Lisa Talks Real Estate

If your dryer isn't working quite as well as it typically does, it may be time to clean your dryer vent. In addition to making sure it stays in top working condition, keeping your dryer vent clean also helps eliminate the fire hazard that comes with dirty vents. It's not a home improvement project you'll need to do every month or even every season, but that doesn't make it any less critical. Learn how to keep your dryer running properly, with our eight tips for cleaning your dryer vent.

1. Clean Vents Every 6 to 12 Months
   For most newer dryers, you'll want to clean your vents every 6 to 12 months. If your dryer is older or sees unusually heavy use, then you may need to clean the vents more often. It's also a good idea to check the vent any time that you're having issues with your dryer.
2. Start By Turning Off and Unplugging Your Dryer

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A comfortable room with a crackling fireplace can be the coziest space in a house. Even for southern homes, a fireplace can enhance the aesthetic of a room, captivating your attention as the focal point of a room. A neglected fireplace, however, can be an eyesore. Fireplaces are a desirable feature for many buyers; showcasing one in a presentable way can also increase the value of your home depending on your location.

Does your fireplace need a facelift? Don't put this home improvement project off any longer. Whether you're getting ready to list your home or plan on staying put for a few more years, give your family the coziness that comes with a renovated fireplace. Here are a couple of ideas to fan the flames of your creativity.

• Make its Presence Powerful
  A fireplace is not meant to smolder — let it shine brightly as the centerpiece of your roo...

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As a new homeowner, you realize that you've taken on a big financial responsibility. At some point, home repairs will increase that financial obligation. Fortunately, if you plan, you can make sure you have the funds to cover the biggest repairs. Here are a few tips to consider to keep you from being overwhelmed when the repair bills come in.  

1. Get to Know Your Home
   Your home inspection report is a tool for looking at your home piece-by-piece and figuring out what might go wrong in the future. It lists all of the major systems in your home, the appliances, the roof, and many other components. It may also show age, condition, etc. In short, it's a master list that can help you figure out what repairs you might need down the road.
   
   
2. Establish a Home Repair Fund
   Unanticipated repairs can be frustrating. It's even more frustrating when you don't have the money to pay for them. That's why it's important to establish a home repair fund. You should begin by setting aside a large lump sum then adding to it monthly or weekly. The prevailing wisdom suggests that you set aside an amount equivalent to 1 to 3% of your home cost. That's $2,000. for a $200,000 home. 
   
   
3. Consider DIY to Save Repair Costs
   As you get to know your home, you'll become comfortable with performing DIY tasks. While you might not want to replace your roof, you may feel good about installing a faucet, repairing your gutters, or patching your driveway. Every home repair task you're willing to perform will reduce your repair costs and help keep your repair fund intact.
   
   
4. The Home Warranty Option
   Home warranties are another option for managing home repair costs. Depending on the type of coverage you purchase, your warranty will pay to repair or replace specified major appliances and home systems if they fail. They're not for everyone. Check into them carefully to see if it's a viable option for you. 
   
   
5. Don't Finance Your Home Repairs
   When you have a home repair fund, it eliminates the temptation to go into debt to repair your furnace, plumbing, or roof. The debt and interest incurred to repair a major item could become a fixture in your life for years to come. 

When you're ready to start your search for a new home, let's schedule a time to meet.  We can discuss points about the home buying process you may not have already considered.  Using my experience in the real estate business can make your home buying experience easier.

Thank you,

Winter temperatures can be tough on your garden, but some plants can survive under these conditions. Not only that, but some even manage to thrive during cold weather, still yielding blooms or berries.

The following six cold-loving plants are hardy enough to withstand the toughest winters in some parts of our country:

1. Peonies
   Peonies are known for their attractive, fragrant flowers that are usually pink, red, or white. They're hardy enough to survive long periods of cold winter temperatures with little care, so they're the perfect choice for home improvement projects for your landscaping. If its glossy green foliage yellowed in the fall, trim it back. Also, use a layer of straw or shredded bark after the ground freezes, and in the late spring or early summer, you'll see blooms.
2. Coneflower

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There's no doubt that selling a unique property comes with its share of challenges. Real estate shoppers rely heavily on comparable properties when analyzing prices, and by definition, a unique property is difficult to compare with anything else in the area when selling your home. A property can be unique because of its value, layout, or extravagant upgrades, especially if has been personalized specifically to suit the needs of its previous owner. The good news is that selling a unique property is far from impossible, but it may require different tactics than selling a property that fits more naturally with the neighborhood. Get started with our six tips on how to sell your unique property.

1. Aerial Photos Showcase the Whole Property
   Many properties are unique due to their location, views, the size of the lot, or the unique out...

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