Once you’ve applied for a mortgage to buy a home, there are some key things to keep in mind. While it’s exciting to start thinking about moving in and decorating, be careful when it comes to making any big purchases. Here are a few things you may not realize you need to avoid after applying for your home loan.

Don’t Deposit Large Sums of Cash

Lenders need to source your money, and cash isn’t easily traceable. Before you deposit any amount of cash into your accounts, discuss the proper way to document your transactions with your loan officer.

Don’t Make Any Large Purchases

It’s not just home-related purchases that could disqualify you from your loan. Any large purchases can be red flags for lenders. People with new debt have higher debt-to-income ratios (how much debt you have compared to your monthly income). Since higher ratios make for riskier loans, borrowers may no longer qualify for their mortgage. Resist the temptation to make any large purchases, even for furniture or appliances.

Don’t Co-Sign Loans for Anyone

When you co-sign for a loan, you’re making yourself accountable for that loan’s success and repayment. With that obligation comes higher debt-to-income ratios as well. Even if you promise you won’t be the one making the payments, your lender will have to count the payments against you.

Don’t Switch Bank Accounts

Lenders need to source and track your assets. That task is much easier when there’s consistency among your accounts. Before you transfer any money, speak with your loan officer.

Don’t Apply for New Credit

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a new credit card or a new car. When you have your credit report run by organizations in multiple financial channels (mortgage, credit card, auto, etc.), it will have an impact on your FICO® score. Lower credit scores can determine your mortgage interest rate and possibly even your eligibility for approval.

Don’t Close Any Accounts

Many buyers believe having less available credit makes them less risky and more likely to be approved. This isn’t true. A major component of your score is your length and depth of credit history (as opposed to just your payment history) and your total usage of credit as a percentage of available credit. Closing accounts has a negative impact on both of those aspects of your score.

In Short, Consult an Expert

To sum it up, be upfront about any changes when talking with your lender. Blips in income, assets, or credit should be reviewed and executed in a way that ensures your home loan can still be approved. If your job or employment status has changed recently, share that with your lender as well. Ultimately, it’s best to fully disclose and discuss your intentions with your loan officer before you do anything financial in nature.

Bottom Line

You want your home purchase to go as smoothly as possible. Remember, before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any major life changes, be sure to consult your lender – someone who’s qualified to explain how your financial decisions may impact your home loan.

Some Highlights

• Worried you won’t be able to find your next home after you sell? You should know data from realtor.com shows more listings are coming onto the market each month this year.
• Having additional options can make the search for your next home easier. But inventory is still low overall, which means your house should still stand out when you sell.
• If your biggest question is where you’ll go if you sell, take this as encouraging news. Let’s connect to start the process today.

Smart home features aren’t just in movies anymore. Home sellers may consider upgrading aspects of their property’s tech before hitting the market.

Remember the Jetsons? They were a futuristic cartoon family with their own popular 1960s TV show who introduced us to some high-tech trends like flying cars, robot maids and “push-button Space Age-envisioned conveniences.” While we’re not quite there yet, plenty of “push-button” smart home conveniences have bound onto the market in recent years, helping make homes more comfortable, safe and convenient.

Using smart home technology isn’t a far-fetched goal for homeowners – and there are some good details to know about how different features function, how often buyers are searching for them, and which stay or go when the sale goes through.

Common smart home features

With the right amount of research, motivation and budget, nearly any home can become a smart home. Brandon Doyle, a real estate agent with RE/MAX Results in Maple Grove, Minnesota, explains that a smart home by today’s standard is simply a house with an integrated system of technology.

“The textbook definition of a smart home is three or more connected devices,” says Doyle. “The devices can be connected to each other or to the internet and accessed remotely.”

The technology can vary, but it most commonly includes elements like:

• Voice Assistant – Voice activated software that carries out simple commands, like telling the temperature or shutting off lights. E.g. an Amazon Echo or Google Nest.
• Smart Lock – A Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled door lock that uses the tap of a finger or voice command, allowing homeowners to leave their keys at home.
• Smart Doorbell – Synonymous with video doorbell, this internet-connected device allows a homeowner to see who’s at the front door via a video feed and smart phone.
• Smart Thermostat – Also Wi-Fi enabled, this technology automatically adjusts a home’s heating and cooling settings and can also be adjusted remotely with a smart phone.
• Smart Water Meter – This technology can analyze water usage and track patterns to optimize efficiency. Some are automatic while others can be manually adjusted using a smart phone.
• Smart Garage Door– This Wi-Fi enabled device allows you to remotely check on the state of your garage door, open and shut it, or check when it was last in use.
• Smart Security System – Also known as a Smart Alarm, this is a system of window and door sensors that can be monitored and controlled through a smart phone.

