The holiday season is supposed to be joyful time of year. It should be about relaxing and sharing good times with family and friends. But the sad truth is that more accidents occur during the hThe holiday season is supposed to be joyful time of year.oliday season than any other time of the year. 

Of course, we want to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and a merry holiday season. Please take time to read these tips and pass them along to your family and friends so no one will fall victim to these common holiday dangers. 

Fire

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the incidents of house fires increase by as much as 50% during the holiday season. Many of which are started either by candles or Christmas trees. 

Candles are a classic way to add a joyous mood to your home. They may look pretty and smell nice, but they are potential fire hazards and may burn down your house if you’re not careful. 

Never leave a candle unattended. This may seem like a no-brainer, but a lot of people seem to forget just how dangerous candles can be. Be sure to extinguish the candle before going to bed or leaving the house. Never burn a candle near books, carpets, beddings, drapes, furniture or anything that can catch fire. Remember, every fire needs to be treated with caution, including candles. 

Plumbing problem

Plumbing problems may not be life-threatening, but they can cause thousands and thousands of dollars on property damage, which may also lead to a costly repair. 

With the temperatures dropping below freezing during this time of the year, your pipes are at risk freezing, or worse, bursting. The last thing you want to deal with is a flooded house during the holidays. 

To prevent this from happening, we recommend that you disconnect your water hose from your outdoor spigot and bring it inside the house. Also, let cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. This is especially important when the weather outside is very cold. 

Mold

Nothing says Christmas quite like the fresh pine scent of a live Christmas tree. However, they can be a possible source of mold exposure. A new study shows that the molds that thrive in its branches can trigger weeks of suffering for homeowners. 

Just because you or a member of your family has a mold allergy, doesn’t mean that you should give up on your Christmas tree tradition. What you want to do, however, is to have it on display for a maximum 7 days. You can put the tree up on Christmas Eve and then take it down on New Year’s Day. The longer the tree is in your home, the higher the chances of mold to grow. 

Every home that is being built today has shutoff valves that are readily accessible. Knowing where and how to shut off your home’s main water supply is important especially in times of emergency. 

Don’t wait until you have an emergency before locating your shutoff valves. Precious minutes can be lost if you or the plumber has to search for it; thus, causing more damage to your property.

Once you’ve found the valve, mark it with a small yard flag, tag, colorful paint or anything that would make the location obvious. Make sure everybody in your household know where it is and how it works.

Possible locations

I wish I could tell you that every shutoff valve is uniform in location. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Some are located inside; while others are located outside.

 In the crawlspace or basement

If you get freezing temperatures in the winter, the shutoff valve must be located in a warm area inside your house. In this case, you might want to look in the basement or crawlspace, where the waterline enters the home. 

Outside the house

In some homes, the water shutoff valve is located outside – generally in front of your house and near the side property line.  It might be in a concrete or plastic box on the ground. Lift the lid of the box and find the water meter. The valve is usually located next to it. If there are 2 valves, turning off either valve should work.

Near the pressure tank

If you get your water from a well and you don’t have a meter, find where the water pipes enter the house and follow those pipes to the pressure tank. In most cases, the pressure tank can be seen in the basement, in a closet near the water heater or the garage. 

Try a simple test once you’ve located the valve. Shut off the main water valve and check the faucets inside your home. If you can’t turn the valve, don’t force it. 

Most people avoid selling their homes during the holidays. This is due to the fact that people are too preoccupied with planning vacations, buying gifts, cooking meals and attending parties during this time of the year. However, the old thinking doesn’t apply any longer – thanks to the Internet and smart phones.

The buying season is now year-round. While sales tend to drop off during the holidays, there are good reasons to go ahead and list your home now rather than wait until spring. Here are some of them.

Less competition 

Some sellers take their properties off the market during the holiday season. Others would wait until the after the first of the year before listing their homes. For that reason, serious buyers have fewer properties to choose from.

Because of the scarcity of similar, competitive listings, it puts you in a unique position of power. Less competition means you can have a higher asking price.

