Preferred Properties of Texas

The Preferred way to buy & sell property for over 25 years

Keeping Your Water Heater Strong All Winter Long

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It is never easy to have your own water heater to stop functioning, but it’s worse throughout the winter. To make certain your water heater is appropriate to survive the whole season, here are a few hints for regular maintenance which you are able to perform.

As you pay these things, you could even run a mini-assessment of your water heater well being to spot any warning signals or possible dangers that might have to be adjusted prior to the temperature drops.

Assess the Valve
Even only a couple of minutes of yearly maintenance can stop unnecessary malfunctions and tumultuous breakdowns.

If a lot of stress builds up, however, your own water heater tank may actually burst. To discharge pressure and make sure yours is in tiptop shape, put a bucket underneath your water heater’s discharge pipe and then raise the pressure-release valve. Water must release at this time. If it does not, the valve has to be replaced.

Get the Tank Flushed
Among the most typical water heater repair tasks is that a tank cleaning. This eliminates built-up residue, sediment and dirt which accumulate through the year. Experts advocate yearly imports, which may be achieved at an inexpensive price. Possessing a tech run the cleaning may also guarantee your heater is working properly as they will also do an expert review. If they detect any other difficulties, they can notify you about the danger and provide possible solutions. You are able to add these fixes to the present task or schedule them later at your own convenience.

Set the Temperature
If your heater does not have an integrated temperature indicator, you may use a typical cooking thermometer to check the water temperature.

Your tank may require flushed or there might be a mechanical problem that needs dealt with.

Insert Insulation
If your water heater is just a decade old or more older, it may not be suitably insulated. Newer versions come insulated to reduce heat loss and preserve system stability. Nevertheless, older versions will need a fiberglass coat. If you are not certain the way to security insulate your furnace along with its own plumbing, this task can easily be achieved in a couple of hours by a licensed plumber.

Nobody wishes to take care of cold water at the midst of winter. To make sure your home’s water remains warm and nice all season long, assess your water heater and also do some simple maintenance. If you are unsure about something or you observe a issue, have an expert come have a peek at it. The earlier you catch potential issues, the easier they are to look after!

Choosing the Right Housing for the Elderly

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As the population ages, what affordable, safe housing that is well connected to services is available? Here are options that may suit your care situation and budget:

Aging in place. Live in your own home or with family with access to in-home caregivers, cleaning, meal delivery and other services. Simple modifications can make homes safer: wheelchair ramps, bathroom grab bars and a medical alert system, for example. This arrangement works best when there is help from nearby family and friends.

Low-cost living options. If you’re age 62 or older and your income is limited, you may qualify for an apartment in an affordable senior housing community that’s funded through HUD Section 202. Rent is based on your adjusted gross income, which is calculated by subtracting approved medical expenses from your income. You pay 30% of AGI for rent.

The village concept. This operates like a retirement community but you get to stay in your own home. Help comes from other village members, younger neighbors and/or youth groups doing community service. Sometimes, you can pay an annual fee — averaging $600 — in return for transportation, yard work and bookkeeping.

Independent living. You live in housing designed exclusively for seniors in a retirement community, retirement home, senior housing or senior apartment. These communities free the elderly from such daily chores as house maintenance and cooking while giving them opportunities for socialization.

Residential care home. This option consists of personalized service to small groups of adults, especially for those who need more individual care in a home setting. Lodging, meals and assistance with daily living activities are included. This can be a less expensive option than a nursing home or traditional assisted living.

Continuing care retirement community. This living environment is part independent living, part assisted living and part nursing home. It works especially well for spouses who require different levels of care. All residents live in an independent section and move to other parts of the community as the need for additional care increases.

Cohousing. Residents participate in designing the community. Residences are clustered and shared amenities include playgrounds, a pool, and clubhouse, garden, kitchen and dining facilities. You manage the community and maintain the property, sharing common meals, meeting to solve problems and helping each other with such daily tasks as shopping.

Assisted living community. Seniors live in small apartments in a care community where residents can live independently but with some assistance. Staff is available 24 hours a day to manage medication, bathing, dressing, housekeeping and transportation. Residents dine in a common dining room.

Nursing home/skilled nursing facility. This is the option for those with severe or debilitating physical or mental illnesses who are unable to care for themselves. For the most seriously ill and disabled, it includes 24-hour supervised care with meals, activities and health management. A physician supervises residents’ care, with nurses and other medical professionals always on premises. Often, physical and occupational therapists are on staff and special services such as dementia care are available.

