Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Rates are steady and strong right now. Check out my blog weekly for any changes to the rates, I also have the rate ticker on the front page of my website at www.paulsensells.com .
Do You Know the Basics of Home Security?
Do You Know the Basics of Home Security?
Most people feel confident about the basics of home security. For example:
Keep all doors locked. Have a light on in the house while away. Never hide
a key outside in an obvious place, like under the mat.
• Yet, almost a million and a half properties get burglarized in
North America each year. So how can you prevent that from
happening to your home? Here are a few less known home
security basics:
• Actually, never hide a key outside. Thieves know all the hiding
places. Instead, make sure all family members have a key.
• Two-thirds of home burglaries occur during the day. So be
extra vigilant about making sure doors and windows are
locked while you're away during the day.
• Surprisingly, most thieves are not daring. They are 2.7 times
more likely to target a home without an alarm system.
• Thieves will attempt to force entry through sliding-style doors
and windows first. So make sure these have a locking bar or
extra bolt lock.
• Surprising, 40% of household burglaries do not involve forced
entry. The thief is able to slip in through an unlocked window
or door.
• Don't show off possessions! An imported racing bike parked
next to the garage, or expensive audio equipment clearly seen
through a window, is an invitation to burglars.
• Take a look at the lighting and landscaping around your
property. Are there spots where a thief could easily hide? If so,
make some changes.
• When planning a trip, have a trusted neighbor pick up
newspapers, flyers and anything else that may accumulate at
your door.
Your local police department may have more tips and special programs for
keeping your home secure. Give them a call.
Most people feel confident about the basics of home security. For example:
Keep all doors locked. Have a light on in the house while away. Never hide
a key outside in an obvious place, like under the mat.
• Yet, almost a million and a half properties get burglarized in
North America each year. So how can you prevent that from
happening to your home? Here are a few less known home
security basics:
• Actually, never hide a key outside. Thieves know all the hiding
places. Instead, make sure all family members have a key.
• Two-thirds of home burglaries occur during the day. So be
extra vigilant about making sure doors and windows are
locked while you're away during the day.
• Surprisingly, most thieves are not daring. They are 2.7 times
more likely to target a home without an alarm system.
• Thieves will attempt to force entry through sliding-style doors
and windows first. So make sure these have a locking bar or
extra bolt lock.
• Surprising, 40% of household burglaries do not involve forced
entry. The thief is able to slip in through an unlocked window
or door.
• Don't show off possessions! An imported racing bike parked
next to the garage, or expensive audio equipment clearly seen
through a window, is an invitation to burglars.
• Take a look at the lighting and landscaping around your
property. Are there spots where a thief could easily hide? If so,
make some changes.
• When planning a trip, have a trusted neighbor pick up
newspapers, flyers and anything else that may accumulate at
your door.
Your local police department may have more tips and special programs for
keeping your home secure. Give them a call.
Friday, May 4, 2012
How to decide if you should replace your windows
How to decide if you should replace your windows
One of the most prominent features of any home is the windows. When they are well maintained they have a positive impact on the impression people (such as potential buyers) will have of your property. The opposite occurs, of course, when your windows look old and worn. So does that mean you should replace your windows? That depends on a number of factors. Window replacement can be an expensive renovation. Here are a few things to consider before making your decision.
• Do your windows get frost or condensation build-up on the interior side? This could be a sign that the windows are not keeping out the cold as well as they should.
• Do you see water infiltration or mildew on the interior sides of any of the window sills? This means that moisture is creeping in from the outside, and you need to get those windows repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
• If your windows are double-paned – (two panes of glass) – check for any signs of moisture in between the glass panes. Moisture indicates that the thermal seal is broken and at a minimum, the glass will need to be replaced.
• Take a look at your windows from the outside. Is the trim rotted or cracked anywhere? Are there dark spots or any signs of rotting on the wood frames? Repairs or replacement may be required.
• Check the operation of your windows. Do they open and close easily? This is important because some windows, such as those in bedrooms, are often designed to be big enough to use as an exit in case of a fire.
• Finally, are you happy with how your windows look? Do you feel that your property will look significantly better with new windows? Although they are expensive, replacing windows has a lot of advantages. Depending on the efficiency of your current windows, replacing them could cut your energy costs by 10-20%. In addition, new windows block out more exterior noise, making your home quieter.
Want more tips on increasing the value, and enjoyment, of your property? Call today.
One of the most prominent features of any home is the windows. When they are well maintained they have a positive impact on the impression people (such as potential buyers) will have of your property. The opposite occurs, of course, when your windows look old and worn. So does that mean you should replace your windows? That depends on a number of factors. Window replacement can be an expensive renovation. Here are a few things to consider before making your decision.
• Do your windows get frost or condensation build-up on the interior side? This could be a sign that the windows are not keeping out the cold as well as they should.
• Do you see water infiltration or mildew on the interior sides of any of the window sills? This means that moisture is creeping in from the outside, and you need to get those windows repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
• If your windows are double-paned – (two panes of glass) – check for any signs of moisture in between the glass panes. Moisture indicates that the thermal seal is broken and at a minimum, the glass will need to be replaced.
• Take a look at your windows from the outside. Is the trim rotted or cracked anywhere? Are there dark spots or any signs of rotting on the wood frames? Repairs or replacement may be required.
• Check the operation of your windows. Do they open and close easily? This is important because some windows, such as those in bedrooms, are often designed to be big enough to use as an exit in case of a fire.
• Finally, are you happy with how your windows look? Do you feel that your property will look significantly better with new windows? Although they are expensive, replacing windows has a lot of advantages. Depending on the efficiency of your current windows, replacing them could cut your energy costs by 10-20%. In addition, new windows block out more exterior noise, making your home quieter.
Want more tips on increasing the value, and enjoyment, of your property? Call today.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Mortgage Rates for the week of May 1, 2012
Hi everyone, here are this weeks best rates. Rates have not moved much from last week as far as I can tell. It is still a great time to buy or refinance and the housing market is really starting to pick up!
Friday, April 27, 2012
To use a REALTOR or not...
I found this very interesting Blog post from Don Campbell of the REIN Group and I wanted to share. There are all kinds of strategies for selling your home and now more than ever people will question if they need a Realtor or not, this is some food for thought.
To read this article in full click Here
So you’ve decided to sell your home or investment property and you’re looking at different options and their related expenses for your exit strategy. With closing costs, marketing the property and everything in between, the additional cost of hiring a professional realtor seems like an unnecessary expense. And of course you’ve likely had this questions run through your mind: “How much is a realtor going to take out of my pocket?”This is one of the biggest mistakes people make when deciding to sell their property and often is a decision that COSTS money rather than saves it. If you have the right realtor on your side, the chance to attract buyers willing to pay more for your property is much higher than if you chose to sell/list the property yourself. You might be paying a commission to your realtor in the end, but what if that saves you an extra $10,000 overall? Seems like something for serious consideration.
I know having a full time, full service Realtor is a great benefit when selling a home!
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