Selling Your Home? Here’s One Aroma That Will Help You Sell It

Shreveport-Bossier City Homes and Lifestyle

True or false…

When you’re selling a house, you should bake cookies before a showing or an open house.

I guess you could say the answer is a hard and fast “true” because, after all, it can’t hurt. Who doesn’t like the smell of freshly baked cookies?

But it’s also kind of false…

It isn’t like you can Betty Crocker your way to a sale, let alone at the highest price possible. Your entire house still needs to be appealing. A batch of cookies isn’t going to hide bad odors enough or divert people’s attention from a messy house that needs repairs.

If only it were that simple…

Picture (and smell) this — a buyer shows up to a house and the homeowner has:

  • Two dogs laying on the sofa (wet from being in the rain).
  • Five cats roaming around. They share one unclean litter box and use every piece of furniture as scratching posts.
  • A well-used ashtray in each room.
  • A teenage son who has a pile of gym clothes under his bed.
  • A freshly-baked batch of cookies on the table with a sign that says “Enjoy a warm cookie while enjoying our house!”

Think the buyer’s gonna want to grab a cookie, let alone buy the house? Nope. There’s more of a chance their son will figure out how to do his own laundry.

You’d think that’s far-fetched, but we real estate agents and our buyers actually walk into houses not too far from this reality.

The one smell that does sell…

Cookies won’t cut it. Nor will a cookie-scented candle. (Or any other candle scent for that matter.)

Pro tip: Some candles can actually turn a buyer off. Even if someone likes the smell of a particular candle, it may trigger curiosity about what the owner is trying to hide.

However, there is one smell that will help your house sell…

It’s called “clean.” But you can’t get it in a store, online, or from a late night TV infomercial. You can get the products that’ll get your house smelling clean from any of those places… but there’s no substitute for a good, thorough cleaning to create an aroma that will appeal to any and all buyers.

Whether you do it on your own, or hire a professional cleaning service, giving your house a good deep cleaning before (and while) your house is on the market is one of the most important things you can do.

That doesn’t mean it should smell like ammonia or “Spring Breeze” cleaning solution. It should smell like nothing, actually. Or at as close to it as possible.

Obviously there’s more to it than that…

A clean (and clean smelling) house is a good start, but there’s more to think about when preparing your house for sale.

Lots of homeowners do very little to prepare their house for sale, yet they expect their house sell quickly and for top dollar.

On the other hand, some homeowners go bonkers and do way more than they have to, or even should, to prepare their house for sale. These folks end up spending more time or money than they’ll receive in return.

The bottom line:

There’s a fine line between not preparing your house enough… and preparing your house too much. Always seek a trusted real estate professional’s advice on preparing your house just the right amount.

Almost 90 Percent of Homes on the Market for Less Than a Month

Shreveport-Bossier City Homes and Lifestyle

When you sell your home, you want it to sell quickly and profitably. And if selling quickly and profitably is the goal, now is definitely a great time to sell.

According to data from the National Association of REALTORS®, in April 2021, a whopping 88 percent of homes in the United States were on the market for less than a month. On average, homes stayed on the market for just 17 days—down from 27 days in April 2020. And not only are homes selling incredibly fast—they’re also selling for incredibly high prices. In April 2021, the median existing-home price in the US hit $341,600. That’s a 19.1 percent increase from April 2020—and the highest median home price on record.

The Takeaway:

So, what does this mean for you? Homes are selling faster and at a higher premium than ever before—so if you’ve been thinking about selling your home, now is a great time to make a move.

**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.  Connect With Me Here

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Buying Your First Home? Make Sure to Avoid These Common First-Time Homeowner Mistakes

Shreveport-Bossier City Homes and Lifestyle

Buying a home for the first time is extremely exciting. But like any new experience, as a first-time homeowner, you don’t know what you don’t know—and that lack of knowledge can lead to frustrating, challenging mistakes.

But what, exactly, are some of the most common mistakes people make after buying their first home?

A recent article from realtor.com outlined some of the most common mistakes made by first-time homeowners, including:

  • Hiring a contractor without researching their background. Hiring the wrong contractor can lead to a lot of wasted time and money, and blindly hiring a contractor is one of the costliest mistakes a new homeowner can make. Before you hire anyone to do a home renovation project (whether that’s remodeling your kitchen, or landscaping your backyard), make sure to do your research, read reviews, and ask to speak to references.
  • Not budgeting for home-related expenses. When you bought your home, you budgeted for the major expenses, like your mortgage. But buying a home can come with a host of new expenses first-time homeowners aren’t used to paying, like homeowner’s insurance, homeowner association (HOA) fees, and monthly utility bills. If you don’t budget for those new expenses, it can put you in the red. When you buy your first home, make sure you’re looking at all the expenses associated with the purchase—and budget accordingly.
  • Putting off routine maintenance. Many first time homeowners don’t realize all the routine maintenance that goes into keeping your home in tip-top shape. And, as such, they let maintenance tasks slide—which can lead to expensive repairs down the road. When you move into your new home, make a checklist of all the maintenance tasks and how often/when they need to be completed—then review the list every month to make sure you’re not forgetting any tasks.

The Takeaway:

There are a lot of mistakes people make after buying their first home. But knowing the common mistakes first-time homeowners make can help you avoid those mistakes—and the headaches, frustration, and expenses that go along with them.

**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.  Connect With Me Here

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Who Is Responsible for Paying Real Estate Fees?