Each of these components serves a modern function, but when connected to a central hub – like a smart phone or voice assistant – they can operate by simple command, becoming much more convenient.

Selling a home in the “Smart Age”

Doyle explains, however, that not all smart homes carry the true distinction of the term.

“A lot of the products are considered personal property and so they wouldn’t actually convey with the home. Like your voice assistants, you’re going to pack those up and take them with you,” he shares. “But for things like smart thermostats, doorbells or locks, I think of them as fixtures that are going to convey with the property.”

For home sellers, it’s important to know the distinction between the two – and the expectations that come with home technology when listing a home for sale. Personal property technology, like a robot vacuum or streaming device that isn’t embedded in the home is considered an item the seller would take with them. But an item such as a smart thermometer, doorbell, smart lock, or security system that requires installation – and therefore can be considered a fixture of the house – will likely stay when it’s time to move.

Donna Deaton, an agent with RE/MAX Victory + Affiliates in Liberty Township, Ohio says in certain states, like hers, smart home technology needs to be declared in the transaction.

“All contracts are different with every state, and ours were just updated a year ago. They now include smart fixtures and say they stay with the home unless we write them out. So, we would have to exclude it in the contract should the buyer or the seller want to take those things with them,” she says.

Deaton explains how smart tech also needs to be disconnected or disclosed.

“It’s a rule here that if they have smart technology things, they either have to disconnect it or disclose it. If you’re not going to disconnect it, you have to disclose it to the buyer’s agent and they have to sign a form that says the buyers are aware,” she says.

And that happens for good reason. Both Deaton and Doyle have experienced smart home technology enough to advise home buyers and sellers where to be cautious.

Doyle adds, “As a seller, make sure your home is secure during showings. Some smart locks have codes within them, so make sure they are removed or secured. Accessible codes can be manipulated to reset the locks and could leave your house vulnerable.”

How buyers feel about smart home technology

Today’s buyers may be used to – or even expecting – a myriad of these digital features in the homes they consider purchasing. And for the homeowners occupying their home before selling, these forms of technology certainly do offer several conveniences and peace of mind. But, according to Deaton, smart home technology isn’t necessarily a make-or-break factor for most buyers considering purchasing a home.

“Homebuyers are still looking for the basics – a certain number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and a garage. The smart home features are a bonus,” Deaton says.

While homebuyers may not require a full suite of tools that designate a property a smart home, they might be interested in individual additions. For example, buyers who previously relied on heat from an electrical baseboard system or AC from a window unit may be enamored by the idea of having an updated HVAC system controlled by a tool like a Nest Thermostat.

Doyle shares that a common practice right now with newly built homes is a “Smart Home” package. This is being seen in both the mid-range and luxury homes as a way for builders to showcase modern amenities.

“A lot of new home builders are offering Smart Home packages that might include a smart water meter or a more robust internet setup for your home network with multiple wireless access points,” Doyle says. “It’s still about location, layout and price. If there is smart technology in the home, it’s a perk but not yet a necessity.”

In Doyle’s market, he is seeing the addition of a robust ethernet network, which is hard-wired internet and alleviates the strain on Wi-Fi connections, as a major perk to today’s buyers – especially those who may be working from home. He says this feature is truly what allows a house to have one integrated ecosystem and support smart technology, today and into the future.

In which case, watch out Jetsons! With their heightened convenience and extra safety measures, real-life smart homes are here to stay.

If you own a home, your net worth likely just got a big boost thanks to rising home equity. Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan. And today, based on recent home price appreciation, you’re building that equity far faster than you may expect – here’s how it works.

Because there’s an ongoing imbalance between the number of homes available for sale and the number of buyers looking to make a purchase, home prices are on the rise. That means your home is worth more in today’s market because it’s in high demand. As Patrick Dodd, President and CEO of CoreLogic, explains:

“Price growth is the key ingredient for the creation of home equity wealth. . . . This has led to the largest one-year gain in average home equity wealth for owners. . . .”

Basically, because your home value has likely climbed so much, your equity has increased too. According to the latest Homeowner Equity Insights from CoreLogic, the average homeowner’s equity has grown by $64,000 over the last 12 months.

While that’s the nationwide number, if you want to know what’s happening in your area, look at the map below. It breaks down the average year-over-year equity growth for each state using the data from CoreLogic.

The Opportunity Your Rising Home Equity Provides

In addition to building your overall net worth, equity can also help you achieve other goals like buying your next home. When you sell your current house, the equity you built up comes back to you in the sale. In a market where homeowners are gaining so much equity, it may be just what you need to cover a large portion – if not all – of the down payment on your next home.

