Top ten maintenance tips for first-time homeowners, by Steven Rivkin.

TOP TEN maintenance tips for first-time homeowners

By Steven Rivkin

For first-time owners, owning a house can be an exciting thing. After settling, the new homeowners practice some maintenance tips.

1. IDENTIFY ESSENTIAL CONTROL AND ACCESS PANELS

New homeowners identify the water valve and circuit breakers so that they can shut them off when not in use. They also check whether the water connects to the municipal They must also inspect the panel’s hatches and check on the septic tank and thermostats. Check whether they are still in good condition; if not, they call experts to repair them.

2. TEST YOUR LOCKS, ALARMS, AND DETECTORS.

After acquiring the house, it is necessary to assess all the doors and windows. Check whether they are opening and closing correctly. Also, check whether the lock is in good condition, and if not, call an expert to repair them. After one is satisfied with the doors and windows, the next step is to check if the alarm is functional, test it, and fix it if it is faulty. Check the detectors to assess their functionality.

Batteries are replaced if need be and ensured they are in good condition. With sensors, people check for the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide.

3. CLEAN THE HOUSE

New home buyers clean the house immediately after buying it. The floors are thoroughly washed, and all stains that are present removed. Baseboards are scrubbed, ensuring that any form of dirt is not current. The buyers can hire a cleaning company for the services. Windows and screen wiped to remove specks of dirt and ensure they are sparkling clean. It is also in the process where dust in dust vents is removed. Clean the toilets and the bathtubs, ensuring they are safe for use. The kitchen is not left behind. One should ensure that the kitchen is well-groomed and all the counters adequately wiped.

4. INSPECT YOUR HOME APPLIANCES

It is always advisable to check that all devices are working well. They include the dishwasher, laundry machine, generator, and other electrical devices bought together with the house. It is done by carefully investigating each material at art time.

5. REPLACE YOUR FILTER

Replace old filters with new ones and ensure that HVAC and air conditioner work effectively. Check if kitchen filters are in good condition. Wash a replaceable filter with warm and soapy water to remove all the dirt and fixed again. Replace disposable filters. Check water filters in the fridge to see if they are working well or if the refrigerator is for ice cream making replace the water filter.

6. CLEAN YOUR GUTTER

Gutter cleaning is essential and is a process that is done annually. It is done by removing sticks and leaves present. Dirty channels could lead to mold and mildew in the house. When cleaning, one also makes sure that the gutter is correctly fitted and that the direct waterway from the home

7. SEARCH FOR MOLD AND MILDEW

One must hire a pest and control expert to help with the work. Areas mostly checked are garages, attic, and the bathroom. Professionals carry out inspections irrespective of whether or not there are signs of manifestation. The experts search for possibilities of having vermins such as dead insects, droppings of rodents, and termite frass. Problems noted are solved, and the pest control expert gives preventive guidelines.

8. INSPECTION OF HOME EXTERIORS

The new owner might need to repaint the exterior wall to his preferred color and texture. After painting, the owners check for cracks in the driveway. A cracked driveway allows weeds to grow, altering the aesthetic properties of the home and consequently weakening the driveway or walking the path. Repair any cracked walkways. One then checks the state of the porch and attic, ensuring that they are in good condition IF the compound has trees, the new owners call a tree service team to give guidelines on whether to cut the tree or maintenance practices. Buyers are consequently to find dumpy areas within the compound, and the new owners implement prevention methods immediately to prevent adverse effects.

9. PAST MAINTENANCE AND PRACTISES

The new homeowners should find out how they maintained their appliances. Possibly they can find people who carried out the activities and are familiar with the property. Some of the practices include pumping out the septic. Finding out the data should be done so that one is not stranded when they need the services immediately

10. WRITE A SCHEDULE FOR SYSTEM AND APPLIANCES MAINTENANCE

Finally, the owner of a given property needs to prepare a plan of maintenance methods for buying a house. The above must be carried out to ensure that the home is in good condition and is safe for use. It also enhances the durability of the house.

Whittier Market Overview: Where is the Market Moving?

By James Joseph

Market statistics include inventory levels, sales activity, and the number of days properties stay on the market.

The U.S market is recovering rapidly from the Covid 19 pandemic that was at its peak in 2020. Over the last two years, the economy, especially in real estate, has risen in most parts of the United States, including Whittier, in Los Angeles. As a result, mortgage prices in April 2022 were 12.6% higher compared to 2021. The median average price of houses was approximately $771k. This year, more homes were sold out compared to 2021, whereby property stayed in the market for only twenty-two days, while last year’s mortgage was approximated to remain in the market for roughly one month.