Not all options are available everywhere and costs can vary widely based on location and services offered. Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, make sure to read and understand the fine print before signing any contracts. Finally, know that at nursing facilities local ombudsmen can be on your side if any problems come up.

Homes Appreciate at Fastest Rate Since 2014

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Home prices typically decrease when economic action constricts–although maybe not in 2020. The economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has surfaced with a booming home industry. Existing-home costs for all home types jumped 15.5percent year annually in October to $313,000, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

House prices at all market rates are accelerating in the fastest speeds in the previous six decades. The lowest cost tier saw a rise of 10.9% over year in October when compared with 9 percent for the reduced – to middle-price grade, 8.5percent to the mid – to moderate-price grade, and 7.4percent to the high cost elevation, according to CoreLogic data.

All nations showed yearly cost rises, but Maine directed the 50 nations with a 14.9% increase in appreciation. Idaho (13.1percent ) and Arizona (12 percent ) followed. New York saw a number of the cheapest yearly gains in October, but costs there have been still up 2.6% year over year. On a subway level, the next large cities saw a Number of the Maximum cost gains in October yearly:

Thinking of buying or selling, contact our office today and speak to one of knowledgeable agents.

Home Resolution

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Is your 2021 resolution to buy a home? Here are some resolutions that will help you become a homeowner for 2021.

  1. Save for a Down Payment

Roughly 60 percent of homebuyers financed their home with a 6 percent or less down payment!

2. Clean Up Your Credit

Your credit report determines your credit score, which determines everything from whether or not you get a loan to your interest rate.

   3. Get Paperwork in Order

Buying a home involves a lot of paper work, so start getting everything together early. You will need several years of tax returns, bank statements and proof of current income.

 4. Get Pre-approved for a Mortgage

Before beginning the house process prospective homebuyers should receive pre-approval from one or more lenders to verify the amount of money they are qualified to borrow.

  5. Find a Realtor

Whether you are buying your first home or your fifth, working with a realtor is the smart move. They can provide counsel, discuss listings, show you homes in person, negotiate on your behalf and help you find your dream home this year!

 

When your ready to buy or sell a home, call our office and speak to one of our knowledgeable agents.

 

 

 

The Home Gym: Essential Equipment

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Getting in shape is a goal for so many people. And we often get so caught up in our day-to-day lives that it gets pushed further and further back on our list of priorities. If you were able to have a gym at home, you may take time to work out every day. What do you need to make your home gym functional? Let’s take a closer look at the essential equipment you can buy without breaking the bank.

Exercise mat
Whether your home gym is a dedicated space or you use the floor of your bedroom, you need a quality exercise mat. There are many on the market, and the most popular are those thin foam rolls used for yoga classes. You can use them exclusively for yoga, but they also help facilitate your other exercises such as pushups, situps and more.

Kettlebell
Experts may suggest that you need a wide variety of weights, such as dumbbells, but if you’re not a seasoned weightlifter, starting with something small and easy can be a great bet. For many people, the kettlebell is the best solution. This small weight can be purchased in a variety of sizes and can be used on its own or in conjunction with other exercises such as squats and lunges.

Stability ball
To work your core, which will help you maintain good strength in your lower back and prevent back pain, a stability ball can be fun and exciting. You can use yours for warmups and stretching and also work with it to build your core strength and improve your posture.

Stationary bike 
If you have a little more money to invest, there are a few larger exercise machines that may be a benefit for you, including stationary bikes, which many people opt for in their homes. Biking, whether upright or recumbent, is a great cardio workout. Many newer machines have built-in trainers or even trail simulations to provide a more real experience.

Elliptical 
An elliptical machine is also popular. It offers a low-impact workout that is good for both your upper and lower body. Ellipticals are designed to work with the body’s natural motion, from the foot to the knees to the hip, up the spine and into the shoulders.

Treadmill 
Of course, you may opt for a regular treadmill, and that’s just fine. If you’re not in a position where you can walk around your neighborhood, a treadmill is a good substitute. It can be used for walking or running, and many have settings for increased incline and speed.

Wanting a home gym? We can help find you a home that will fit your needs. Call today.

Text HOMES to 877-965-7775 or visit our website.

Preferred Properties of Texas

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