Home Ownership Thoughts

When you are looking to buy a home, you often go with a list of things you want it to have. While some find all the things on their list, others are not so lucky. There are somethings that everyone should think about though, no matter what they are looking for in a house. It’s things that will matter after they have purchased a place. Here are some of the things on that list.

Budget

When you buy a home, you’ll know all about your mortgage payment and what will be due each month. However, a lot of people tend to forget the other bills that have to be paid monthly like air, electricity, water, and other random ones. Taxes will also need to be paid, and you can’t forget about your personal services like phone and cable. You need to make a detailed budget of your expenses before purchasing you really can’t afford.

Repairs

While your home may seem like a sturdy structure, unfortunate events can happen to anyone. If a heavy storm comes in and you find water flooding your basement, you’ll have to find someone who can do basement repairs. Plumbing is another popular thing that often has to be fixed. Once some things are installed like roofs, ceilings, and windows, you’ll find that they are meant to last long-term.

Yours

While there are some important things you need to realize when buying a home, you should also remember that this place is going to be your home. It’s the place where you make your families meals and live your life. It’s an exciting thing knowing something so big can be called yours. Don’t let the worries of homeownership take away the excitement and meaning of what you just bought.

Home buying is a long process that often takes over the buyer’s mind. Just remember to think about what having a home will mean after you have bought it.

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3 Ways To Stay Safe as a College Student

As a college student, you have a lot of freedom. Many students are independent, work part-time or study full time. You also have a lot of opportunities to be with people your age. However, there is a need to be careful, especially when outside alone or in the dark. Here are three things you can do to stay safe.

1. Lock Up Your Dorm and Protect Belongings

Burglaries can happen anywhere, especially in campus towns where most residents own laptops, phones and other expensive equipment. Always lock up before you leave and bring your key with you so you can get into the apartment when your roommates leave. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your backpack at all times.

2. Get Familiar With the Campus

Your campus can become a haven, especially when you know where all the buildings are. Learn where open spaces are and map your routes carefully. Universities care about the safety of students and often have great security measures. Learn where the safety office is, and consider downloading an incident reporting app.

It’s also a good idea to learn more about the crime scene in your town. Learn which areas to avoid at night and what to expect from local occurrences. Get to know the town and find safe places to hang out with friends.

3. Always Have Backup

Your class schedule may include a lot of night classes. If you don’t feel comfortable walking to campus alone, make sure you have a list of friends to call for a ride. Reach out to your friends whenever you feel unsafe because their company can protect you. Make sure to find friends who are supportive and reliable.

As you enjoy these years studying, always make your safety a priority. Some people learn self defense or carry pepper spray with them as a precaution. There are many resources that universities offer, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you need it.

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Common Signs of a Rodent Problem

Unfortunately, rodents are a problem that many people have to deal with. With more significant infestations, it is easy to tell there is a problem. However, do you know how to know if there is a smaller rodent problem in your home?

Chew Marks  

Have you noticed smaller chew marks on cardboard, wood, or other items in your home? Rodents of all sizes are known for how much they gnaw – on everything – from wiring to baseboards. If you notice this problem, calling the professionals for rodent control Atco NJ is smart.

Musky Odor

If rodents are present in your home, there will also be a musky odor (in most cases). The odor usually grows stronger as the infestation gets bigger.

Rotting Smell

If a rodent dies inside your home, the smell will grow. It’s a good idea to call a pest control professional to find and get rid of any dead rodents or other pets since just their presence can be hazardous. If you decide to remove the rodent on your own, make sure you wear a mask and gloves.

Strange Pet Behavior

Has your cat or dog begun scratching at walls or acting erratically in certain parts of the home? If so, it may be a sign of rodents. Make sure you pay attention to where this behavior is happening. It will help a pest technician when they are inspecting your home.

Droppings

The most common and easy to see signs of a rodent infestation is droppings. If you notice these, call a professional right away. When cleaning up the droppings, be sure to wear a mask and gloves.

Rodents are dirty, carry diseases, and can cause severe damage to your home. If you notice any of the above issues, be sure to contact the professionals for help. They can find and get rid of the rodent problem in your home. 

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3 Reasons Why You Should Clean Your New House Before You Move In

The paperwork is done, the money has been transferred and your dream home is now yours. You can’t wait to walk in the door and start enjoying your new place. Before you sit down and relax in your new theatre room, you should clean it. Here are 3 reasons why you should clean your new house before you move in.