So, if you’ve been holding off on selling or you’re worried about being priced out of your next home because of today’s ongoing home price appreciation, rest assured your equity can help fuel your move.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to make a move, the equity you’ve gained can make a big impact. To find out just how much equity you have in your current home and how you can use it to fuel your next purchase, let’s connect so you can get a professional equity assessment report on your house.

Today we take time to honor and recognize the past and present experiences of Black Americans. When it comes to real estate specifically, equitable access to housing has come a long way, but the path to homeownership is still steeper for households of color.

The Gap in Homeownership Rate in America

It’s a more challenging journey to achieve homeownership for some buyers, as shown by the measurable gap between the overall average U.S. homeownership rate and that of non-white groups. Today, Census data shows the lowest homeownership rate persists in the Black community (see graph below):

This graph clearly indicates there’s a gap that still exists in the percentage of people in each community who are able to achieve homeownership. 

How Homeownership Impacts Household Wealth 

One of the challenges that could make buying a home harder for these groups is how difficult it can be to accumulate wealth. Even today, there are obstacles certain racial and ethnic groups, especially the Black community, still face. A recent article from NextAdvisor explains:

“The median Black household earns 61 cents for every dollar earned by a comparable White household, according to the Economic Policy Institute. This not only makes it more difficult to afford a home, but also to accumulate and pass on generational wealth.”

This can delay or prevent many from achieving homeownership, challenging their ability to grow their net worth and build wealth that can pass down to future generations – a point that’s clear in a 2022 report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Given that homeownership contributes to wealth accumulation and the homeownership rate is lower in minority groups, data shows that the net worth for these groups is also lower. At $188,200, the net worth of a typical white family was nearly 8 times greater than that of a Black family ($24,100) in 2019.”

It’s important to talk about the experience Black homebuyers may have and the challenges they may face as they pursue their dream of homeownership. The inequity that remains in housing can be a point of pain and frustration. That’s why it’s so important for members of diverse groups to have the right team of experts on their sides throughout the homebuying process.

These professionals aren’t only experienced advisors who understand the market and give the best advice. They’re also compassionate allies who will advocate for your best interests every step of the way. They can point you to important resources and tools that can help you throughout your journey to homeownership.

Bottom Line

Opportunities in real estate improve every day, but there are still equity challenges that many face. Let’s connect to make sure you have an advocate on your side to help you achieve your dream of homeownership.

If you’re following the news, all of the headlines about conditions in the current housing market may leave you with more questions than answers. Is the boom over? Is the market crashing or correcting? Here’s what you need to know.

The housing market is moderating compared to the last two years, but what everyone needs to remember is that the past two years were record-breaking in nearly every way. Record-low mortgage rates and millennials reaching peak homebuying years led to an influx of buyer demand. At the same time, there weren’t enough homes available to purchase thanks to many years of underbuilding and sellers who held off on listing their homes due to the health crisis.

This combination led to record-high demand and record-low supply, and that wasn’t going to be sustainable for the long term. The latest data shows early signs of a shift back to the market pace seen in the years leading up to the pandemic – not a crash nor a correction. As realtor.com says:

“The housing market is at a turning point. . . . We’re starting to see signs of a new direction, . . .”

Home Showings Then and Now

The ShowingTime Showing Index tracks the traffic of home showings according to agents and brokers. It’s a good indication of buyer demand. Here’s a look at that data going back to 2019 (see graph below):

The 2019 numbers give a good baseline of pre-pandemic demand (shown in gray). As the graph indicates, home showings skyrocketed during the pandemic (shown in blue). And while current buyer demand has begun to moderate slightly based on the latest data (shown in green), showings are still above 2019 levels.

And since 2019 was such a strong year for the housing market, this helps show that the market isn’t crashing – it’s just at a turning point that’s moving back toward more pre-pandemic levels.

Existing Home Sales Then and Now

Headlines are also talking about how existing home sales are declining, but perspective matters. Here’s a look at existing home sales going all the way back to 2019 using data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) (see graph below):

Again, a similar story emerges. The pandemic numbers (shown in blue) beat the more typical year of 2019 home sales (shown in gray). And according to the latest projections for 2022 (shown in green), the market is on pace to close this year with more home sales than 2019 as well.

It’s important to compare today not to the abnormal pandemic years, but to the most recent normal year to show the current housing market is still strong. First American sums it up like this:

“. . . today’s housing market looks a lot like the 2019 housing market, which was the strongest housing market in a decade at the time.”

Bottom Line

If recent headlines are generating any concerns, look at a more typical year for perspective. The current market is not a crash or correction. It’s just a turning point toward more typical, pre-pandemic levels. Let’s connect if you have any questions about our local market and what it means for you when you buy or sell this year.

