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Homeownership is one of the most important investments you will make in your lifetime. Not only does it provide a sense of stability, but it offers several important financial benefits.&nbsp;One of the key advantages of homeownership&nbsp; is the opportunity to build wealth. As you make mortgage payments you lower your debt and build equity. Over time, the value of your property is likely to appreciate, giving you a positive return on investment and the potential to sell your home for a profit in the future.In addition to the financial benefit, owning your own home provides stability. Unlike renting, your monthly housing expense does not increase with each lease renewal. Being able to budget a fixed cost gives tremendous peace of mind. When you're the owner you also have the opportunity to "nest" and make upgrades and improvements to create an environment that reflects your personal style.Perhaps the most important benefit of homeownership is the sense of community and belonging&nbsp;it offers. When you put down roots you are able to build long-term relationships with neighbors&nbsp;and enjoy a sense of truly belonging. This is especially important for children, as it provides a "village" of support as they thrive and grow.Now is a great time to take advantage of the benefits of home ownership. Whether you're a first-time buyer or in move-up or scale-down mode, our experienced agents can help you navigate the process and find the property that is perfect for your needs and budget. Contact us today to learn more!

The Benefits of Homeownership Today

Once the boiler is running satisfactorily, turn up the thermostat so that it's at a level higher than the current room temperature and, after a few minutes, check each radiator to see if it's warm. If it's not, then check to see if it has a separate thermostat or valve on it to make sure that its open and the temperature is set high enough. If in doubt, set it to full and this should be enough for the heat to start flowing into the radiator. Put your hand on the bottom and the top of the radiator. If there is a large difference in heat levels, then it's probable that the radiator needs "bleeding," which is when&nbsp;trapped&nbsp;air in the system needs to be let out. The difference in heat levels is because the air won't heat up to the same levels as the liquid in the system. In order to bleed the radiator, you will need either a small screwdriver or radiator key (depending on the radiator) and a cloth. At the top of the radiator, either on the left or right&nbsp;side&nbsp;there will be a small nut or screw. With cloth in hand, slowly turn the nut or screw counterclockwise and you should start to hear a hissing, which is the air coming out. When that stops,&nbsp;liquid&nbsp;will start to come out of the hole. At this point, tighten the nut or screw back up and clean up any dribbles from the radiator. Once you're happy that the radiators are all warm, you should check for any leaks that they might have. The common weak spot is where the central heating pipework goes into the radiator. Sometimes the seal can fail, which allows water to leak out. This usually shows itself as a small puddle on the floor,&nbsp;water marks&nbsp;on the radiator or, in the worst cases, rusty metal on the interface between the radiator and the pipework. It may be that a nut simply needs to be tightened up, but in some&nbsp;cases&nbsp;you may need to drain the central heating system and disconnect the pipework for closer inspection. New seals might be required or, in extreme cases where the radiator has got too rusty, the radiator might need to be replaced. Boiler Service Now is also a good time to get the boiler serviced by a professional so that you can be sure it's in tip-top condition to get you through the winter months. Often you can save some money if you're not servicing your boiler in the middle of winter when the engineers are at their busiest, so do this as soon as you can. As part of the service, the engineer will check the boiler for any fuel or water leaks as well as check the heat generation parts to make sure it's running efficiently. Hot Water System Now, onto the water. Frozen water is larger in volume than liquid water, so if the water becomes frozen in a pipe, it can cause the pipe to fracture and leak. Of course, this is only going to happen at the freezing point of water which is 32 degrees Fahrenheit and below. Ensure that any pipework that is potentially going to be exposed to those temperatures is insulated or lagged to keep the water from turning solid. Outside taps are usually a prime candidate for burst water pipes. It's also a good idea to check that any stopcocks or isolating valves you may have&nbsp;work&nbsp;properly. This is a fallback in case there are any leaks so that a damaged pipe can be isolated properly in order to reduce the risk of water damaging your property. It also makes replacing the damaged pipe so much easier. Locate any stopcocks or valves and turn clockwise so you can be sure they haven't ceased in place. If they have and they can't be freed up, they should be replaced. This might mean turning off the water to the property from the valve in the street. You should contact your water supplier if in any doubt as to how to do this, keeping in mind there may be different regulations as to who is allowed to do that depending on where you live.

