Jeff Cook Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts by tag - Cleaning Tipshttps://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/Copyright JeffCookRealEstate.com2023-03-30T13:20:02-07:00tag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:14501Fall Home Maintenance Checklist Fall is almost here and that means it’s time to prepare your home in South Caroline for cooler weather, falling leaves and maybe even some heavy weather. Living near the Atlantic coast through the fall and winter means you may encounter some significant storms, as the east coast hurricane season <a href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/climo/#:~:text=The%20Atlantic%20hurricane%20season%20runs,Sea%2C%20and%20Gulf%20of%20Mexico.">runs from June 1 to November 30</a>.
Take note of some home maintenance tasks now and be prepared to enjoy autumn worry-free. Most of these recommended tasks homeowners can handle themselves. But even if you hire professional help, it can be worth your expenditures to help make sure your home is ready. Plus, you can save money over time by timely preventive maintenance to stave off costly repairs later.
Clean Out Gutters
Fall means colorful leaves that strike abundant hues of red, yellow, and orange, gently falling all around your beautiful home — and filling your gutters. Blocked and overflowing gutters allow excess water to drain right into your home’s foundation and every other place it should not go.
Be sure to use proper ladder safety and climbing techniques while cleaning out all gutters and downspouts so water can flow freely away. Depending on your property and its amount of nearby trees, you may need to repeat this chore after autumn leaves have finished their celebratory dance to the ground and trees are bare.
Inspect the Roof
While you practice proper ladder safety, take a good close look at your home’s roof. Peeling, loose, broken, or missing shingles or other roofing components allow water intrusion. Water inside means serious damage and serious costs. Replace any damaged or missing shingles, trim, soffit, or other roofing components to seal off your roof from water.
You should also take note of the overall condition of your roof. Any sagging portions should be examined closely from the inside and outside by a roofing professional. Older, worn roofs cannot stand up to severe weather events as well as new roofs, so depending on your roof’s condition, it may be time to replace it.
Seal Up Air Leaks
Air leaks around doors and windows cause your HVAC to work harder to keep your home cool and warm. Temperatures in the south can sometimes dip down fairly low, and keeping your home comfortable can cost more when precious warm air escapes around joints. Sometimes this means adding some weatherstripping around seams and openings.
In older homes, substandard windows and doors or sagging walls and floors can cause air leaks. Seatherstripping can help some, but solving this problem may require more extensive means. New windows and doors can help, along with correcting any problems with slanting floors or wall failures.
Inspect the HVAC
Your HVAC (which, incidentally, stands for heating, ventilation, and cooling) performs important tasks to keep your family comfortable and healthy. Many people forget the “V” in HVAC is just as important as keeping you warm or cool. Keeping your home properly ventilated seals out allergens and other pollutants while allowing the free flow of fresh, conditioned air throughout your home.
Inspect all working parts of your HVAC system, and note any strange noises, odors, frayed or worn wiring, and possible clogged ducts. Clear away any grass clippings or leaves from your outside unit to facilitate the free flow of air. Your HVAC filter should normally be changed monthly, but some systems have other filters that are changed less frequently. A licensed HVAC professional can advise you about any cleaning, repairs, or other issues to keep your system in top condition.
Inspect Fireplaces
All fireplaces that see use during the fall and winter should be inspected each year before the season begins. This ensures the free flow of smoke out and that no obstructions have happened to present the risk of fires. This inspection should be done by a licensed professional with the proper tools and equipment.
Your fireplaces should also be cleaned thoroughly before the season, in preparation for <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/outdoor-lighting-guide/">lighting a warm,</a> relaxing fire on chilly carolina nights. Be sure your fireplace tools are stored handily nearby and keep all wood or other flammables in safe storage places until time to light a fire. Keep children away from fireplaces. It’s always wise to use a screen to prevent hot embers from floating out of the fireplace and into your home.
Check Gas Furnaces
If your home has a gas furnace or any gas appliances, having them checked before autumn’s increased use is always a good idea. A gas professional can test for leaks and repair any problems before they can endanger your home and family. Change filters, clean lines, clean around furnaces, and make sure air can flow freely all around it.