Reason 1: Have a Fresh Start

The last thing you want when living in your new home is to see a scuff mark and think about the previous owners. The fact is, someone else lived in your there before you, but it doesn’t have to feel that way. When you do move-in cleaning Marietta GA your home will have a fresh start. This helps you feel more comfortable and you can leave the previous owners out of your mind. 

Reason 2: Make it Feel New

Buying something new is thrilling, but if it doesn’t look new that can be disappointing. Taking the time to get your house polished and clean will give your home a shiny glow and the look of something new. Then you can have something to be excited about! You don’t have to repaint or remodel a house to make it feel fresh, sometimes it just needs a little elbow grease. 

Reason 3: Stay Safe

Unfortunately, you can’t know the habits of the previous owners of your home. Sometimes those bad habits can turn into hazards. When you first move in there are some things you should check and clean for the safety of you and your family. One example is your dryer vent. Make sure and check the dryer vent for any clogs that could quickly turn into a fire. You may think some of these things should be found in a home inspection, but it’s best to double-check and get a professional’s help. 

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3 Benefits of a Parking Lot Sweeper

3 Benefits of a Parking Lot Sweeper

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If you have a business with a parking lot, you want your lot to look the best it can look. You want your parking lot to help attract customers, and a clean look can. do that. To make your parking lot look its best, you should consider a parking lot sweeper Washington or elsewhere. Consider some benefits of using a parking lot sweeper.

1. Better Appearance

A parking lot can have a huge impact on how someone thinks of the nearby business. If your parking lot is full of litter and trash, people might think that you don’t care enough to manage your property. Regular parking lot sweeping can help you get rid of the trash so that you can maintain a clean lot for you, your employees and your customers.

2. Less Pollution

When trash sits on the parking lot for days, some of it is bound to run into nearby streams. As that trash makes its way to a lake or the ocean, the trash can pollute the water and other parts of nature. Even if you have to visit the parking lot to view it, you should still keep the trash out of the sewage and water supply. Then, you can protect the local and surrounding communities.

3. Fewer Pests

Leaving trash and debris on the ground can be very attractive to various rodents and other pests. A lot of people have heard of raccoons and other animals scouring for food late at night, and it’s not uncommon. But as those pests congregate in your parking lot, they may eventually make their way to your building. If they get inside, they could get into your inventory and cause even bigger problems.

A parking lot sweeper can help keep your lot looking good, and it can reduce pollution and get rid of pests. Keep these things in mind when deciding if you should clean your parking lot.

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Keeping Your Business’ Outside Looking Great

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The outside of your business is the first thing that potential customers and clients see. Many judgements and opinions are made about your place of business before a person ever steps through the door. Therefore, it is important that you keep the outside of your business looking great at all times. This can help attract more clients and customers, creating more revenue for you and your employees. 

Pay Attention to the Parking Lot

An unkempt parking lot says a lot about your business. If you are not having asphalt maintenance San Diego CA done on a regular basis, you may have potholes and cracks that customers will not appreciate. You should also make sure that you have labeled handicap parking spaces, and it is always a good idea to repaint parking space lines as needed.

Keep Landscaping Tidy

You can hire a professional landscaping service to keep plants and mulch looking fresh. Your customers do not want to drive up to dead plants or untidy landscaping. A well-manicured lawn says a lot about the pride you take in your business.

Update Your Building as Needed

It can be easy to focus on remodeling the interior of your building and forget about the outside. Your exterior may need some attention every few years. This can include new siding or paint, as well as new windows. Take time to walk on the outside of your business a few times a year, and note any changes that need to be made. A building that looks out-of-date will make your clients think the same thing about your services. 

As a business owner, it is important that you take pride in the way your company appears to the public. Resolve now to make any changes that could help make a client’s first impression a more favorable one.

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3 Benefits of Living in a Gated Community

Gated community living is sometimes surrounded by a negative connotation, often perceived as a living option only for the elite. This stereotype is not always true, however. Many Florida developments are accessible to a wide spectrum of income-earners. If you aren’t sure about choosing a gated community Niceville FL, consider these three benefits.

1. Safety for Pedestrians

Gated community designs provide a higher level of safety than conventional neighborhoods. Slower vehicle speeds and less traffic pose a smaller threat to pedestrians. Living in a gated community offers the possibility for safer outdoor activities, such as walking, jogging and bike riding. This extra layer of protection also allows children to play outside in a much more secure environment.

2. Higher Security

Due to the controlled nature of gated housing developments, vehicles entering and exiting are more closely monitored. Potential thieves can be deterred from attempting to enter when guard shacks and/or security cameras are present to record license plate information. Additionally, solicitation can be reduced or cut out completely. Because owners determine who to let in, solicitors can be turned away before even stepping foot on an owner’s property. Residents can enjoy the peace of mind brought by knowing that their home is a safe haven, free from outside intrusion. 

