Real Estate Information Archive

Pest damage and/or infestation is important to check for, as there are health and structural issues with either situation.  You could be completely unaware that critters are living in your home, so have an extermination service do a thorough inspection and take care of any extra guests you may have stowing away. 
 

Check for leaks turning on each faucet and watching closely under the sink for drips. Inspectors do not like dripping faucets, either.  Do not forget to test each toilet for running water, and clear any clogged or slow drains. 
 

Be on the lookout in tight dark spaces for mold or mildew, especially the attic space and on the underside of the roof. 
 

Outside, look at your roof carefully, taking note of missing shingles or sagging areas.
 

Call your HVAC to set up a service call to make certain everything is running properly, as any issues will be flagged by an inspector. 
 

Make sure working bulbs are installed in every light fixture.  Inspectors need to make sure the electricity is working and blown light bulbs can throw that off. 
 

Repair cracks in windowsills, as leaky windows do not normally get high points during an inspection. 
 

If there are any cracks on walls, inside or outside, or in your foundation, have them checked out by a foundation expert, and if necessary, taken care of as soon as possible.   

Before you move, think about how you want to set up and decorate your new home.  Here are a few factors you can focus on: 
 

- If you love the layout of your current home, do the same in your new house as closely as you can.  Use the same furniture placement, arrange your focal wall close to what you are familiar with, and keep your kitchen arranged as you do now. 
 

- Is there something you really dislike about where you are now? Switch things up in the new house for a completely different look that you love. Paint and furniture slipcovers go a long way if a total overhaul is not in the budget. 
 

- Those who thrive on change are going to have an easier time of moving to a new place.

  - Many go from one decorating extreme to another: farmhouse rustic to sleek and modern or from mid-century decor to a cottage style.    
 

If it is in your plan to do any painting or other work, have that done before moving, or get it completed as soon as possible.  The longer it takes to unpack and put your personal things in place, the longer you will feel unsettled. 
 

Getting unpacked as quickly as you can; no one feels at home having to maneuver around boxes that are stacked up around the house. If there are storage items that need to be put away, get them in the attic. Some rooms can be set up easily, such as the kitchen and eating areas, as well as bedrooms.  
 

Forgo the take-out food after a couple of nights.  If you simply do not have time for cooking, at least seat everyone at the table with your usual dishes and silverware.  
 

Having younger children’s rooms arranged with all their favorites will help them settle in.  Is there a family clock that chimes the hour? Get it unpacked and chiming as soon as possible.  Whatever is an “expected thing” in your home, the sooner it is in place, the more comfortable everyone will feel.
 

No matter the season, get your landscaping and outdoor items placed where you would like them. Personalizing with a monogrammed flag, your favorite flowers (in pots, as that is easier to care for after a recent move), and outdoor furnishings.  
 

Get into your normal routine as best you can, and if there are new jobs or places to be, go about them as you would have in your former home.  Keeping everything, you need for the everyday running of life in the same general way and area they were in before will make for some normalcy. 

Flat or matte paint is great for hiding flaws, and best used in low-traffic rooms, as it is not as easy to clean as glossy paint.  Use latex paint for high-traffic walls, and oil paint for wood trim.  Leave windows open when painting with oil paint because the odor is quite strong, and it takes longer to dry. 
 

When picking colors, do not be afraid to go bold, unless you plan to sell soon, then neutrals are your best choice. 
 

Purchase paint samples and apply each color in a 2’x2’ area on the wall you are planning to paint. Once it is dry, you will get a better feel for the color in the different lights, and whether you can live with it or not. 
 

The ceiling cannot be forgotten in your new design!  Change the feel of the room’s height by going a shade darker (for a lower ceiling feel) or go a shade lighter or use a lighter color to give the illusion of a higher ceiling. 
 

Use this handy paint calculator to determine how much paint you will need.  Other supplies necessary for a professional look are painter’s tape, drop cloths, putty, a putty knife, caulking, and any tools you may need for removing hardware from any doors or walls. 
 

Clean your walls and sand if necessary, then use a vacuum to make sure all the dust is gone. 

Covering a dark color, stains on the walls, old paneling, or new sheetrock may require a coat of primer prior to painting. Tint the primer with a little of your new wall color before applying. 
 

Before you start on the walls, do the little stuff first:  paint in corners and close to the ceiling with a good brush, working your way down to catch drips. 
 

Paint the walls in 3’-4’ sections in an overlapping W-pattern, applying paint until you need to reload the roller. When you are near the ceiling and corners, get as close as possible using what is left on the roller where you previously already cut in. This gives a smooth appearance to the finish. 
 

Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours and avoid hanging anything on the walls for a few days. Hopefully, you should not have to do any cleaning until the paint has cured, usually two weeks to thirty days. 

Rake the last of the fallen leaves and other debris so your lawn can absorb as much sun as possible to look its best. Place debris in the compost pile. 
 

After or during extremely cold temperatures, be sure to check the irrigation system for any cracks. 
 