Close Down Pools
Labor Day Weekend is the traditional end of summer, and that means saying a temporary goodbye to your swimming pool. Closing down the pool is a chore that involves many steps, but this preserves your pool and equipment for next season. Storing away pool equipment and shocking the water before installing your pool cover are only part of the job. A good cleaning should be the last step and first step when closing and opening your pool. A local pool professional can also help you by handling these tasks. Sometimes the cost is well worth the time and effort saved.
Review Safety Measures
Any change in seasons is a good time to review your home’s safety measures and plans, but especially before fall when fireplaces will be in use. Check all your home’s safety equipment and be sure everything is in top working order. This should include:
Gas & Carbon Monoxide Detectors - check their operation and replace all batteries.
Fire Extinguishers - check their operation and have them recharged if necessary. Be sure all family members know their location and how to use them.
Escape Routes & Assembly Points - you should have an escape plan in case of fire, especially in multi-story homes, including a set point on the property where everyone gathers once leaving the home.
Locks - test and lubricate all door and window locks, and replace any that seem worn or stiff.
Alarm Systems - test your home’s alarm systems, including all windows and doors, any cameras, audible alerts, and connections to the alarm company.
Jeff Cook Real Estate wants everyone to be safe and enjoy their homes in the coming fall and winter seasons. Use this <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/home-evacuation-considerations/">handy checklist to prepare</a> your home for the change in seasons. Are you considering selling your South Carolina home, or possibly moving to South Carolina? Jeff Cook Real Estate has all the resources you need to begin. <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/contact/">Contact us today to learn more</a>. 2022-09-09T12:09:00-07:002022-11-14T12:24:47-07:00Patricia Utseytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:14049What Buying “As Is” Really MeansIf you’re looking to <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/buyers/">buy real estate in South Carolina</a>, congratulations! The Palmetto State has some of the most beautiful homes and properties available anywhere in the United States, and there is nothing like living the Low Country lifestyle. But the excitement of buying a home can be overshadowed by confusion over the many avenues to making a real estate purchase.
Perhaps one of the most confusing is buying real estate in South Carolina “As-Is.” Let’s explore this option more thoroughly to see if it could work for you.
Buying Real Estate in South Carolina “As-Is”
A home for sale listed as <a href="https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/sold-as-is">an “As-Is” property</a> simply means the sellers do not want to invest any time or money into making repairs to the home before closing. That means that, as a buyer, you must agree to purchase the property “As-Is” — in its present condition. What you see (or can’t see) is what you get.
Of course, “As-Is” sellers must meet minimum disclosure requirements that are required by South Carolina law; more about that later. But in a general sense, you agree to buy the home without any changes whatsoever.
Now, while this may sound like buying “a pig in a poke,” as the old southern saying goes, there can be lots of reasons for this type of sale. Not every “As-Is” home listing is damaged or aged beyond repair. Sellers can choose this option for any number of reasons, including:
No money available to pay for repairs
Save money on making repairs
Need to sell fast because of a pending move
Wanting a cash offer to avoid lengthy mortgage process, so property is listed lower
Why Should I Buy Real Estate in South Carolina “As-Is?”
Some home buyers may find that purchasing an existing home “As-Is” is a good option. The wise home buyer can realize some significant benefits.
Lower Purchase Cost
In many cases, the <a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/selling-a-house-as-is">seller’s desire to list “As-Is”</a> for whatever reason means you get a prime property at a much lower price than is the norm. Depending on what the home needs, you could purchase it substantially below the average price. Not only does this save you money, it can make for lower interest rates and mortgage payments. It could also allow you to borrow up to the full value amount of the home and use the extra money for repairs, renovations, or other needs.
Ideal for Property Flipping
Experienced contractors or house flippers that subcontract renovations can find “As-Is” real estate in South Carolina to be profitable projects. Ideal properties purchased with few serious problems are quite affordable to repair and flip for quick investment and return. Some that are priced low to sell fast can be acquired cheaply, meaning quite a large return on investment after simple, inexpensive repairs.
Make Repairs Your Way
There are some buyers who would prefer to be at the helm of any repairs, changes or renovations to a home they plan to occupy, and so buying a desirable property “As-Is” puts them in charge of any work. This allows you to make repairs your way, using contractors you choose and trust, while personally overseeing any and all work.