Americans’ opinion on the value of real estate as an investment is climbing. That’s according to an annual survey from Gallup. Not only is real estate viewed as the best investment for the ninth year in a row, but more Americans selected it than ever before.

The graph below shows the results of the survey since Gallup began asking the question in 2011. As the trend lines indicate, real estate has been gaining ground as the clear favorite for almost a decade now:

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home, let this poll reassure you. Even when inflation is high like today, Americans recognize owning a home is a powerful financial decision.

How an Investment in Real Estate Can Benefit You During High Inflation

Because inflation reached its highest level in 40 years recently, it’s more important than ever to understand the financial benefits of homeownership. Rising inflation means prices are increasing across the board, and that includes goods, services, housing costs, and more. When you purchase your home, you lock in your monthly housing payments, effectively shielding yourself from increases on one of your biggest budgetary items each month.

If you’re a renter, you don’t have that same benefit, and you aren’t protected from these increases, especially as rents rise. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, notes:

“Rising rents, which continue to climb at double-digit pace . . . and the prospect of locking in a monthly housing cost in a market with widespread inflation are motivating today’s first-time homebuyers.”

When Inflation Has Risen in the Past, Home Prices Have Too

Your house is also an asset that typically increases in value over time, even during inflation. That‘s because as prices rise, the value of your home does too. Mark Cussen, Financial Writer for Investopedia, puts it like this:

“There are many advantages to investing in real estate. . . . It often acts as a good inflation hedge since there will always be a demand for homes, regardless of the economic climate, and because as inflation rises, so do property values. . . .”

And since rising home values help increase your equity, and by extension your net worth, homeownership is historically a good hedge against inflation.

Bottom Line

Buying a home is a powerful decision. It’s no wonder why so many people view it as the best long-term investment, even when inflation is high. When you buy, you help shield yourself from increases in your housing costs and you own an asset that typically gains value with time. If you want to better understand how buying a home could be a great investment for you, let’s connect today.

BY LISA IANNUCCI

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/things-everyone-should-know-about-home-268076

[Apartment Therapy]We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Congratulations, you’re a homeowner! (Or you’re a renter! Which also deserves celebration!) There’s so much to learn and explore about your new digs, but it’s important to get some basics squared away before you play. Your home will have countless surprises for you over the years—and the right time to learn how to deal with them is not when you’re smack dab in the middle of a crisis. From some emergency preparedness to basic troubleshooting, these are 50 things everyone should know about their home. While it’s not a comprehensive guide, it’s a great place to start:

1. Your exit plan

First and foremost, one of the most important things you should know about your home is how to get out of it. In case of a fire or another emergency, how are you going to get to safety? (Every sleeping area should have at least one exit identified, either a door or a window that leads directly to the exterior.) What about for natural disasters? You should have a solid exit plan for all scenarios—Ready.gov has great planning resources for both domestic and external emergencies.

2. How your smoke detectors work

According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. The best way to prevent this? Check to make sure your smoke detectors are working monthly.

Had them for awhile? It may be time for a replacement. According to Welmoed Sisson, home inspector at Inspections by Bob in Frederick, Maryland, and author of “101 Things You Don’t Want In Your Home,” they should be replaced every ten years.

Want to know more about your smoke detectors? Here are all your questions, answered.

3. How your carbon monoxide detectors work

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 150 people in the United States die annually from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. While you’re checking your smoke detectors, give your CO detectors a good press, too. Many devices will have an end-of-life alarm, but many, including those by First Alert, recommend replacing them after five years.

4. How to use your fire extinguisher

Sure, you may have received a fire extinguisher from your parents as a first apartment housewarming gift, but do you actually know to use it? Peruse the National Fire Protection Association’s guide for a quick how-to. Also, if you’ve never used it (other than as a doorstop), Allstate has a nifty blog post about how to effectively inspect your extinguisher.

5. If you’re at risk for radon

When you were going through the home inspection process, it’s likely your home was tested for radon exposure—aka what happens after the natural breakdown of uranium in rock, soil, and water. However, if you live in an older home in the Northeast, Southern Appalachia, the Midwest, or the Northern Plains, you should test for radon if you haven’t in awhile or if you’ve just done a major home renovation. The New York State Department of Health recommends every couple five years in different seasons.

Want to learn more about radon, its dangers, and how to test your home? Check out our handy guide.

6. How to change your locks

One of the first things experts recommend doing when moving in a new house is changing the locks—but why spend the additional money hiring a locksmith if you can easily do it yourself? (Here’s an easy DIY from This Old House!) If you don’t want to change all the locks themselves (cause that’s still pricey!) but still want the added security reassurance, you can also use a re-keying kit, which runs about $9 (but is a little more difficult to install than an entire new unit).