Seed catalogs are filling your mailbox, so take the time to browse through them and decide what you will be planting for spring.  Start them inside to lengthen your growing season outdoors. 
 

While you wait for the seeds to be delivered, have your garden soil tested by your local extension office, and add another layer of compost (or the raked-up leaves). 
 

Prune dead wood and suckers out of flowering trees and shrubbery.  Plants that bloom in spring or bloom off old wood, however, should not be cut back until after flowering. For instance, azaleas have already formed their flower buds for the coming spring. Cutting a healthy plant now means no spring color from your shrubs. 
 

If you are pruning fruit trees, spray with neem oil to help prevent any pests that have overwintered and can destroy your Summer harvest. 
 

Do not forget your mower and other power tools! If they were not stored properly, you may have problems getting them started.  Home Depot offers some tips for getting your lawnmower ready for the busy season. 
 

Keep bird feeders clean and full, because winter fruit is fading, and their favorite insects have not ventured out yet.   

A safe environment is as important for a pet as it is for children and having a fenced-in area will usually keep your pet contained, and others on the other side. A pathway made of gravel, cement, or other material that is not plant-based will help knock off any debris that catches on paws and fur before pets go inside. 
 

Consider the plants in your landscaping, and make sure you have nothing that can make your pet ill if they ingest it.  The SPCA offers this great list of poisonous-to-animals plants to help you decide what does not need to be in your landscaping. 
 

When house-training, encourage your pet to use a specific area of the yard for easy clean-up, as well as keeping unwanted odors away from the house.   
 

Purchase an ID tag for your pet’s collar, with your name and contact information just in case they do get out and about.  Having your pet microchipped is like a two-step identification for them in case they lose their collar. 
 

Make sure window screens are secure when you open them in case Kitty wants to enjoy a nap there.  Investing in a window perch or creating a “catio” would be ideal for indoor cats to enjoy the outdoors safely. 

Keeping pets brushed and their bedding changed and/or washed regularly is essential in keeping you from doing a lot of extra cleaning and floor repairs.  A hard surfaced, scratch-resistant floor is perfect for homes with pets. Area rugs need to be secure and washable.  
 

Be sure your trash container has a child-proof lid if it cannot be placed in a pantry or cabinet. Not only do you not want the mess, but Fluffy or Fido could eat something harmful. 
 

Crate-training is best for dogs, but most animals need a space of their own.  Provide a comfy pet bed, toys and food and water in a quiet area of the house. Your cat’s litter box should be kept away from their food in a quiet place. Having one more box than you have cats is optimal for them as well. 
 

Are you considering a bird, hermit crab, or other small pet? They require their own habitat, and some have specialized needs: safety from larger pets, child-proof habitat covers, and a room with certain temperature and humidity settings. 
 

Check with your local municipality to see if you need permits for exotic pets. 

- In 2017, the IRS made changes to this deduction, reducing the mortgage limit. If your mortgage was taken out before December 2017 and is $1 million or less, this deduction applies to your situation as well. 

- Having a home equity line of credit (HELOC) that meets the above standards will receive the interest tax credit as well. 

- In case a homeowner has two mortgages that are each less than the $750,000 limit, but the total of those mortgages exceeds the limit, not all interest is deductible.  Learn more from the IRS Newsroom. 

- According to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, this benefit will stand through 2026! 
 

When the home was purchased, were mortgage points used as part of the loan transaction? This may qualify for a tax credit. Use this handy worksheet from the IRS to determine eligibility. 
 

Many have used their homes for office space this past year, but not everyone qualifies for a home office tax credit.  Those who are independent contractors or self-employed are the only taxpayers allowed this credit. 
 

Your lender is required to include property taxes paid on the 1098 form they send at tax time.  Property taxes paid up to $10,000 are eligible for a tax deduction. 
 

If you are paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), the law to receive a tax credit for this has been reinstated as well as being retroactive. House Logic has more information about the changes and benefits. 
 

Living in a federally declared disaster area can also get tax boons for homeowners.  Find more information about the natural disaster relief from TurboTax. 

Built-Ins  Unless there is serious damage to the pieces, leave the built-in shelving or window seating. Most built-ins are there to function in some way, and you will likely appreciate and use them once they have been restored. 
 

Molding and Doors Whether plaster or wooden, crown and window molding, ceiling beams, and baseboards should be revived in whatever way necessary to bring them to their former glory. Solid core doors are another item to keep and restore. 
 

Plaster Crumbling plaster looks awful and may be expensive to repair.  The folks at The Craftsman Blog point out the benefits of leaving and mending the plaster over installing new drywall. 
 

Original Windows  While energy-efficient windows are encouraged to most home remodelers, there are ways to save old wooden windows in a house and still save energy. Old House Online says getting an energy audit, insulating your attic, and weatherstripping, among other things, will make the old windows rival replacements. 
 

Fireplaces  Sometimes, homeowners rip out newer wall coverings and find a gleaming old fireplace hiding behind it. If you’re not interested in using it, have a professional close it in safely, and use it as a feature in the room. Otherwise, the same pro can likely bring the chimney up to code so the fireplace can be useful. 
 