Faster Closing in Some Cases
Some “As-Is” properties are priced low with any repairs or changes offered in order to make them sell fast. The option for a <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/cash-offers-are-tempting-but-proceed-with-caution/">quick cash offer</a> is more feasible for the lower price. If a faster closing process is appealing to you as well, you could buy the “As-Is” property for cash and close the deal considerably faster than the normal process involving a lender.
Tips for Buying a Home “As -Is”
If you believe buying a home in South Carolina “As-Is” is a desirable option, follow these tips to do your “<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/buying-a-home-what-is-due-diligence-when-buying-a-home/">due diligence</a>” in every aspect.
Pay Attention to the Law
<a href="https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t27c050.php">South Carolina law</a> requires sellers to provide prospective buyers with a written disclosure statement that informs you of any known problems with the home or property. This statement can be delivered in person or electronically.
The South Carolina Real Estate Commission has a free <a href="https://llr.sc.gov/re/resources.aspx">sample disclosure form</a> you can download that lists all the areas that must be included in the report. The seller must answer "Yes," "No" or "No Representation" to each question.
The disclosure must include information about:
The water supply and sanitary sewage disposal system
The roof, chimneys, floors, foundation, basement and other structural components
The plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling and other mechanical systems
Any past or present, unrepaired infestations of wood-destroying insects or organisms
Applicable zoning laws, restrictive covenants, building codes and other land-use restrictions affecting the property, encroachments from or to adjacent property, and notices from a governmental agency affecting the property
The presence of lead-based paint, asbestos, radon gas, methane gas, an underground storage tank, hazardous material or toxic material, buried or covered, and any other environmental contamination
The existence of a rental, rental management, vacation rental or other lease contract in place on the property at the time of closing, and, if known, any outstanding charges owed by the tenant for gas, electric, water, sewerage or garbage services provided to the property the tenant leases
The existence of a meter conservation charge that applies to electricity or natural gas service to the property
If the property is subject to governance by a homeowners association
Pay Attention to the Home Inspection Report
In addition to the disclosure statement, you should carefully examine the report from a licensed and experienced home inspector. His or her report will provide a comprehensive view of the general condition of the home and its major systems. It may also include recommendations for further specific inspections if the home inspector detects more extensive deficiencies or problems. They may recommend:
A structural inspection
An HVAC inspection
An electrical inspection
A plumbing inspection
A pest inspection
A mold inspection
Any problems discovered by one or more of these specialists could mean substantial repair costs you may wish to avoid.
The <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/waiving-home-inspections-the-benefits-and-pitfalls/">home inspection report</a> will also detail recommendations for other, smaller repairs or deficiencies that you want to consider. Use this list for the next step.
Pay Attention to Repair Cost Estimates from Local Professionals
Armed with the home inspection report, sellers disclosure document, and any other inspection reports, obtain cost estimates from leading local repair and renovation professionals. We recommend getting at least five estimates for each repair for comparison. Depending on the time of year, some top contractors may be overly busy and unable to take the job, so you need some backup choices, too.
Use these price estimates to calculate a close approximate cost for any and all repairs, renovations or other changes you wish to make. Add this total to the sellers’ asking price to get a grand total for what you may be expected to spend. The “As-Is” property could end up being a real steal — or it could prove to be a real money pit. Only you know what you can/want to spend for real estate in South Carolina, and how much time you wish to invest. Be wise and weigh all the factors involved before committing to a contract.
Jeff Cook Real Estate can help when you’re looking to buy a home in South Carolina. Contact us today at 855-HEY-JEFF <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/">or online</a> and speak with one of our talented and knowledgeable real estate professionals.
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2022-07-13T06:11:00-07:002022-07-12T13:19:17-07:00Lee Willeytag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:12726Spring Refresh: Top Storage Organization TipsAnnual spring cleaning is said to have come about due to the need to eliminate the soot and grime left over from winter from whale oil lamps or kerosene, which require coal or wood. The warmer weather that arrives with the season brings the opportunity to open up windows, air out the house, and let the soot out.
