Proper Tips for Shoveling Snow

For those of us living in the Midwest, North Central or Northeast states, shoveling snow is an annual (and dreaded) event. Scooping up heavy piles of that snow is hard work for your back muscles. Impatience or over-enthusiasm can cause you to pull a muscle or suffer from nagging backaches. Shoveling "pros" recommend that homeowners use curved shovels versus flat ones; they retain snow more effectively. And select a shovel that is of reasonable weight. If it's slightly smaller than the other ones in the hardware store, sure, it might take you longer to do the job. But if you're continually lifting a heavy shovel, you could hurt yourself. Make sure that as you're lifting your snow-filled shovel, you're bending your knees. Don't twist your back and toss the snow over your shoulder. That movement, when repeated continuously, will promote backaches.

First-Time Homebuyer's Guide

Fix Your Credit - The first step toward buying a home takes place months before walking into a lender's office. It's crucial to check your credit score at least three to six months ahead of your mortgage application. You can request a free copy of the report from each of the three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) at annualcreditreport.com.

Prepare for Down Payment and Closing Costs - A generation ago, it used to be the norm to put 20% down, but with the market in its current state of flux, many first-time homebuyers are finding ways to pay just 3-5% of the total cost upfront. Federal Housing Act (FHA) loans increasingly have become a popular option for first-time buyers. These competitively low-interest loans are ideal for buyers with less than perfect credit, and because the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) minimizes the risk of default for lenders on these loans, borrowers are only required to put down 3.5% of the cost--a far cry from the traditional 20% down payment.

Figure How Much House You Can Afford - Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is the percentage of your gross monthly income set aside for paying debts. While some loans may qualify you for up to 50% of your monthly gross income, it's advisable that you use no more than 30%. Be realistic about how much you can pay, because an unexpected event could tear a hole in a tight budget.

Hunt for a House at Weidel.com - Finding the perfect home can have a lot to do with finding a compatible real estate agent, especially in today's evolving mortgage landscape. It's crucial to be in contact with an agent before starting the home search and first-time homebuyers should make it clear what features they're looking for and how much they're willing to spend.

Make an Offer - Sellers can price a property however they see fit, but that doesn't mean homebuyers should pay a ridiculous cost. Get your agent to pull all the comparable sold properties that occurred in the last six months then gauge by square foot the comparable cost.

Get Your Money's Worth - At signing, the buyer should demand that the contract be contingent on an objective appraisal of the house. Look into the history of the home and make sure there aren't any liens against the property. You should be able to negotiate with the seller to make any necessary repairs to the house before closing on the deal.

Stay on Course - Beginning to end, you can expect the entire process to last around four to five months. Of course, with as much great inventory on the market as there is, it's not unusual for homebuyers to find something within two to four weeks.

Winter Maintenance Tips

• Check and clean/replace furnace air filters each month during the heating
season.
• Clean your humidifiers two or three times during the winter season.
• Vacuum the bathroom fan grills.
• Vacuum fire and smoke detectors as dust or spider webs can prevent them from
functioning.
• Check gauges on all fire extinguishers and recharge or replace them if necessary.
• Check all faucets for signs of dripping and change washers as necessary.
• Clean drains in dishwashers, sinks, bathtubs and shower stalls.
• Test plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they are working properly and to prevent
them from seizing.

Halloween Safety Tips

Parents of trick-or-treating kids can get so caught up in the fun themselves that they might forget some simple safety ideas that could keep everyone out of trouble. Having a fun and safe Halloween will make it all worth while!

1) Make sure that your child has a pre-programmed cell phone with all the important numbers already there and ready for use.

2) Know the route your kids will be taking if you aren't going with them. Let them know that they are to check in with you every hour, by phone or by stopping back at home. Make sure that they know not to deviate from the planned route so that you always know where they will be.

3) Help your young child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make sure that it's fire proof or treated with fire retardant. If they are wearing a mask of any kind, make sure that the eye holes are large enough for good peripheral vision. Make sure that costumes won't get in the way when they are walking, which could cause them to trip.

4) Know what other activities a child may be attending, such as parties, school or mall functions. If they are going to be at a friends home, get the phone number and make sure that you've met the parents.

5) Make sure you set a time that your kids should be home by. Make sure they know how important it is for them to be home on time or to call immediately if something happens and they are going to be delayed.

6) Serve your kids a filling meal before trick-or-treating and they won't be as tempted to eat any candy before they bring it home for you to check.

Fall Maintenance Tips

• Have your furnace or heating systems serviced by a qualified service company
every two years for a gas furnace and every year for an oil furnace.
• Check and clean or replace air filters each month during the heating season.
• Vacuum electric baseboard heaters to remove dust.
• Remove the grill on forced air systems and vacuum inside the ducts.
• Check the sump pump and line to ensure proper operation and to ensure that there
are no line obstructions or visible leaks.
• Ensure all doors to the outside shut tightly and check other doors for ease of use.
• Ensure windows and skylights close tightly.
• Cover outside air conditioning window units.
• Clean leaves from roofs and downspouts and test the downspouts to ensure proper
drainage from the roof.
• Check chimneys for obstructions such as bird nests.

Fall / Winter Home Repair and Maintenance Checklist

Windows and Doors
-Repair cracked windows
-Putty, caulk or add weather-stripping as needed
-Clean and lubricate window channels for smoother sliding
-Clean and install storm windows and doors

Basement
-Check for and seal cracks and leaks in walls and floor
-Clean vents and ensure proper operation
-Test, clean and lubricate sump pump
-Discard accumulated junk

Water Heater
-Insulate outside of tank

Porch, Patio and Deck
-Clean and seal deck
-Check wood for signs of rotting, replace boards where necessary

Exterior Walls
-Check for missing or loose siding
-Caulk joints and minor cracks
-Look for deteriorated finishes to preserve wood
-Touch-up painting or paint entirely

Exterior Plumbing
-Drain and shut off sprinkler system and other lines
-Remove all hoses from outside spigots

Roof
-Repair damaged soffit panels

Gutters
-Clean gutters to reduce ice dams in the winter
-Install gutter strainers

Smoke Detector
-Test and replace batteries

Attic
-Check vent openings for nests and other blockage
-Make sure vents and/or attic fans work properly
-Look for signs of roof or flashing leaks on rafters and insulation

Driveways
-Reseal driveways

Curb Appeal

A buyer’s first impression plays a large role in getting high market value for your house. Here are a few simple items to keep in mind:

-Keep the grass freshly cut
-Avoid clutter in the yard
-Fresh paint on wooden fences
-The front door needs to look good
-Make sure that all door handles are tight and clean
-Wash or paint the exterior of the house
-Make sure the windows are cleaned inside and out
-Make sure that gutters and downspouts are firmly attached and in good working order
-Fresh mulch in flower beds