Floors  Almost every old home has hardwood floors hiding beneath carpet, tile, or linoleum, and sometimes all three at once! They may look awful when peeling back the layers, but this type of old-growth wood cannot be found anywhere in modern times, and restoring them will be the best thing you can do for them.  

Finances are the most important issue here. Wanting to stay in your home during the later years of life will take some savings since most will be on a limited income. Having a retirement account as well as an emergency fund that cannot be touched until you are retired is best.  Having to pay for home repairs is not something an elderly person should have to worry about. 
 

Make sure you have a network of friends and family that you communicate with regularly.  Keeping in touch is vital for the elderly, and especially important if living alone. Start creating that network now, especially with your neighbors. 
 

In your 40’s and 50’s, pay attention to your health!  Take care of yourself, and if you have a chronic health problem, have a plan in place in case you are unable to communicate with others. Create a list of doctors, medications, insurance info as well as any conditions you have, and keep it current. 
 

Deciding to modify your current home or downsize when the time is right may be difficult. If you know you have health issues, then selling and getting a smaller home may be the right thing, and could provide you with added savings, as well. 
 

In case you choose not to sell your current home, take a good look at your home, and decide what changes need to be made.  Common changes for older folks at home: one-level living, more lighting, non-skid flooring, doorway width, kitchen counter heights, curbless walk-in shower, or walk-in tub, and not to mention handlebars to grasp in different areas. 
 

The outdoors is sometimes forgotten when it comes to making changes for the aging-in-place plan.  Consider covered walkways, porches, or decks, one entryway without steps, and raised gardening beds.  
 

A discussion with immediate family is probably the most important part of the plan. Let them know your wishes and all that you are doing to get the plan in place.  

For your color palette, earthy tones will continue to be popular:  browns, beiges, and colors of the sky such as light blue, grays, and even shades of orange.  Warm up neutral backgrounds with warm colors like cinnamon, yellow (think turmeric!), and red. 
 

Contrasting design is hot, and it does not matter if the contrast comes from color, or design elements.  
 

Exposed brick is taking over the wooden plank focal point.  Creating a faux brick wall from brick veneer is a simple DIY. 
 

Whether you are considering a large furniture purchase or just looking for accessories, check out end tables or other pieces in dark wood, and a leather-covered ottoman or pillows. 
 

Plaids are continuing to be a favorite, and using it is as easy as a plaid throw on your favorite chair. As tartans can be busy, opt for neutral plaids in two or three colors, like black and white. 
 

If you love the look of trendy wallpaper, but don’t like the commitment, why not try a temporary brand?   Floral wallpaper is still a popular print and does not seem to be letting go in the upcoming Winter months. 
 

Brass. No, not the shiny brassy brass of the 1990s, but antiqued brass is a warm way to add metals to your decor. Mixed metals are still a trendy look, too.  Incorporate metals into your decor with lamps, an ottoman, or an accent table. 
 

Now, the kitchen/dining room combo is nothing new but has not been very popular in recent years. The desire for this kind of multifunctional room, among others, is on the rise as we are at home more, and may need our spaces to do double duty.   
 

An unsurprising trend in home design this year is the home office!  When your desk has to share a place with your living spaces, check out these tucked-away work spots from apartment therapy. 

Sometimes you may not notice dripping water, but will see bubbling drywall or plaster, or simply a change in the color of the paint. 
 

If you find a drip and have retrieved something to catch water, your next step should be to try and find where the leak is. Open the attic door, and with a flashlight, look around for the dripping water or wet areas. 
 

Do not be tempted to place something to catch the water in the attic. The container can become too full and heavy, and come crashing through the ceiling. 
 

While a downpour or thunderstorm is not the time to go outside, once it is safe to do so, go outside and look up the roof’s slope from the area where the leaking was. 

- If it is not obvious, you may have to wait to create your own “rainstorm” with a water hose or call a pro to locate the problem. 
 

If the leak is on a flat area of the roof, secure a tarp over the leak to stop more water from coming in.  Sometimes the leaks are around a vent or chimney, and those can be tricky, so you may not be able to make a temporary fix until the roofer arrives. 
 

Whether you DIY the roof repair or call a roofing contractor, the attic will need to be dried out.  

- Use a dehumidifier to absorb the moisture in the air coupled with a large fan to dry the area. 

- Inspect surrounding insulation and make certain it is completely dry before you put it back in place. If it has become compacted, it will need to be replaced with new insulation. 
 

Leaving a leaky roof with a temporary patch, or worse, doing nothing at all can cause expensive and dangerous problems. 

- Mold and mildew can grow not only on the roof, but inside the attic, and possible down to the ceiling and walls. 

- Wood under the shingles and on the roof, joists can rot, causing an expensive replacement. 

- Drywall and plaster are not meant to be wet, and the moisture can cause them to become weak. No one wants collapsing ceilings or walls. 

- Water can get into the home’s wiring, causing copper wires to degrade, and in turn causing an electrical short or even a fire.