Real Estate Blog

As everyone and everything begins to thaw out in Middle Tennessee over the coming weeks, you are sure to see many people outdoors, eager to soak up the sun. Those who've been shut up inside all winter may also be looking forward to warmer weather so they can stay on top of home maintenance that is more difficult to take care of during the winter.

Check out these five tips that you could knock out in one weekend!

1. Check all gutters. Ice and heavy rains could have potentially caused cracks or made the gutters come unattached to certain parts of your roofline. Inspect and then tack in anything that is loose. Also be sure to clean out any remaining leaves that did not get removed after fall.
    
2. Check water hoses and spigots. If you followed my advice in December for winterizing your outdoor faucets, then you'll want to start the process of getting those back in operation once you know overnight freezes are over for the season. Unwrap faucets and inspect hoses for dry rot that could have happened with the cold weather.
    
3. Prepare your HVAC. The easiest thing you can do to maintain your HVAC from inside your house is to change your filters. Spring is a great reminder to do this! Also, go ahead and schedule a checkup with a local company to make sure your family stays cool and to prevent bigger problems when the days get much warmer.
    
4. Check for cracks. The winter can be harsh. Check the area around your windows and doors for cracks in the paint or caulk and make necessary repairs. Also, check for cracks along any areas around your home with concrete, such as your foundation, sidewalks, stairs, garage and driveway. Use crack filler or silicone caulk to make these repairs.
    
5. Remove your firewood. Most people like to keep their firewood close during the winter months if they have wood-burning heat, but it's best to keep these wood sources at least 2 feet from the foundation of your home and at least 18 inches above the ground. This will reduce the chances of unwanted insects from entering or feasting on your home.
    

I hope you can get out there and enjoy the sunshine once it’s here to stay! If the upcoming spring weather is getting you excited about selling and/or buying a home, please give me a call!

"You've Got a Friend in Real Estate
Jarod Tanksley 615.403.8265
www.BrentwoodandBeyond.com
Brentview Realty  615.373.2814

If you’ve got your sights set on buying a house this coming spring, consider spending time now focusing on a few things that will help expedite the process later when you’re ready to make your search official. Since the majority of people will need a mortgage loan to make their dreams a reality, I’ve asked Russ Fitch from Simmons Bank to send us a few tips to consider.

A mortgage loan has very specific requirements, and if you will do some prepping before finding that perfect home, it can save you much stress. Follow these steps to improve your likelihood of an approval:

1. Budget – The lender will review your pre-tax income to determine if you can “afford” the loan. Take a look at your monthly payments and your income, and then determine the best housing payment for YOUR budget. Mortgage Originators are not financial planners and they follow the guidelines for loan approval. Sometimes, this means that a buyer can “afford” more than they want to spend. It is up to the borrower to determine their personal maximum payment and commit to staying at or below that amount.

2. Save – Most loans require a down payment, and there are closing costs associated with loans. Save at least 6% of your desired purchase price for the down payment and other related costs.

3. Check Your Credit – Once you have saved money for a down payment and determined the maximum mortgage payment for your budget, now it is time to check your credit. This frequently involves getting “prequalified” by a loan professional. Your credit score can make a big difference in the interest rate and terms that are offered to you.

4. Gather Your Documents – Loan guidelines require ample support documentation for getting the loan approved. Be ready to supply documents to the lender, such as the most recent pay stubs, the last two years of W-2’s and taxes, bank statements, and forms of identification.

Once you have completed these four steps, you will be much more likely and ready to move forward with buying a home!

Russ Fitch
Mortgage originator/Simmons Bank/ NMLS #478716
russ.fitch@simmonsbank.com

"You've Got a Friend in Real Estate
Jarod Tanksley 615.403.8265
www.BrentwoodandBeyond.com
Brentview Realty  615.373.2814