7. How to change your garage access information

Here’s a tip: Default isn’t safe. Take a cue from Jill Schafer, an agent with Kentwood Real Estate in Denver, Colorado, and learn how to change your garage keypad stat.

8. How to spot (or smell!) mold—and what to do with it

The CDC says that whenever you spot mold on a hard surface, you should deal with it immediately. However, some molds can require more intensive removal. One in particular is Stachybotrys chartarum (aka toxic black mold) and it grows wherever water or moisture shouldn’t be. Though it’s black, green, or gray, chances are you’re going to smell it before you see it since since it’s usually stuck in the pores of water-damaged drywall, carpet, or other flooring. Most of the time, a surface cleaning won’t do anything—you’re going to have to get rid of the materials entirely and address what was causing water damage in the first place.

9. How to deal with pests

Speaking of living things in your home: You should know what pests are common in your area and potentially may encounter in your home. From insects, like silverfish and even—god forbid—bed bugs, to bigger uninvited guests, like mice or other wild animals, you should know what to do if you see one as well as ways to prevent an infestation.

10. Where the main electric shut off is—and how to turn it off

Generally, it’s good to locate where your breaker box is (and have it appropriately labeled).

“It may be in the main panel in the basement, but in some houses it’s in the garage or outside near the electric meter,” says Sisson.

While you’re most likely to interact with it after you trip a circuit breaker or blow a fuse, you should also know how to turn off your home’s electricity flow for maintenance and safety reasons. If you’re installing something electric (i.e. a light fixture or any appliance that’s more complicated than just plugging something in), you’ll need to turn off the individual circuit breaker. If there’s a local fire, too, (i.e. if your microwave catches fire) or if there are sparks coming out of your outlet—you should run to the breaker, too.

11. Where the main water shut-off is—and how to turn it off

According to Mr. Rooter Plumbing, your main water shut-off valve is most likely located close to your water heater and has a bright red handle. A strong clockwise turn is all it takes to turn it off.

But why should you know how to turn it off? According to Ben Creamer, co-founder and managing broker of Downtown Realty Company in Chicago, Illinois, quickly turning off the water in a plumbing emergency will alleviate potential water damage in the home.

“A cracked pipe, a leaky shower, or a broken sprinkler head can all cause serious and costly damage if you don’t stop the water flow quickly,” Creamer says.

Shutting off your water, too, is an important step in preventing frozen pipes from bursting. If you live in a cold weather climate, you should know where your hose bib (your outside faucet) valve is and turn it off for the winter (as well as drain any water in the pipes). “Below-freezing winter temperatures can wreak havoc on pipes and exterior fixtures, causing cracks and breakage that might not materialize until the spring thaw,” Creamer says. “I’ve seen outdoor water faucets break at the wall and lawns flood from cracked underground pipes because the water system wasn’t cleared properly before winter’s first freeze.

12. Where the gas shut-offs are

For safety reasons, you shouldn’t try to shut off your gas main on your own—leave that to a professional, reports Katie Johnston at the Boston Globe. And if you smell gas in your home, leave and call 911 immediately.

However, if you need to turn off a gas-powered appliance, like a stove or water heater (for installation or maintenance purposes), look behind the machine for the valve and turn clockwise. For more detailed instructions, check out SoCalGas’s how-to.

13. How your home is ventilated

There are multiple ways to ventilate a home—and they all require their own type of upkeep. To prevent harmful pollutants and/or unwanted moisture to accumulate and wreak havoc on your health and home, make sure all exhaust vents are unobstructed and all mechanical systems are serviced yearly.

The nuts and bolts

Numbers and metrics are specific to your home.

14. Your experts

If a pipe breaks or the furnace poops out, who will you call? Keep a list of recommended plumbers, carpenters, electricians, contractors, handymen, and exterminators on your refrigerator to call in a moment’s notice.

15. The lifespan of all the components of your home, their warranties, and their maintenance schedules

Fun fact: Nothing in your home lasts forever—and even if something is made to last for a very, very long time, it’ll require regular upkeep to ensure you squeeze out every last potential year of your appliances and building materials. Knowing how old everything is in your home, the last time everything was serviced, if it’s still under warranty, and any major issues in the past will help you plan out just when you’ll need to perform maintenance (and save up for it.)

“Get a sense for the remaining lifespan of the roof, furnace, air conditioning condenser, and other mechanicals,” says Brian Davis, a real estate investor and co-founder of SparkRental.com. “These are expensive to replace, and homeowners should know if they need to expect a $15,000 roof bill next year or ten years from now.”

16. Where your wall studs are

For anything weighing over a pound, use a stud finder to drill or hammer into the studs. Just $7 can save you from expensive damaged drywall, says Davis.