The Whittier market is currently a seller market as house prices are higher compared to previous years by 5%. Buyers are increasingly flooding the market, and supply is low, recording high inventory levels. It presents a good opportunity for real estate investors as the prices are projected to continue going up due to the supplydemand imbalance evident in the market.

Some statistics show that for the last year, the number of houses in the market is less by about 35%, while also the number of homes decreased by about 58% in the last year, and the median market day in winter went up from 13 days to 19 days in the last year consequently 2022 has seen a change in the trend.

APPRECIATION DATA.

The economy of the U.S grew rapidly in 2021 by 6%, and the consumer price index was at 7%. The stock market, however, remained substantially low that year. Headed to 2022 market was mainly based on solid fundamentals, and purchasing manager index remains firmly at broader levels.

The economy faced major challenges such as Omicron and high inflation rates in 2022. Variants are prospected to have a limited economic impact on the economy, and the inflation rates will remain higher than consensus expectations. The GDP growth in 2022 has a probability of exceeding expectations.

The growth of revenue and profit margins will continue to be high in 2022, but stock valuations are expected to not revert in the future and eventually in the long term.

Market trends for houses in Whittier are affected by factors such as if the home is bought for a single-family and if the home is in a condo rather than a townhome. January 2022 recorded a median price of $840k for a single-family home by March. The value had decreased to $740K but started up by April. The median property prices are not as high as in January.

The Median list price for condos has been on the rise in 2022, selling at $440K in January and $580K in May. Most Whittier residents prefer to stay in townhouses as opposed to other areas.

Owning a unit in an apartment seems to be a cheaper option for many buyers in the market, also putting into consideration the homes available in the market currently.

In April 2022, a home in Whittier went for about 483,600 dollars and stayed in the market for 14 days before being bought. May foresees a change in market days to increase by 2. The data shows improvement compared to last year when homes stayed for roughly 18 days in the market. The number of homes in the market is estimated to be 54%, a decrease from last year, showing the significantly reduced number of It seems that in the second quarter of 2022, the real estate business has not been so good as statistics show that the number of homes sold in May is about 60, which is a decrease from April and a significantly low figure compared to May 2021.

Whittier remains a safe place to live as it is recorded to have a minimum number of violent crimes, thus a good place to buy a home or invest.

Whittier’s home resale inventory is currently at 221, and the median list price is at $755,00, lower from May to June 2022. Currently, a square foot goes for $523; in May, the value was $524.The value decreased by one dollar. Property such as foreclosures and short sales has remained unaffected in the current market.

In Whittier, currently, inflation is the main investment risk. With the seismic dislocation of the supply chain worldwide, there may be possibilities of unexpected outcomes which might be risky in the long run. Both sellers and buyers are encouraged to remain optimistic about the market and economy. It is expected that stock will start to perform well, and economic growth will be above the norm. It is also advisable that people in the market practice discipline in managing portfolio risk.

Home Ownership

by Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA

Home ownership brings stability to individuals and families who have never had a dwelling place that they could call their own. There is something special about owning real estate that is unlike anything else on earth you can own.

Real Estate you own is not like cars that decay over time and you have to replace them. Real Estate you own is not like clothes that go out of style and you have to buy new ones. Real Estate you own is not like expensive vacations or experiences that only last a moment in time. Real Estate you own is not like an apartment where the landlord may increase the rent until it’s no longer affordable. Real Estate you own is not like staying at your parents house where you know can’t stay forever.

Home ownership is the beginning of wealth that increases over time and becomes your estate & legacy Home ownership is the pride of a mother nurturer and the kitchen her domain Home ownership is the pride of a father provider and protector of his territory and family. Home ownership is the foundation of permanence and the place where life happens, birthdays celebrated, deaths mourned. Home ownership is the place you build memories that can never be taken from you. Memories etched in walls and concrete, experienced in rooms and floors, Memories living in trees and shrubs planted by your hand. Howe ownership is the manifestation of you - your style, your colors, your smell, your stuff, your junk, your memories, your yard and your spaces, your life.

It’s the height markers on your first child’s bedroom wall. It’s the hearts drawn in the concrete slabs when you pour your patio floor It’s the birthday parties, and anniversaries in the living room and kitchen. It’s the back yard barbecue with friends, neighbors and family contentions it’s the high school and college graduation, and wedding receptions Its’ the family nights and block parties and the fellowship of family connections

Home ownership

It’s more than real estate. Land, brick and mortar, wood frame construction and chicken wire. It’s more than money saved, gifts recieved and grants obtained It’s more than the debt you incur to buy it. It’s more than the payments you make to own it. It’s more than the appreciation that comes with keeping it over time. It’s memories, it’s family, and it’s life that can happen in one place Until you say it’s time to move.