But spring isn’t just a great time to tackle all those major spring cleaning chores, it’s the perfect time to declutter your home and get more organized with these storage organization tips.
Start By Eliminating Clutter One Space at a Time
When you have an entire house to declutter and organize all at once, it can feel so overwhelming that it never gets done. Instead, start small by decluttering one space at a time, whether it’s a room, a closet, or just one door.
Commit to just 15 minutes a day if you need to, perhaps going by the rule that anything you haven’t used for more than a year should be tossed, donated, or sold.
Buy Furniture That Can Double As Storage
If you’ve got limited space, taking advantage of furniture that has built-in storage. For example, a storage bench that has a cushion on top can be the perfect place to sit or to place tired feet on. The space below can be used for extra pillows and blankets, games, toys, craft supplies, books, or anything else you want to store rather than display.
Pull-Down Racks Beneath Kitchen Cabinets
With so many spices, condiments, cookware, dishware and everything else you need in your kitchen, staying organized in this room can be challenging. Installing pull-down racks beneath cabinets is a great way to hold essentials while keeping them organized and easy to find. When you’re finished cooking, they simply swing up against the underside of the cabinet.
Storing Seasonal Clothing in Suitcases
Many people have multiple suitcases lying around that rarely get used. If you’re one of them, take advantage of that empty space inside to store your seasonal clothing. If you roll items like sweaters shirts, and pants into loose bundles, they’ll take up less room.
Closet Storage and Organization
Organizing your closet by season, color, or in any way that’s more efficient for your life can make it a lot easier to figure out what to wear every morning. But you’ll also want to maximize all your closet space, including vertical hanging space.
As most clothing doesn’t stretch all the way down to the floor when it’s hanging on the rod, install rows of rods on top of each other which doubles your hanging space. Place one as high as possible and then install another one underneath where clothes that are on the top rod end.
Instead of using floor space for your shoes, hang a shoe rack over the closet door so that you can find them more easily. You can also use valet hooks to hang clothes you plan to wear the next day or for accessories like belts, scarves, and purses.
Containers
Containers are an obvious answer for organized storage, but when you buy choose square options. Square containers are generally sturdier and can also be stacked to save space. To make it easier to find what you need, go for clear rather than opaque so that items will be visible.2022-01-30T08:20:00-07:002023-03-30T13:20:02-07:00Megan Garrelltag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:8934How to Show Your Home Last Minute<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/cleanpicture.png" width="750" height="502" alt="Cleaning for a Last Minute Home Showing" />
Let's say your real estate agent just called for a last-minute showing. Although major changes are going to require some advanced notice, it's not uncommon for a potential buyer to want to schedule a showing within a few hours. How can you possibly get ready for a showing with such short notice? Thankfully, there are a few organizational tips when selling your home that will keep you ready and in good shape for a showing at any time.
You might think you can't clean your home in an hour and get ready for a showing, but you'd be surprised! These quick-fix chores work to target the most visible parts of your home and the places that tend to attract the most mess. You can tidy up the spots that prospective buyers will see and then save the rest for another day.
Sweep the front steps and clean the glass on your front door. Setting a good first impression makes a difference so you want to give them a good first impression when they walk towards the house
Carry a laundry basket through the house to pick up any clutter. Stash the basket in a closet or somewhere out of sight where a buyer won't look at it.
Clean up trash and throw it out. Line any trash baskets with clean liners to put your house in the best appearance possible.
Put your pets away. While you may love your dogs, seeing a place with pets may not be ideal. Consider putting dogs or cats in an empty room during the showing.
Hide cords out of sight. Collect all the chargers that don't have to be plugged in and then stash them in a drawer until the showing is over.
Hang fresh towels and put out new soap. Hide your used towels and soap. New fluffy towels give a bathroom a great appearance so it's well worth doing. Get a small bin and put any makeup or other countertop items in it and stash them away.
Allow natural light to shine through the house. Open up curtains and raise the blinds during daylight hours. Place lamps in low-natural light areas so that your place looks bigger and brighter to prospective owners.
Wipe down kitchen counters. Remove any excess items to give them a clean look and wipe them down so they look great
Straighten pillows and make the beds. The bedding in both the living room and the bedrooms should look fresh and put together for a guest.