17. What type of insulation you have

“It’s important to understand the type of insulation that runs throughout your home,” said Bridget Rooney, a home renovation and safety expert. While all insulation types have their own benefits, risks, and maintenance routines, some are more dangerous than others. For example, if your home was built before the 1980s, it’s possible that your home has asbestos insulation. Asbestos is not dangerous if it’s contained, but if “friable” (easily crumbled by hand) and its fibers or dust are inhaled, it can cause abestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. This is a common risk in older homes and, surprisingly, according to the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center, there are no federal guidelines for home inspections around asbestos, and many inspectors don’t check. However, in many states, sellers are required to disclose any known asbestos products in the home.

“Replacing this insulation sooner rather than later with a non-toxic alternative such as paper insulation will ensure your home is a healthy place for many years to come,” Rooney says.

18. Your home’s electrical load/capacity

Want to add another appliance or make a modernization update? Make sure your circuit can handle the additional load so you’re not constantly running down to reset your breaker, says Allison Chiaramonte of Warburg Realty in New York City.

“These simple updates are pointless if there isn’t enough power,” says Allison Chiaramonte of Warburg Realty in New York City. “Adding more electric can be very costly so know this before you plan any sort of updates or purchase a home.”

The Spruce has a helpful article on how to calculate your home’s electrical capacity yourself, or you can hire an electrician for a comprehensive analysis.

19. Your water pressure

You can check your water pressure using a pressure gauge from a home improvement store. (This $6 one is top-rated on Amazon as well.) According to Mr. Rooter Plumbing, an ideal water pressure reading is between 45 and 55 psi. Any higher means you risk overloading your pipes and hoses, which can result in flooding. Any lower means a disappointing shower. You can easily fix any problems in pressure by installing and tightening/loosening a regulator. If it’s a problem directly from the municipal system, you can add a water pressure booster—but they’re somewhat pricey.

20. Your proper light bulb wattage

“Overlamping, or using a light bulb with wattage too high for a given outlet, can easily result in a home fire,” said Craig Gjelsten, vice president of operations at Rainbow International. “Simply locate the proper wattage on each fixture outlet. If the fixture is unmarked, stay under 60 watts to be safe. Avoid using [compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in any lighting unit where the base of the bulb is enclosed by the fixture, such as with track and recessed lighting.” Instead, Gjelsten recommends a cooler option, such as LED.

Additionally, make sure all of your light bulbs are the same type and wattage—this is a common staging trick as uneven lighting can make a space appear smaller.

Basic troubleshooting

21. How to shut off your toilet

Look, shit happens. But don’t let your bowl runneth over onto your sparkling clean floor just because your tank won’t stop running. Turning off your toilet water valve (it’s the silver almond-shaped handle right under or behind the toilet) will stop messes before they happen.

22. How to stop a dripping faucet

That plinky leaky faucet is not only driving you crazy, but it’s costing you money. Learn how to take off the faucet and replace the rubber washer—here’s an easy how-to.

23. How to unclog a sink drain

Forget those hazardous chemicals. Instead, turn off the water, place a bucket underneath the sink and unscrew the U shaped pipe underneath. Most likely, what’s causing the clog is in there.

24. How to unclog a shower drain

Slow shower? Try one of these 10 methods for how to unclog a drain before calling the plumber.

25. Where your water heater is, its capacity, and how to flush it out

Your home should be a no-cold shower zone—so you should know how much hot water your heater can contain. And step one in enacting that rule is knowing where your water heater is to check its size, but also in case of any on-the-ground troubleshooting (Spoiler alert: It’s usually tucked away somewhere and likely around the other utility hubs.) And while we’re talking about water heaters, remember that yours needs to be flushed every year. Sisson says you can do that using the faucet at the base.

Looking for your water softener? It shouldn’t be that far away from the heater!

26. What type of waste system you have, how it works (and where your main-line clean-out is)

The closer you live to an urban center, the more likely you are to have a direct connection from your home to a municipal sewer system. All pipes in your home most likely connect to the city system via a main-line, which can occasionally clog (and cause sewage water to seep up from floor drain. Yuck!) Thankfully, there’s a clean-out—usually outside the home and close to the foundation—that can easily solve problems. However, if that clean-out is blocked, the problem becomes harder and more expensive to fix.

If you’re in a more rural area, you may be dealing with a septic tank. Aaron Hendon of Christine & Company of Keller Williams in Seattle says there are many different designs of tanks and each has its own needs and ways to care for it. Hopefully you won’t be dealing with it all that often, but for emergency situations, you should know where in your yard your system and tank is buried. Not sure how to figure that out? According to FloHawks Plumbing and Septic in the Pacific Northwest, system diagrams may have been included as part of your home inspection, but you can also use country records to find the “as-builts” for your property (they usually contain the diagrams as well.)

