August Northern VA Real Estate Market Statistics

 

 

 Which is better, a new house or an older one?

 

When choosing between purchasing a newly built home and an older one, know that there isn’t a “right” or “wrong” answer. Choosing new or old may be more about understanding what you want. Here are some points to consider.

Older homes tend to be closer to downtown amenities, like restaurants and entertainment. They’re usually in established neighborhoods with mature trees and large backyards. But older houses can be expensive to maintain, and may have small rooms with little storage space.

Newer homes typically offer larger rooms, trendy finishes and usually require less maintenance. But new builds are often farther away from the excitement of downtown living. Commuting may also take longer and cost more.

Your real estate agent can help, but it comes down to one thing: Old or new, the home that feels right for your family is the one to buy.

7 Home Maintenance Tasks Homeowners Should Master

Whether you're a first-time homeowner or a seasoned veteran in homeownership, there are a few home maintenance tasks that all homeowners should master in order to keep their home in tip-top shape. Use these seven tasks as a general guide:

 

Clean the garbage disposal in your kitchen sink.

It is widely agreed upon that the best way to keep your garbage disposal blades clean and sharp is to run vinegar ice cubes through it. This easy task can eliminate odors as well as maintain your garbage disposal unit, keeping your kitchen clean and functional.

Check fire safety equipment. 

Test the batteries in your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors every six months. If you ever need either one, you'll be glad you kept them both well-maintained. At the same time, you should check to make sure that your fire extinguisher is easily accessible and not nearing its expiration date.

Inspect/replace HVAC filters. 

Your furnace and air conditioner units play a vital role in keeping your home comfortable during all seasons. Keeping the filters clean and free of pet hair, dust and debris can go a long way toward prolonging the life of your HVAC units. This simple task can mean the difference between a quick fix and a costly repair down the road.

Vacuum the dust-collecting parts of your major appliances.

Vacuuming your dryer's exhaust duct each year can prolong the life of your dryer. Same for the coils underneath your refrigerator. Trapped dust can result in trapped heat, leading to energy inefficiency and decreased life expectancy.

Test your garage door sensors. 

If you have a garage door, it is important to make sure the auto-reverse feature is in working order. This feature can keep your garage door from being damaged — or damaging any of your personal property, family members or pets.

Clean the gutters around your home. 

If your home has gutters, it is important to keep them clean and free of debris, especially during the rainy season. Standing water can create all kinds of problems. It can damage your home as well as provide a breeding ground for insects. Keeping your gutters clean will ensure that they are draining properly at all times.

Keep up with landscaping. 

In addition to improving your home's curb appeal, clearing away dead plants or shrubs on a regular basis can help you notice any issues early on. Also, make sure to check for any dead or dying limbs that overhang power lines, parking spots or your roof. Clearing away dead limbs before they become a problem can minimize stress down the road.

Keeping up with a few simple tasks can mean the difference between a routine repair and a costly replacement. Taking these steps can maintain the value of your home.

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Potential Storage Spaces You're Overlooking

Finding storage in a small room is no easy feat, especially if you’re short on closets and cabinets. Try one of these ideas for squeezing extra storage out of overlooked spaces.

Behind Doors

For every door in your house there is a space behind that door just begging to be used. Cassie Freeman of Hi Sugarplum covered the wall behind her laundry room door with a functional shelving system to organize her cleaning supplies.

Under Cabinets

Emily Lewis of Greens and Jeans added toe-kick drawers beneath her counters to expand on space in her cozy kitchen. She uses the drawers to store place mats, tablecloths, baking pans and other items that get minimal use.

Side of the Bed

If you don’t have enough space for a bedside table, get a bedside caddy to store your phone, books and other nighttime essentials. Kikkerland’s Felt Bedside Caddies slip right into your bed frame or between your mattress and box spring.

Above Doors

The dead space between a door and ceiling is a perfect place to add a shelf for extra storage. Jordan Hurd of The 2 Seasons installed this simple shelf above her bathroom door to hold extra towels in a space-challenged bathroom.

Head of the Bed

Stow small items or nighttime necessities in a headboard with built-in shelves. Ikea’s affordable Brimnes headboard is ideal for keeping books and magazines from piling up on the floor by your bed.

Ceiling

Mount sturdy racks to your garage ceiling for storage of bulky bins, pet carriers and all those other rarely used items that take up space in the main house. SafeRacks offers racks that can hold up to 600 pounds.

Inside Shelves

Maximize your storage space with some floating shelves that double as drawers, such as Ikea’s Ekby Alex shelves. The design allows you to store items inside the shelves as well as on top of them.

source: hgtv.com