Buyers never stop looking online

A huge percentage of home buyers start looking at properties online, as opposed to seeing them in person. With the internet, tablets, smartphones and our always-on lifestyle, serious buyers are still trying to look at properties even during the holiday break. They would check out new listings while waiting for the kids’ school holiday show to start or before going to bed. These buyers are excited to see new and awesome homes on the market.

Buyers are motivated

Those who remain active in their searches and are still looking at properties around Christmas or New Years are undoubtedly serious buyers. Perhaps they’re relocating to the area and holiday season is the only time they can go to town. Or maybe they need to buy before the end of the year for tax reasons. Whatever the reason is, this often results to a quicker sale process.

Leverage the holiday spirit 

As anyone who’s bought or sold a property will tell you: emotion is a big part of the transaction. And there may no more powerful emotional pull than the feelings associated with winter holidays. So why not tap into this powerful emotional tone-setter and use it to sell your existing property? 

By aligning your property with an existing holiday motif, you can increase your chances of making a deal much to your liking. 

Selling a house is no walk in the park. It becomes even more challenging if you decide to sell your house in winter. If you live in an area where it gets snows, you need extra effort to make sure your house looks attractive to potential buyers.

Use these tips when staging your home for the winter season.

Make curb appeal a top priority 

Now that all the leaves have fallen, potential buyers have a clearer view of your home. Make your house look cozy and inviting by giving it a fresh coat of paint. Adding a new doormat, house number, and hardware can also make a big difference. Also, keep your lawn looking neat. Don’t forget to illuminate the way to your front door.

Shovel the snow and keep your driveways and walkways salted and free of snow. There is no point in beautifying your home if potential buyers are afraid to walk on the sidewalk or step on the porch.

Decorate for the holidays 

Most people who are looking at houses in winter are serious buyers. Many of them are looking to settle in their new home before Christmas. Putting up some holiday decorations can help stir the holiday spirit. So go ahead and decorate the house for the holidays, but don’t overdo it. Too many ornaments can crowd your home and distract buyers.

A few subtle touches like a wreath, a bowl of pinecones, some Christmas stockings, and a pot of cider simmering on your stove can create a warm and festive feeling in your home.

Give each room a warm touch 

Accessorize your home with rugs, pillows and art. Use accessories with warm colors such as yellow, orange, and red. These colors are often associated with warmth, heat, and fire, so they’ll make the room look and feel warm and cozy.

Crank up the heat

Give potential buyers a reason to linger for little bit longer. Pump up that thermostat to ensure that they stay warm and comfortable. If you have a fireplace, then go ahead and light a fire.

Given the right conditions, mold can grow just about anywhere in your home. As you probably know, mold is not just unsightly; it can also cause health problems. 

If you would like to keep your home a healthy space to inhabit, be sure to include these areas in your regular inspection. Make sure there are no leaks or other sources of moisture, which may lead to mold growth. Through regular inspection, you can steer clear of the unhealthy and expensive problems mold can cause. 

Here are 4 common places to look for mold.

Basement

Basement mold is especially common in homes with foundation cracks, broken drain tiles, missing waterproof membranes, homes that have been flooded, homes that are poorly sloped and older homes. 

Some people use their basement as storage space for old furniture, cardboard boxes and other items they no longer use. Unfortunately, most basements are not designed with humidity and temperature controls. As a result, moisture develops and mold begins to grow. 

Bathroom 

Mold can and will grow where there is moisture. Because moisture is constantly a part of its environment, you probably won’t be surprised to hear that the bathroom is one of the most common areas for mold growth. To prevent mold growth, make sure to allow ventilation time after showering. 

Most people don’t have an idea they have mold until they smell it. Some would ignore those small patches of mold, thinking they’re just dirt. Look for mold underneath the sink, around the toilet, shower curtains or on the walls. 

Kitchen

Despite people’s effort to keep the kitchen clean and sanitized, it tends to be one of the places where mold can take root. This is mainly because the kitchen is used for preparing foods, where water is one of the most important ingredients. Standing water, spils that are left uncleaned, leaking sinks, drains and faucets, can all lead to mold growth. 

