Tag: home maintenance

Home Warranties Explained: Pros, Cons, and Everything You Need to Know

Posted on by Will Sing

When buying a home, one of the considerations you might encounter is whether to invest in a home warranty. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what home warranties are, their benefits, potential drawbacks, and why you might need one.

As a local real estate agent in Portland, Oregon, I often get questions about home warranties. If you have more questions or need specific advice, feel free to reach out. My contact information is below.

What is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is essentially an additional insurance policy for your home. It provides an extra layer of protection on top of your homeowner’s insurance. Typically, a home warranty covers things like the water heater, HVAC system, and major appliances.

When buying a home, you can ask for a home warranty as part of the deal. Either the buyer or the seller can pay for it, depending on the negotiation. Usually, a home warranty lasts for about a year, but it can be renewed annually.

Cost of Home Warranties

The cost of a home warranty varies, but it usually ranges from $400 to $650 per year. This cost can sometimes be financed by the seller for the first year, and after that, it’s up to you to renew it.

One thing to note is the service fee. When you call for a repair, you’ll pay a fee for the service technician to come out and assess the issue. This fee typically ranges from $80 to $100.

Pros of Home Warranties

  1. Financial Protection: Home warranties cover unforeseen repairs, which can be a lifesaver if you don’t have a lot of cash reserves. For example, if your water heater, which costs about $1,300, breaks down, you might only have to pay a $85 service fee for a replacement.
  2. Convenience: Home warranties provide access to a network of professionals. Instead of searching for a plumber or an electrician, you make one call, and the warranty company handles the rest.

Cons of Home Warranties

  1. Unused Benefits: If you don’t need any repairs, you might feel like you’ve wasted money on the warranty.
  2. Service Fees: You’ll have to pay a service fee each time you request a repair. While common for some services, it can add up over time.
  3. Limited Control: You don’t get to choose the service professional. The warranty company decides who handles the repairs.

When to Consider a Home Warranty

Deciding whether to get a home warranty depends on your risk tolerance and financial situation.

  1. Get a Home Warranty If: You don’t have a lot of cash reserves. A home warranty can help cover significant expenses, giving you peace of mind and financial protection.
  2. Skip the Home Warranty If: You have substantial savings and can handle unexpected repairs out-of-pocket. Also, if you’re buying a new construction home with a builder’s warranty, an additional home warranty might be unnecessary.

Doing Your Due Diligence

It’s essential to do your due diligence when considering a home warranty. Review example plans and understand what each warranty covers. Make sure you know where your homeowner’s insurance overlaps with the home warranty to get the best value for your needs.

Conclusion

Home warranties can provide peace of mind and financial protection for homeowners, especially those without significant cash reserves. However, they may not be necessary for everyone. Ultimately, the decision to get a home warranty depends on your financial situation and risk tolerance.

For more personalized advice, feel free to connect with me on YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook. If you’re looking for more in-depth assistance, you can schedule a free strategy session with me here.

Also, check out my Free Buyer’s Guide to navigate the home buying process with confidence.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to helping you on your real estate journey!

New Year, New To Do! ~January Home Maintenance

Posted on by Kiersten Frey

New Year, Fresh Checklist!

Winter is in full swing, and we know home maintenance can feel daunting, but fear not! Here to
make it easy on your time and wallet, let’s dive into the tasks that need your attention:

 

Holiday Cleanup:

  • Take down those festive lights and prevent tangles by wrapping them around a hanger.
  • Self-clean the oven and wipe the interior with a vinegar-soaked cloth.
  • Dispose of your Christmas tree wisely – compost or use it for midwinter mulching.
    Pro Tip: Consider a one-time cleaning crew, costing around $200-$250.
    Ask your Realtor to recommend a reliable cleaning contact or two.

