P. U. - What’s that Smell? When a circuit breaker overheats, the plastics and heat-resistant chemicals used to make the breakers, as well as outlets or wiring insulation, may emit a fishy or urine-like odor. You can often smell the odor throughout the house, but it is more intense near the breaker box or in the room of the faulty outlet or wiring. The odor may intensify or diminish with changing temperatures and circuit usage. Because it is often a circuit breaker of a high-demand appliance (HVAC, dishwasher, etc.), it can be difficult to identify the origin as those appliances … Continue reading...
Debunking the Forbearance and Foreclosures Myths in 2021
Debunking the Forbearance and Foreclosures Myths in 2021 Many homeowners had their lives turned topsy-turvy nearly a year ago with their economic stability, completely disrupted. In the beginning of the COVID pandemic, economic uncertainties were first and foremost in most American’s minds. The government very quickly responded to that angst, putting into place forbearance plans. They were available to homeowners who had experienced job loss and/or economic hardships, allowing them to remain in their homes, without making their monthly mortgage payments. Some who signed up for … Continue reading...
Why talk of a housing bubble is blowing up
Why talk of a housing bubble is blowing up Talk of a housing bubble is beginning to crop up as home prices continue to appreciate at a rapid pace this year. Well, not so fast! Although the appreciation of residential real estate is well above historic annual averages, there are other factors to consider. First, let’s look at the numbers: According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), annual appreciation since 1991 has averaged 3.8%. 2020 appreciation percentages range somewhere in the 7% range, nearly double the average annual … Continue reading...
How to Keep Senior Loved Ones Happy and Healthy in Your Home
How to Keep Senior Loved Ones Happy and Healthy in Your Home As our parents grow older, they sometimes look to us for their care and comfort. When that involves moving a senior loved one into your home, you may be worried about whether your home will truly be prepared. Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take to make life easier for your loved one during this big move and to make your home safer and more comfortable. Encourage Your Senior Loved One to Stay Social No matter how much your parent loves you, it can be difficult for her to rely on you for health, … Continue reading...
A Green Spring – Charlotte Homeowner Tips
A Green Spring - Charlotte Homeowner Tips It’s spring cleaning time — and time for all things growing and green. Speaking of ‘green,’ how green is your house? Upgrading some of your home’s features to be more environmentally friendly can improve your home’s value and save you some ‘green’ in the long run, too. Green updating may cost a little more up-front but, they are worth it in the long run - both environmentally and in utility bill savings. Here are a few green updates you can make to your home: • Install ENERGY STAR® appliances • Install solar … Continue reading...
5 Ways to Protect Your Yard from the End of Winter Temperature Drops
5 Ways to Protect Your Yard from the End of Winter Temperature Drops Each year, about this time, we have one or two freezing nights, just when you think spring has sprung! Each year, beautiful blooms, exposed to the freezing temperatures, die or are browned/damaged by the frigid weather. When the below-32º temperatures are predicted, here are a few easy tips to protect your budding or blooming yard at winter’s end: 5 Tips to Protect Your Yard when the Temperature Falls • Place patio chairs over larger plants and shrubs to protect them from the elements. • Cover the … Continue reading...
Cleaning House: How to Tidy Up and Declutter Without Professional Help
More from our DIY Series: Cleaning House: How to Tidy Up and Declutter Without Professional Help Cleaning and decluttering are great ways to improve your home and your health, but they can be big jobs that take a lot of time and effort to complete. Many homeowners try to take care of smaller cleaning jobs throughout the week when they have a few minutes to spare and leave the bigger projects for the weekend. However, when you have kids or other obligations, sometimes those good intentions fall by the wayside. These days, more and more people are turning to professional help for whipping … Continue reading...
Top Tips for Giving Your Bedroom a DIY Facelift
Top Tips for Giving Your Bedroom a DIY Facelift Is your bedroom overdue for a makeover? If your space is looking more weary than restorative, there are plenty of things you can do to breathe new life into your boudoir. Here’s how to give the space a whole new appeal, DIY-style. Give Your Charlotte Bedroom a Facelift Tailor-Made — By You! Giving your home a customized look can be daunting, but there are some changes you can make with minimal skills and tools. For instance, shiplap walls provide a beautiful update most homeowners can tackle, and the look can work in nearly any … Continue reading...
What You Need to Know about the 2019 Mecklenburg County Tax Revaluation
Charlotte homeowners have been bracing for big increases in the tax value of their properties since our last revaluation was done during The Great Recession. So, as you can imagine, the revaluation of real property is going to be considerably more than the ‘normal’ increases since we went from them being performed during the lowest of lows to now, the highest of highs. Sales prices have continued to be on the rise, therefore our valuations are going to reflect that. Charlotte’s real estate market has boomed out of The Great Recession with some 70 new residents moving here each and … Continue reading...
Home Maintenance & Inspection Schedule – Annual Checklist
Today is officially the first day of winter and we are reminded of the harsh treatment our homes receive from Mother Nature each and every winter season. Owning a home is a dream come true for many and keeping that dream home in its top condition requires a little preventative maintenance. Just as we have an annual physical with our physicians, consider yourself your home's doctor - at least the one that oversees all maintenance! You may not be able to do the work but, if you need a vendor to help with any of the items on the checklist below, let me know. I have a great list of vendors who … Continue reading...