Window sills

Window sills are a prime place for mold to start and spread. Unfortunately, most people don’t often spend a lot of time examining their window sills. After keeping their windows shut all winter, homeowners typically spot mold in windows when they open them in spring. Prevent the growth of mold by keeping the glass panes moisture and dust-free. 

Buying a house is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. You’ll be putting a lot of your time, effort and money into finding the perfect house for you and your family, so you want to make sure you get the right one. Home inspection can help you with that. 

Although most buyers consider home inspection as an added expense, it is important that you have it done before signing on the dotted line. In fact, having a qualified home inspector look over the house can provide several advantages. 

Don’t be tempted to waive the home inspection when buying a house. Here are 3 key reasons why you should have the property inspected before buying. 

Peace of mind 

When you hire a home inspector, they’ll assess the house and let you know about the overall condition of the property. Through the home inspection report, you’ll discover some issues or problems that may affect the safety and value of the property. 

Yes, it may set you back by a few hundred dollars, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the property is in good condition. 

Make an informed decision 

It’s easy to fall in love with a house because of its spacious rooms, updated kitchen and bath and modern furniture. Considering that you have put in a huge portion of your savings and that you’ll be staying in this house for several years, you want to make sure it’s everything you’re looking for. 

A home inspection will give you a clear picture about what to expect on the property. By learning about the flaws and issues present in the house, you’ll be able to make better, more informed decision. If you find out that the house has major issues like structural damage, roof problems or electrical problems, you have the opportunity to back out of the transaction, considering the amount of money you’ll have to spend to fix it. 

Save money 

No house is perfect. The house may look great, but it may have some issues that are yet to be discovered. Even the newly built houses have some flaws.

The last thing you want is to find out that the house has several problems after moving in. Since you’ve already bought the house, you have no choice but to deal with these issues. If you can look past the initial expense of home inspection, then you’ll be able to save thousands of dollars down the road. 

Imagine this – you woke up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, only to realize that your home is freezing. The worst part is, you have to wait till the morning to contact a HVAC professional.

With autumn in full swing and the cold weather quickly approaching, now is the best time to have your furnace tuned up. HVAC companies never fail to remind us to schedule for a tune up, but what they fail to tell you is why it is needed.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of annual furnace tune up and why you shouldn’t wait until it gets cold. 

Reduce repairs

With proper maintenance, problems will be caught early on and make small repairs that could turn into a more serious, costly repairs. During tune up, an HVAC technician will inspect the furnace, change the filters, check the ignition, gas pressure and make sure that your system is running efficiently; thus, preventing breakdown.

Save money

If you notice that your energy bill is increasing, this could be an indication that your heating system is not running at peak efficiency. With annual tune ups, you’ll make sure that your furnace is as energy efficient as possible; thus, allowing you to save money in the long run. 

When your furnace is a finely tuned machine, it also eliminates the need for buying a new heating unit.

Prevent health risks

Furnace burns fuel to produce heat. A small problem can lead to gas leaking into your home, which can present a real hazard.

Carbon monoxide could be fatal if you inhale too much. An HVAC professional can inspect your furnace for signs of hazardous wear and ensure that you and your family are safe. 

Greater comfort

Annual tune ups will get your heating system operating at maximum efficiency. HVAC contractors will make sure that the airflow is strong and the air filter is clean. As a result, your furnace will be able to heat the house faster and provide a more consistent temperature throughout the house.

You have a perfectly lovely home. You got rid of the clutter, cleaned the house and even hired a professional stager. You also have a competent agent by your side and you’re pretty sure that you took stunning photos of your home and included it in your online listing. But the problem is, your house is still on the market. 

You may be wondering what home sellers are doing in this situation. Here are 3 things you can do to finally get that “for sale” sign out of the yard. 

Fix what needs to be fixed

Some sellers think it’s a waste to spend money on a house that they’ll be moving out of. However, potential buyers aren’t interested in buying a house that requires a long list of repairs. 

Work with your real estate agent and some friends. Ask them to take a good look at your house and point out areas that could turn potential buyers off. This will help you improve the look of your home and appeal to your target market. 