 

Protect the Pipes:

  • Prevent frozen pipes by wrapping them with heat tape, controllable with a thermostat.
  • If you’re off for a winter vacation, turn off water to outdoor spigots, shut off water valves,
    and drain existing water.
    Pro Tip: Thaw frozen pipes with a heating pad or hairdryer. In case of a burst pipe, shut off the
    main water valve and call a plumber or a water restoration company for cleanup.

 

Check for Storm Damage:

  • Post-winter storms, inspect your roof, siding, gutters, and yard for potential damage.
  • Use binoculars or invest in a drone to spot damage without climbing on the roof.
    Pro Tip: Immediate repairs are crucial. A handyman can handle minor fixes, and
    roofing experts can tackle more serious issues.

 

Remove Hidden Dirt:

  • Clean those often-neglected spots like range hoods, refrigerator coils, and HVAC vents.
  • Let your dishwasher handle metal parts, and toss dirty sponges and dishrags in for a quick clean.

 

Tighten Hardware:

  • Shine and tighten doorknobs, hinges, cabinet pulls, and nobs.
  • Level those cabinet doors for a quick facelift.
    Pro Tip: Clean metal hardware with soapy water and shine with a microfiber
    cloth dipped in vinegar or lemon juice. Brass polish works wonders on solid brass.

 

Deep Dive & Declutter:

  • Channel your inner Marie Kondo and declutter rooms, closets, and drawers.
  • Take it in small steps – tackle one room or corner each day.

 

Think Green:

  • Combat January gloom by planning for spring. Grab seed catalogs and start planning your gardens.
    Pro Tip: Opt for raised-bed or container gardens for low-maintenance greenery. Create weed-free soil with vermiculite, peat moss, and compost.

 

There you go! Your efficient guide to a well-maintained home. Happy New Year!

Preventing Water Intrusion

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

Is Water Finding Its Way Into Your Home?

It’s raining a lot right now! The moment water hits the peak of your roof, it rolls down towards your gutters, it has to get off and away from your home. Take a look below at a few ideas to keep your house dry in this rainy weather.

  • Keep your gutters clean and in good condition.
  • Once water comes out of the downspouts, where does it go? Be sure to divert the water at least 6 feet away from your home.
  • Check the slope of the ground around your house – is it sloping toward your home? Be sure it is sloping away to keep water moving in the right direction.
  • Further methods like trench drains, French drains, sump pumps, bioswales, and dry wells could be in order to keep your house free of moisture intrusion.

If you need a drainage contractor, reach out to us so we can help!

 

About Us: Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped hundreds of clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

Gutter Cleaning Time!

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

GUTTERS – DO THEY NEED CLEANING?

Did you know that when we meet our foundation contractors to look at an issue, more times than not, the now very expensive fix was caused by clogged gutters? When gutters aren’t clean and free of debris, they create leaks, clogs, and water pools up at the base of your home, causing foundation issues. Keep your gutters functioning by cleaning them out now (before the rains begin) and in the spring.
Need some help? Check out these gutter cleaning specialists.

About Us: Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped hundreds of clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

Your House-Pesky Expense Or Silent Wealth Builder?

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea
It isn’t cheap to own a home, and maintaining it can be expensive. So yeah, it can come across as a pesky expense periodically. But silently and lovingly, your house is building you wealth. It is an asset that, if taken care of, can pay dividends.
Here are a few ways your home can bring you some needed financial relief:
1. Sell it, cash out on your investment and use the money you make to purchase a new property.
2. Get a HELOC, a home equity line of credit is a great way to finance fixing up your home, adding to it’s value.
3. Consider a cash-out refinance, this is a great way to consolidate debt, and pay some or all of it off.
Once you have owned your home for a while, it starts to pay you back. Want to know more? We are happy to help you determine your home’s value or put you in touch with a fantastic lender.