27. Which air filter your HVAC system uses

While changing your filter every month may be overdoing it for those without pets or allergies, you should at least change it seasonally to ensure your AC isn’t working overtime. But these filters aren’t a one-size-fits all deal. Marla Mock, vice president of operations at Aire Serv, a Neighborly company, says you can figure out the right filter size by looking at the existing filter or consulting your HVAC manual.

“Write this number down to ensure you get the proper size,” she says. “Having the correct size increases effectiveness and helps lower your electricity bill.”

28. How to open and close your fireplace flue

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace—and use it for more than just decoration—you should know how to open and close your fireplace flue to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide buildup, says Roxanne Little, chief executive officer of HAFKAR Solutions in Atlanta, Georgia. She also recommends getting it (and your chimney, if you have one) cleaned and serviced at least annually.

29. How to clean your dryer vent ductwork

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are an estimated annual 2,900 fires, 5 deaths, and 100 and $35 million in property loss injuries due to clothes dryer fires every year. Yes, much of this is due to not cleaning off the lint catcher after every load, but did you know it’s also important to clean out your dryer vent ductwork every year too? Remove the hose behind the dryer, and take a brush and vacuum to remove any lint pileup. Not only will it reduce your chance of fire, but it will improve your dryer’s energy efficiency, too.

30. How to patch a window screen

Have a hole just big enough in your screen for a bug to crawl through? You can use clear nail polish to easily patch them right up. Bigger holes can be repaired with sewing, patches, or with a duct tape-like adhesive.

31. How to replace a circuit breaker fuse

Sometimes your fuse won’t have to be reset—but actually has to be replaced. Here’s the easy (and safe!) way to replace a circuit breaker fuse by yourself.

32. How to replace a light switch

Whether it’s broken or just kind of gross, installing a light switch is easier than you think it is. (And so is installing a dimmer!)

33. How to replace an electrical outlet

Having one outlet that just doesn’t work, is too loose, or just doesn’t look nice isn’t something you have to live with. And, quite frankly, it’s pretty easy to fix! Here, how to replace an electrical outlet.

34. How to seal up drafts

It may be an important step in winterizing, but covering up any poorly-insulated areas will lower your cooling bills in the summer, too. “As structures shift and settle over time, insulation, caulking, and other protective materials slowly lose their protective powers,” says Larry Patterson, franchise owner of Glass Doctor, a Neighborly Company. Here’s a full guide to insulating your entire home against drafts.

35. How to take off (and reinstall) your shower head

Your shower may be spotless—but, chances are, there’s one thing you haven’t cleaned in awhile: The shower head itself. At least once a year, you should remove it and give it a good cleaning. Or, while you’re at it, upgrade to an entirely new (and more luxurious) head, too.

36. How to care for your hardwood floors

Keep those hardwood floors as beautiful as they are today. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, you shouldn’t use water on them when the floor gets dirty. Instead, start cleaning your hardwood floors by using a dry cloth to promptly mop up spills and use wood-friendly cleaners on a monthly basis.

37. What your countertop materials are made of

Countertops can look like one thing and actually be another—which spells trouble when it comes time to clean and perform maintenance. “Natural stone that is proud, like marble, needs to be sealed annually and cleaned with a solution that specifically formulated to not harm the stone,” says Rainey Richardson, of Rainey Richardson Interiors in Houston, Texas. “Other materials like quartz and Neolith that are composites require much less maintenance.

38. How to clean a gutter

Be careful, but you should get up there and get out all the gook and the leaves and sticks. A clogged gutter can cause damage to your roof and leaks inside the walls. Here’s an easy guide to cleaning your gutters.

39. Where your manuals are

Gone are the days where you’d have to keep a zip-lock bag full of the user manuals for your toaster, fridge, and washing machine. Today, Schafer says you can find most of them online—just make sure to download and save a copies to the Cloud (may we suggest a dedicated folder?) so you always have access to them.

Contextual information

How your home relates to your neighborhood and the city where you live

40. Where your block/lot map is

“The map shows right-of-ways for utility companies and the county,” says Richardson. “This is important when you want to add improvements like a deck, fencing, an outdoor kitchen, or a swimming pool.”

41. Know local permitting ordinance requirements

Take a trip over to your local building department. “Learn the ordinance requirements so that any future additions or modifications are not the source of upset or extra expense,” said Hendon. “Height restrictions, setbacks, and building codes can change and you want to be clear that any future plans are allowed.”

42. When waste pick-up is (and what you can leave out)

Not only do different areas have their different days, but what can be left out as garbage, recycling, and compost (and how it should be presented) can vary wildly as well. Check with your local sanitation department to get the low-down and avoid any pricey fines.

