cleaning or replacing furnace filters on a regular basis during the operating months will also keep your furnace operating efficiently and reduce your heating costs. The standard filters that are 1 inch thick should be replaced every three months, while the 4 inch thick filters can be replaced every 6 months.
Fireplaces - annual cleanings should be performed by a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote buildup to prevent chimney fires. As winter approaches it is also a good time to make sure that woodpiles are sufficiently stocked for the winter months with well-seasoned dry wood. It is obvious that woodpiles should be placed in a dry location, but also should not be placed up against your house or outbuilding because this creates a conducive environment for the nesting of wood-eating insects, such as termites.
Window and Doors – inspect windows and replace cracked windows, check for and seal air leaks around doors and windows. This will not only make the winter months more comfortable, but will lower the heating costs of your home as well. A quick and relatively easy method of sealing leaks around windows is by using a removable caulking product which can be for easily removed to restore the functionality of windows with when warm weather returns in the spring.
Smoke Detectors – this always seems like the hardest to remember, a good way to remember is to change the batteries at either of the daylight savings time changes, you can use this time to change them in your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors as well as check the expire dates on your in home fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers generally have a lifespan of about 10 years, whereas smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors have a lifespan generally ranging from 2 to 5 years.

Hope these tips prove helpful to you in preparing for winter on the inside of your home. You'll find that staging tips can also be useful in organizingyour home as well.

Try me for any property related matter!

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Simple Tips for Better Home Showings

12-15-11

It isn’t unusual for home showings to slow down this time of year, but here are a few tips to help maximize the showings that do occur.

1. Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of your small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Don’t forget to clean out the garage, too.

2. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home.

3. Keep everything extra clean. A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers that the home has been well-cared for. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, mop and wax floors, and clean the stove and refrigerator. Polish your doorknobs and address numbers. It’s worth hiring a cleaning service if you can afford it.

4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows to air out the house. Potpourri or scented candles will help.

5. Brighten your rooms. Put higher wattage bulbs in light fixtures to brighten up rooms and basements. Replace any burned-out bulbs in closets. Clean the walls, or better yet, brush on a fresh coat of neutral color paint.

6. Don’t disregard minor repairs. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well-maintained.

7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, add new mulch, trim the bushes, edge the walkways, and clean the gutters. For added curb appeal, place a pot of bright flowers near the entryway.

8. Patch holes. Repair any holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

9. Add a touch of color in the living room. A colored afghan or throw on the couch will jazz up a dull room. Buy new accent pillows for the sofa.

10. Buy a flowering plant and put it near a window you pass by frequently.

11. Make centerpieces for your tables. Use brightly colored fruit or flowers.

12. Set the scene. Set the table with fancy dishes and candles, and create other vignettes throughout the home to help buyers picture living there. For example, in the basement you might display a chess game in progress.

13. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light. Show off the view if you have one.

14. Accentuate the fireplace. Lay fresh logs in the fireplace or put a basket of flowers there if it’s not in use.

15. Make the bathrooms feel luxurious. Put away those old towels and toothbrushes. When buyers enter your bathroom, they should feel pampered. Add a new shower curtain, new towels, and fancy guest soaps. Make sure your personal toiletry items are out of sight.

16. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that’s not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (ideally in the basement), and let the real estate practitioner know where they’ll be to eliminate surprises.

17. Lock up valuables, jewelry, and money. While a real estate salesperson will be on site during the showing or open house, it’s impossible to watch everyone all the time.

18. Leave the home. It’s usually best if the sellers are not at home. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.

These simple tips should help for better home showings.

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Robyn Heathcock
IRG Real Estate

Robyn Heathcock: Real Estate Agent in Frisco, TX

Office: (972) 800-1956

Mobile: (972) 837-0651

Real Estate Broker

About Us:

Business Strengths
I have a wealth of experience and knowledge in residential real estate. I understand the constantly changing market dynamics and evolving consumer behavior. My experience coupled with my strong hands-on approach and use of technology has brought a fresh perspective to the residential property market.

Values
I have always believed that there is no substitute for honesty, integrity, sincerity and an unwavering commitment to clients. I have a passion for the business and put my heart into each and every deal. It is this passion and commitment that form the cornerstones of my success as a Real Estate Broker.

Areas of Expertise

For Sellers

The asking price you set for your home significantly affects whether you will profit in the sale, how much you will profit and how long your home will sit on the market. Your real estate agent's knowledge of the overall market and what's selling - or not selling - will be invaluable in helping you determine the price. The objective is to find a price that the market will bear but won't leave money on the table.

For Buyers

Whether you're in the market for a primary residence, an investment property or a second home, purchasing real estate involves many important considerations and decisions. A real estate agent can provide the focus, due diligence and expertise needed to help you find the home of your dreams.

I consider myself to be a highly qualified and skilled negotiator dedicated to delivering the best service possible. So as your REALTOR^TM, I'm committed to getting you the best deal possible.

Try me for any property related matter!