About Us: Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped hundreds of clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

HOME INSPECTIONS WHEN YOU’RE NOT BUYING OR SELLING

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

If you’ve lived in your house for a good five years or so, you probably know it pretty well. You might even remember that home inspection from when you purchased it. But how is your house today? Home inspections are a snapshot of how a house performs on the day the inspector is there. Over time, houses change, mold grows, mechanical break down, cracks get bigger, rot goes to work, and more. If you’re not selling, and plan to stay for many more years to come, it might be useful to have an inspector take a look so you can find out if repairs are needed, visit property inspection liverpool to hire an expert. Keeping your home in good condition maintains its value and when you do sell, will make for a smoother transaction.

 

About Us: Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

 

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Posted on by Carrie Struss

Spring is here!

  • Every spring, your home needs some extra TLC.
  • Whether you plan on selling your home this spring or not, conducting this maintenance will help ensure your home functions well for the rest of the year.
  • If you are selling, I will create a list of specific suggestions for getting your house ready for market and have great resources for finding local contractors who can help!
  • Everyone loves a good checklist. Feel free to print the list below and call me if you need help. I love to weed 🙂

Your Home’s Spring Maintenance Checklist [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

Shop Talk: The Surprising Home Maintenance Project That Saves Portland Homeowners Thousands

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

Few cities embrace spring with the eagerness that Portland does. After months of looming grey skies and damp socks, can you blame us? When dormant maple trees begin to awaken and electric pink camellias line neighborhood sidewalks, shrugging off the memory of winter rains is the natural response for many. However, Portland homeowners shouldn’t be as quick to leave the winter season behind. That is, not until they’ve properly addressed the seasonal impacts to their home and ensured proper maintenance of their gutter systems.

 

Dramatic winter rainstorms and rich arboreal diversity are signatures of the Pacific Northwest, but these same characteristics are a menace to gutter systems. Over the course of the fall and winter seasons, it is common for this foliage to create blockages in your gutter, impairing its ability to properly direct water away from your home. Left unaddressed, improper drainage can result in extensive water damage to your foundation and roof. Proper gutter maintenance helps prevent damage to your home’s structure and landscaping, which can result in savings exceeding $10,000. Before spring fever takes over, be sure to follow these simple steps to tend to the gutters in your home.

 

  1. Survey the area. Before you begin this project, make sure to take a close look at your property for any potential hazards which may put your safety at risk. Issues such as electric lines, imposing trees, or uneven terrain could be cause for concern. In this case, consult a professional before proceeding.

 

  1. Gather your materials. For this home maintenance DIY, you’ll only need the following:
    1. Hand shovel or plastic scoop. Select a small hand tool that will help you scoop any debris out of the gutter.
    2. Opt for rubber if you can, this might get messy.
    3. Plastic tarp. Speaking of messy, considering throwing a plastic tarp over your yard so you can easily remove any waste afterward.
    4. Reliable ladder. Be sure your ladder is secure, and—if possible—use one with standoff stabilizers to protect your gutters from ladder damage.
    5. Use a garden hose to flush away any remaining debris. Additionally, your hose will help you spot any leaks or blockages.

 

  1. Get started. Once you’ve collected the necessary tools, you simply need to repeat the following steps until all areas of your gutter have been examined, cleared and tested.
    1. Using your scoop and gloved hands, remove any leaves and gunk from your gutter.
    2. Using your hose, run water through the gutters to examine for leaks and blockages. To check drainage in your spouts, turn the water flow on your hose to high and direct it down into your spout. If the water comes through more slowly, there is a blockage. Using your hose, work it into the spout through the bottom opening, flushing the spout until all debris is removed.
    3. Check the gutter system’s stability, ensuring it is securely attached to your house.

 

Responsible Portland homeowners should anticipate cleaning their gutters at least twice a year, performing consistent spot checks on their drainage system to catch blockages before they become hazardous. Gutter maintenance is one of the most impactful ways to preserve the health and value of your home, so be sure to add it to this year’s spring cleaning checklist!

 

 

About Us:
Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.