Real Estate Blog

Spring is here and your sniffles or runny nose may have announced it even though the official calendar start is still a few days away!  Leaves and flowers are emerging from the long winter and as usual, a change of season often reminds us to do some maintenance around the house.  Many people are probably spending time getting things in shape outdoors with the landscaping, pool, or other outdoor living spaces.  However, there are some small, but important items inside your home that may also need your attention.  Have you noticed lately how many appliances or systems in your home have a filter?

Consider adding some of these items to your regular “to do” list as you start your spring cleaning routine this season.  Most of these items can be done by homeowners, but ALWAYS check the owner’s manual or website for specific cleaning and maintenance tips. 

                Washing machines-many garments require cool water for wash and rinse cycles so you may not be running much hot water through your machine.  Some manufacturers have their own machine cleaning products and some simply recommend running the machine through a cycle empty with hot water and a small amount of chlorine bleach.

                Dryers-cleaning the lint filter regularly will not only decrease the time needed to dry a load, it could reduce the chance of a fire.  There are many different vacuum cleaner attachments that can be purchased to reach down into that tiny slot to suction out loose lint that might be hanging inside and clean lint filters regularly during use. 

                Garbage disposals-there are quite a few products on the market specifically made for cleaning your disposal unit.  Most require the disposal and water to be running when you pop them in and can be used often to keep the unit clean and fresh.  Some manufacturers simply recommend combinations of hot water, baking soda and vinegar.

                Dishwashers-many newer models contain at least one filter that can be removed and cleaned to remove built up residue.  Many manufacturers recommend running the machine through empty while using specific cleaners designed for their machines.

                Refrigerators-many newer models now have built-in air filters that can be replaced easily.  A low-tech and budget-friendly option is keeping a container of baking soda inside the refrigerator to absorb odors.  Some baking soda brands even offer special boxes designed for this specific use.  In older models, the flavor or smell of the ice cubes is often an indicator that it is time to change the box.

                Range hood exhaust filters-if you cook or fry items frequently, you will want to keep this clean in order to keep the air fresh in your kitchen.  Older models may have a simple metal mesh filter that can be removed and cleaned easily.  Newer models may have a charcoal filter along with the metal mesh filter that can be replaced.  Check your owner’s manual for cleaning, drying and replacement tips and options.

Depending on your usage patterns, you may need to check these items more or less often, but remember that maintaining the cleanliness of your appliance or other system filters will not only improve their function but could save you a lot of money in the long run on repairs and replacement.     ....."You've Got A Freind In Real Estate"

Jarod Tanksley 615.403.8265

www.BrentwoodamdBeyond.com

Brentview Realty 615.373.2814

“I can’t buy a house, I don’t have 20% to put down!”

I hear this quote all the time when I am speaking with people and I tell them what I do for a living.  We start the conversation of me being a lender, and they say they would love to purchase a home but they don't have 20% down.  In this day and time, this isn’t the requirement. Once I tell them this, their eyes light up.

Becoming a homeowner is the American dream and there are multiple ways of doing this.  You can put as little as 3% down in some situations if you meet the required credit criteria.  There are also programs that allow you to put $0 money down if you are in a rural area of town.  Never owned a home before?  There are first time home buyer programs that will assist you with your down payment and closing costs if you haven’t owned a home in the last three years.

Buying a home isn’t for everyone, but a lot of people don’t even consider it due to them not having 20% down in their bank account.  With apartment costs on the rise, and rental homes being rented before even being posted online, now could be the time to consider buying your first home.  Interest rates are at an all-time low as well.  This is allowing people that couldn’t qualify for what they wanted before, to increase their buying power.

If you or someone you know if interested in buying a home, don’t believe everything you hear.  Contact myself or Jarod Tanksley and we will guide you through the buying process and let you know what you can afford.  It might not be the right time now, but I can put you on a path where purchasing a home would be a possibility. Brittney Campbell,Citizens One Home Loans 615-491-4744 Brittney.campbell@citizensone.com .... 

.... "You've Got A Friend in Real Estate"

Jarod Tanksley 615.403.8265

www.BrentwoodandBeyond.com

Brentview Realty 615.373.2814