Use mild-scented candles to give your house a fresh and clean aroma without giving the potential buys a headache.
If you're just getting started in the selling process, you can check out our tips for <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/scrambling-to-sell/">simplifying your home selling process</a> and read <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/real-estate/10-ways-to-prep-your-home-for-sale">10 Ways to Prep Your Home for Sale</a> to stay stress-free for home showings.
Now that you have the basics down, you're ready to start welcoming potential buyers in an hour or so. At Jeff Cook Real Estate, our agents are experts in selling homes! They know exactly what buyers come to see in a home showing. Working with them will allow you to show your home in the best light possible. Still feeling stressed? Meet the <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/meet-the-sell-squad/">Sell Squad</a> for more information on how to get your home show-ready.
2020-09-09T08:25:00-07:002021-12-20T07:37:56-07:00Matt Serratotag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:6007Best Kept Secret for Your Apartment PoochExcessive barking or whining. The constant pitter-patter of nervous paws on hardwood or tile floors. Scuffles with other animals in common spaces. When you live in an apartment, the challenges of dealing with hyper or anxious dogs are automatically amplified. Shared walls with neighbors and limited outdoor space can create awkward and uncomfortable situations between you and the people who live around you.
For conscientious dog owners, there exists a magical place that can help you and your dog stay in the good graces of your neighbors:<a href="https://www.bringfido.com/sitemap/attraction/"> the dog park</a>!
Why the Dog Park?
Frequent trips to your neighborhood dog park can help your canine companion release all of its pent-up energy, provide proper socialization, and help strengthen the bond between man and dog. This, along with proper training and positive reinforcement, can result in your dog being calmer and less likely to annoy your neighbors when they are home alone. Dog park adventures also give you, as the owner, peace of mind because you know your dog is receiving regular mental and physical stimulation, which keeps dogs happier and healthier in the long run.
While frequent walks or jogs with your dog achieve some of the same benefits, dog parks allow off-leash fun and the ability to play fetch without worrying about your dog running off. Having unleashed dogs in public spaces is one common complaint by neighbors, so restricting off-leash time to designated areas is an important part of responsible dog ownership.
After deciding this is a good option for your dog, you should research local dog parks. Some may be one-size-fits-all parks, while others may be separated into two sections by size. Some parks have dog-specific training features. Determine what kind of setting is best for your dog based on their temperament, play style, and history of interactions with other animals. If your dog parks are government-owned, find out if you need a special license or key to gain proper access.
Making the Dog Park Your Second Home
If you plan on spending time at the dog park, take precautions to keep yourself, your pet, and others around you safe. Vaccinate your dog following recommendations from your veterinarian. Use parasite prevention products to ward off diseases from creepy crawlies. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, get that done and make sure they are healed before taking them to the park. Make sure your dog has a collar or harness with an identification tag on it, and ensure that the contact information on the tag is current. That way, if your animal accidentally gets out of the enclosure and runs off, you can get them back as soon as possible.
While at the park, supervise your dog at all times. Look for signs of stress or aggression. Read their body language and recognize any patterns that may occur. Remember: Nobody knows your dog better than you, so it is your responsibility to make sure they are playing in a safe and healthy manner. It is also your responsibility to stop your dog from bad behavior, so make sure it is well-trained enough to listen to your commands if the situation demands.
Clean up any messes they leave behind.
Also, while not mandatory, it’s good to socialize with other owners. You don’t have to be extremely extroverted, but just checking in with them can do a lot to make people feel comfortable. Remember not to engage or interact with somebody else’s dog without their permission. Your dog may start to bond with certain dogs it sees at the park regularly, so it’s good to know when those owners are there. You may even be able to synchronize schedules to maximize time together. Your dog may not be able to thank you with words, but their tail wags and better overall behavior will let you know they’re grateful.
Of course, the best way to treat your pup is to<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/process-of-buying-a-home/"> buy a home</a> with enough yard space to call its own. Give us a call at 855-HEY-JEFF to buy a home with us and check out our<a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/a-guide-to-moving-with-pets/"> guide to moving with pets</a> to make the process easier.2018-06-21T07:25:00-07:002021-01-25T14:00:38-07:00Cory Towler