43. Your neighbor’s contact information

We all have to look out for each other! Have your neighbors contact information on file in case of an emergency (or simply to invite them over for dinner one evening!)

44. Non-emergency numbers

911 should be kept for emergencies only. Use this number for all non-urgent matters—and only if you can’t resolve the issue yourself.

45. The noise curfew

Summer parties are fun—but your neighbors won’t appreciate your speakers blasting until all hours of the night. (And I’m sure you won’t like if a neighbor is mowing the lawn too early, either!)

46. The nearest hospital, 24/7 emergency clinic, and vet

It’s a great thing to know in case of an emergency. (It might be worth checking to see which is the closest ER that accepts your insurance, as well.)

47. Your polling place

Voting is your civic duty—locate where you need to be on election day.

48. Your elected representatives

It’s important to know who is doing the work for you and your community (and if they’re doing a good job.) Want to become a more informed citizen? Set a Google alert for their names.

49. The nearest donation center

There’s no reason to throw out old furniture or clothes when you can donate it—and often when someone will swing by to pick it up! Locate your nearest donation center (like Goodwill or the Salvation Army) and research what they can and can’t accept.

50. Who services your local utilities

Who provides internet, electricity, gas, and water in your area—and how can you contact them in an emergency?

BY MEGAN O’BRIEN

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/home-inspector-questions-37052836

Purchasing a home is no small investment. And a few months after handling your closing costs is not the moment you want to incur a four- or five-figure surprise — like, say, learning that the roof of your recent purchase needs to be replaced. 

This is where the importance of the home inspection comes in. It gives you an in-depth snapshot of the home’s current state and prepares you with information about what repairs and maintenance may be required, both immediately and within the coming years. 

To help prevent you from facing your own pricey shocker, we consulted home inspectors and a broker for questions to ask your home inspector. Always come prepared. 

Do you inspect to a standard of practice? 

A standard of practice details what an inspection will and won’t include. Especially if you’re a first-time home buyer, asking about it will help you anticipate what to expect from the process. “This is a lot of money,” says Rick Ursitti, certified home inspector at Pillar to Post in La Cañada, California. “So understanding how your home will be inspected is critical.” He also suggests asking for a copy of that specific standard of practice. Pillar To Post, Ursitti notes, uses the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) standard of practice. Your home inspector may use a state-specific standard, but the components should be pretty similar. 

How much time should I allocate for the inspection? 

In addition to helping you plan your day, this can give you a sense of how thorough the inspection will be. “If they say an hour, I wouldn’t trust it,” says Ursitti. “A typical average 2,000-square-foot home should take about three hours.” If you’re looking at a condo, he suggests about two hours. 

Do you carry liability insurance? 

Ursitti explains that, if something is missed during an inspection and is a safety issue, your home inspector may be responsible for correcting the problem. “Pillar To Post home inspectors are required to carry insurance that protects both the inspector and buyer’s agent for potential missed issues or safety concerns,” he says. “It is always a good idea to ask. Don’t always assume an inspector carries coverage.” 

What do you think of the roof, plumbing, electrical, and foundation? 

“Those are the big-ticket items if you have to repair them,” says CJ Brasiel, broker owner at Veridian Realty in San Jose, California. “If they’re at the end of their life or old, those are the problems.” If you want to get more specific on one or all of these components, she suggests asking: Has the electrical been updated? Is it copper plumbing? Are there any drainage issues, and are there any structural issues because of the foundation? Is the roof leaking? 

Will you inspect under the house? 

This is another question that lets you know how thorough your inspection is going to be, and can help you discover problems that could become larger issues down the line. “I have found so many shower leaks or drains under the house that you would not have seen if I didn’t go under the house,” says Ursitti. “Sometimes there’s a limitation, but the inspector will make whatever attempt they can. I went under a house that I shouldn’t have gone under because of size, and it turns out I found a $140,000 foundation problem.” 

Any follow-up question(s) you have. 

After an inspection, your home inspector will leave you with a report of what they found throughout the home. “I would suggest that people really read and look over their inspection report,” says Eddie Friendly, owner of Friendly Home Inspections in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The inspector may go over it with you, but don’t hesitate to reach out after the fact if you’re left with lingering questions about what fixes and maintenance your property needs. 

Some Highlights

• June is National Homeownership Month, and it’s a great time to consider the benefits of owning your own home.
• If you’re considering homeownership, know that it can give you privacy, comfort, and a place to express yourself. It can also provide financial stability and help you grow your net worth.
• Are you ready to experience all the great benefits that come from purchasing a home? Let’s connect to begin the process today.