Price appropriately

If your home has been sitting on the market for a few months with very limited showings or offers, you might want to look at the price. Most properties do not sell because they are overpriced.

A house priced at market value piques the interest of buyers; while overpriced properties chases them away. Dropping the price isn’t always a guarantee that the house will sell fast, but if you price it appropriately, there’s a good chance that it will. 

Take a break from the market

Most buyers research for months or even years. If your home has been on the market for months now, then they are going to notice. Some may even think that there is something wrong with the property, making it difficult to sell.

Take your listing off the market, even for a few months, and refresh your advertising. This time, price it appropriately, fix whatever needs to be fixed and re-enter the housing market with a bang. With any luck, you’ll find that a new set of prospective buyers are eyeing your home. 

Spring and summer is the busiest time of the year for the real estate market. But just because its fall doesn’t mean your Colorado home won’t sell.

The fall season can actually be a great time to sell your Colorado house. There will be fewer homes in the market this time of the year. Meaning, potential buyers will compete for fewer homes on the market and will want to seal the deal before the holiday season.

Looking to make a quick sale before the winter arrives? Here are 4 ways to prep your house for sale in the fall.

Keep the exterior clean

Whether they’re viewing the property online or driving up to see it, a home sale begins with the buyer’s first view of the house. Potential buyers will make judgments upon seeing your Colorado home, and you want to make sure it’s positive.

Leaves are dropping like crazy this time of the year. Try to rake or mow your lawn from time to time so it looks clean and tidy. Also, make sure that the walkways, yard and gutters are free of leaves and debris.

Add some outdoor lighting

As the hours of daylight begin to grow shorter, it is important that you provide potential buyers a safe path. Place some lights along your walkway so people can clearly see the path to your front door. Turn on the lights before a home showing.

Embrace the fall season

The fall season is a time for colorful decorations and foliage. A few tasteful accents can make your Colorado home feel warm and cozy, but be sure not to overdo it. Plant some annuals in the front yard. Place a fall wreath or cornucopia on the door.  For some buyers, little touches like these really go a long way.

Check the HVAC

You want potential buyers to feel warm and comfortable when they visit. Be sure to have the HVAC system checked before turning on the heat. Also, if you haven’t changed the furnace filter yet, now is the best time to do so.

No one wants to buy a house with a mold problem. The last thing you want to discover after signing on the dotted line is that you’ll need mold remediation or removal. Unfortunately, molds are not always visible and are not easy to detect. Those pesky little spores could be hiding in the house you’re buying. Because of that, it is vitally important to get a mold inspection done.

Here are 4 reasons why a mold inspection is crucial before buying a house. 

Health risks

Even if there are no signs of mold, it is still a good idea to have a mold inspection. Mind you, mold can be toxic and hazardous to your health. While some people may only have symptoms when they are active in large numbers, others may experience allergy symptoms, asthma attacks or other health problems, even with minimal exposure.

If a member of your family is suffering from asthma or allergy, then getting a mold inspection should be on top of your list. This will give you a peace of mind that you’re moving your family into a healthy and safe environment. 

Mold remediation is costly

Mold removal can be very costly. This is because surfaces that have been contaminated with mold needs to be thoroughly cleaned. Aside from that, professionals have to address the moisture issues to prevent the problem from coming back.

If mold does exist, it can strengthen your negotiation potential and give the seller a chance to rectify the situation. You can ask the seller to fix the problem, reduce the asking price, or you can choose to walk away from the deal. 

With mold often comes water damage 

Mold will grow in places with lots of moisture. Therefore, the presence of mold means there is excess moisture in that particular area. 

Mold is often an indicator of a bigger problem. When mold grow and spread in certain parts of the house, that could be an indication of a leak, water damage, or humidity issue that wasn’t properly addressed. 

Some sellers do not disclose mold issues

Since legal requirements for disclosing mold problems are not universally mandatory, we urge you to have the house inspected for mold before buying. Sellers and real estate agents know that the presence of mold can end the transaction, which is why many of them try to hide mold issues in their home.