How to Winterize Your Central Heating and Water Systems | Contact @VANTAGE Real Estate For More Information

How to Winterize Your Central Heating and Water Systems

What you'll need:
Work gloves Ladder Bucket Rivets&nbsp; Trash bags Silicone caulk Rivet gun Gutter spikes Pressure washer Garden hose
Gutters are an important feature on a house, collecting and directing water to flow away from your foundation. Just as important as the gutters themselves is regularly cleaning and preparing them for changing seasons so they continue to work properly. If you don&rsquo;t take these maintenance steps, you run the risk of damaging the gutters, or worse, getting leaks in your roof or basement or cracks in your foundation.
Get rid of the gunk. Put on pair of gloves and climb a ladder to inspect the state of your gutters. Scoop out leaves, sticks and any other debris that has accumulated, and toss it on the ground. If you would rather, hold onto a bucket or trash bag to collect the gutter debris as you clean it out.
Check the downspouts. As you make your way around the house, pay extra attention to the downspouts. If these are clogged, they can prevent water from passing through, resulting in water buildup and possible sagging or mildew in the gutters. Take a look at the rivets on the downspouts as well, and replace or tighten them if needed with a rivet gun.
Don't neglect the spikes. The spikes that run across the gutter from the outside edge to the roof help hold your gutters place so they can do their job. As you&rsquo;re scooping out gunk, check the integrity of each spike. If one is broken or not securely attached, replace or refasten it.
Look for leaks. Gutter leaks are another area of concern that need to be addressed. This could be in the form of holes or cracks in the caulking. Mark these areas with a pencil or marker and then clean them thoroughly, removing any debris or old caulking. Once the area is dry, use silicone caulk to fill in the damaged areas.
Use a pressure washer for deep cleaning. After the majority of the gutter is gone and you&rsquo;ve checked over the integrity of the gutters, use a pressure washer to thoroughly clean the gutters. Refer to the manufacturer&rsquo;s directions for specific instructions on how to use the washer. Most pressure washers can be easily hooked up to a garden hose, and you won&rsquo;t have to worry about the pressure damaging your gutters if everything is securely attached. This is also an ideal time to look for any leaks you may have missed.
Clean your gutters twice a year. The spring and fall &ndash; after the leaves have dropped &ndash; are the ideal times to give your gutters a once-over. Even if they don&rsquo;t look that bad, scoop out any debris that has built up over the months. Doing this regularly will ensure that your gutters remain free of harmful debris and that damage potential is drastically reduced.

Prepare Your Gutters for the Rainy Season | Use a pressure washer for deep cleaning | Clean your gutters twice a year

Prepare Your Gutters for the Rainy Season

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The Importance of Home Staging | @VANTAGE Real Estate

The Importance of Home Staging&nbsp;If you're thinking of selling your home, it's essential to make a good first impressions. One of the most effective ways to do this is through home staging, making your home look as appealing and inviting as possible. Here are a few reasons why home staging is so important in today's real estate market<ol><li>Increased curb appeal: Home staging can help increase the curb appeal of your property, making it more attractive to potential buyers and increasing the likelihood that they'll want to take a closer look. Simple things like removing clutter, rearranging furniture, and adding a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference.</li><li>Highlight the best features: Home staging allows you to focus on the special amenities of your property, whether it's a beautiful fireplace, a spacious living room, or a stunning kitchen. By showcasing these features, you can help potential buyers see the full potential and what makes it special.</li><li>Better photographs: Good photographs are critical in attracting potential buyers to your property, and home staging can help ensure you've put your best foot forward when it's time to take those photos. A well-staged property will look more spacious and inviting, making it easier to sell.</li><li>Higher offers: When potential buyers walk into a depersonalized, well-staged home, they can more easily imagine themselves living there. This emotional connection can lead to higher offers and a faster sale, as buyers are more likely to be interested in a property that feels like home.</li><li>Compete with other properties:&nbsp; Home staging can help your property stand out from the competition, making it more appealing to potential buyers and increasing the chances of a successful sale.</li></ol>Bottom line:&nbsp; Home staging is a crucial step in the process of selling your home. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, investing in home staging can help you get the best possible price, in the shortest amount of time, with the least inconvenience to you. So when you're ready to sell, don't overlook the importance of home staging.

The Importance of Home Staging

Published 02/15/2023 | Posted by Martha Karelius

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