3. Sense of Community

Homeowners in gated areas typically share a common interest in the preservation of their community. This shared interest tends to create a sense of community among neighbors. Because residents can more easily discern between neighbors and visitors, they are more likely to form stronger relationships with one another. 

Gated communities are far more than the stereotypes that too often define them. There are significant benefits to living in a gated community. If any of these three reasons appeal to you, consider gated living as an option!

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3 Ways to Create a More Energy Efficient Home

In today’s world, there is a huge push to be environmentally friendly. And when it comes to your home, there are infinite possibilities to make it more energy efficient while also decreasing its carbon footprint. Here are three ways to get started.

1. Schedule an Energy Audit

If you’re not sure where to begin, having your home’s total energy consumption audited will help with that. It will alert you of any red flags — parts of your home that are using the most energy. Once you identify the heavy hitters, you’ll be better equipped to determine the next logical step in the improvement process.   

2. Consider Your Fuel Source

Did you know that switching over to natural gas for your home’s main appliances such as water heaters, dryers or stoves can make your home more energy efficient? It can also be more cost effective than relying on electricity. If you check in with your neighbors, chances are you’ll find some that have chosen gas line installations Dallas GA  to improve their homes as well. In addition to its efficiency, many people prefer cooking with it due to its ability to heat quickly and evenly. No more burned pancakes, hooray! 

3. Give Your Windows and Doors a Check Up

If you suspect that your windows and doors have seen better days, it’s probably time for a closer look. Leaks and drafts pose a major efficiency issue year round, with loss of warmth in the winter and loss of cooled air in the summer (if you have air conditioning). If replacing them isn’t in the cards, there are several ways to improve what you’ve got. Every little bit helps. 

While it might seem daunting to take on these improvements, you’ll be so glad you did. Your wallet and the environment will thank you!

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Not So Common Sports

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Some sports are more commonly known among people than others are. Whether it be through television or national sporting events, some things get promoted more than others. Many would probably be surprised to discover some of the sports that are out there being played on a professional level. Here are three not so common sports one could play in.

Shooting

While it may seem odd to consider it a sport, shooting is known as one. The weapons used could be some type of firearm or even the use of bows and arrows depending on the competition. These contests often test the shooter’s time, distance, and precision. Many contestants will have specialized weapons with things like Glock competition sights to help ensure they are prepared for any challenge.

Cycling

Many enjoy going out for a bike ride during everyday living, but competition biking is another matter entirely. There are several different ways for one to compete whether it be mountain riding, bike trails, or road races. Competing in one of these takes a lot of training and practice as it is a very athletic sport. Making sure you are properly hydrated and balanced is vital if you want to stay on your bike.

Flying Disks

More commonly known as a frisbee, sports that include a flying disk are fun, interesting games to play. Ultimate frisbee and disk golf are two of the most popular you will find. Both of these games add a unique twist on something that is otherwise common and played by all. Ultimate is a team sport, while disk remains for one to play by themselves. No matter which one is being played, a commonly known backyard toy is being used on a professional platform.

Getting involved in sports doesn’t mean you’re limited to only a few things. With such a wide variety of games out there, you can never be too sure about what you may find.

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Four Things to do Before Listing Your Property

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If you’re thinking of listing your property for sale, chances are you’re learning that it’s quite the process. But when it’s done correctly and thoroughly, it might even sell quicker than expected. Read on for four things you can do to get things going in the right direction.

Hire an Amazing Agent

If you really want to sell, you’re going to need a real estate agent who can get the job done. Think of it as an interview when you meet for the first time. And don’t be afraid to be picky… this is a really important time and you want the strongest foundation possible.

Give Pests the Boot

Would you know if your property had termites lurking? The scary thing is you might not, especially if the infestation is new. Booking services for pest control Key West will not only knock ’em out but protect the structural integrity and resale value of your property moving forward.

Be Financially Prepared

Selling your property doesn’t just mean money in your pocket — additional costs can and will add up and you need to be prepared financially. Make sure to allocate money for insurance, closing costs, additional repairs, and real estate and legal fees.

Nail the First Impression

When a potential buyer comes for a tour, what do you think their first impression will be? There are so many things you can do to spruce up, freshen, update and showcase your listing. Rest easy, because not everything has to come with a huge price tag in order to make a big impact.

When selling your property, remember that you will get out of it what you put in — your time and effort will pay off in the end. By being proactive, prepared and resourceful you should have no problem navigating through this process.

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