Shreveport-Bossier City Homes and Lifestyle

When it comes to buying or selling a home, from a financial perspective, there’s more to think about than just the home price. There are a variety of fees associated with a real estate transaction—and, as a buyer or seller, it’s important to understand which of those fees you may be responsible for during the process.

A recent article from realtor.com aimed to clear up the confusion by outlining who covers common real estate fees, including:

  • Agent commission: Real estate agents make a commission off of every home sale; while commissions vary by agent, they’re often a percentage of the total sale price—a percentage that is then split between the buyer’s and seller’s broker; and then agent gets a portion of that. (So, for example, if the commission is 5 percent, 2.5 percent would go to the buyer’s broker, and 2.5 percent would go to the seller’s broker). Generally, the sellers pay this fee when it’s subtracted from the proceeds of their property sale at closing.
  • Closing costs: Closing costs cover a variety of fees (taxes, HOA fees, loan processing, title company, and insurance fees) that are due at closing—and generally run between 2 and 3 percent of the home’s purchase price in our area. Depending on the home sale—and the negotiating skills on either side—these costs may be covered by the buyer, the seller, or a combination of both.

The Takeaway:

So, what does this mean for you? Whether you’re buying or selling a home, if you’re not sure what fees you’re responsible for (or how much those fees will be), talk to your real estate agent. They can give you deeper insights into what fees you’ll be expected to cover—and how much you should set aside to cover those fees during your home purchase or sale.

**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.  Connect With Me Here

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Thinking About Buying a Home Near a School? Make Sure to Weigh These Pros and Cons

Shreveport-Bossier City Homes and Lifestyle

You’ve found your dream home—but it’s right across the street from a school. So, the question is, will your home’s location near a school be a major plus, or a serious drawback?

A recent video from realtor.com outlined the pros and cons of purchasing a home near a school, including:

  • Pro: No commute to school. If you have school-aged children (and their ages line up with the grades the nearby school serves), living within walking distance of their school means you don’t have to drive them to school or put them on the bus.
  • Con: More street traffic. Even if your kids can walk to school, the majority of students will still need to be bussed or driven each day—which means significant street traffic at drop-off and pick up times.
  • Pro: Schools = safety. Schools are invested in keeping their students, property, and neighborhood safe, which typically translates to extra security measures, like security guards and cameras. And if you live nearby, you get the secondary benefit of those security measures.
  • Con: Extra noise. Between students playing outside, extracurricular activities, and other after-school events, schools can be noisy places—and if you live near a school, you’ll have to deal with the noise.

The Takeaway:

So, what does this mean for you? Living near a school has its benefits and challenges—and if you’re considering buying a home near a school, it’s important to understand both before you make a decision.

**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.  Connect With Me Here

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Putting in an Offer on a Home? Make Sure to Do These Things First

Shreveport-Bossier City Homes and Lifestyle

After weeks (or months!) of searching, you finally found a home that feels like the right fit—and you’re ready to make an offer.

But not so fast! Before you officially make an offer, there are a few steps you’ll want to take to ensure that making an offer is, in fact, the right move—and if it is, that your offer is competitive and has a high likelihood of getting accepted (and getting you into your dream home).

So what, exactly, are those steps? A recent article from realtor.com outlined the key things buyers need to do before submitting an offer on a home, including:

  • Look into the home’s history. The more you know about the home and its history, the better and more competitive you can make your offer—and the more likely it is that the offer will be accepted. So, before you make an offer, ask your real estate agent for information on the listing (for example, how long it’s been on the market and if there have ever been any reductions in price)—and ask them to call the listing agent for additional details about the property (for example, why the homeowners are selling).

  • Research property taxes. The cost of owning a home is more than your mortgage payment. Before you can determine whether you can afford a home, you need to know how much you’ll be paying in property taxes—so make sure you get the information before you make an offer.

  • Take a deeper look at the market. You can’t make a solid offer on a home if you don’t understand what’s going on in the area’s real estate market. Before you make your offer, do some research into the local market to find out what nearby homes are currently being listed at and what they’ve sold for in the past year or so; that way, you can compare prices—and make sure that the home that you’re making an offer on is priced accurately, and your offer is in line with the current state of the market.

**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.  Connect With Me Here

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These Kitchen Renovations Will Add Major Value to Your Home

Shreveport-Bossier City Homes and Lifestyle

When you renovate your home, you want to know that those renovations will actually add value to your property. But when it comes to kitchen renovations, which upgrades will provide the best ROI—and can help you fetch a higher price if you decide to sell your home down the line?

A recent video from realtor.com outlined the kitchen renovations that add the most value in the long term, including:

  • Upgrading appliances. New appliances can have a major impact on potential buyers—so even though appliances can be pricey, swapping out old, outdated appliances for new, modern ones will pay off in the long run.
  • Refreshing cabinets. Refreshing your cabinets can add major value to your home—and you don’t even need to completely replace them to generate that value! If your cabinets are in good shape, a fresh coat of paint and new hardware can be all you need to transform your kitchen.
  • Replacing countertops. Replacing your countertops may be pricey, but new countertops can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen, making it feel more modern and fresh—which can be a major draw for prospective buyers.

**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.  Connect With Me Here

Barksdale AFB Spouses Movers Group | Facebook

Should You Buy or Sell a House in 2022? Don’t Base Your Decision on Headlines Alone

Shreveport-Bossier City Homes and Lifestyle

Whether you’re at a party, family get-together, work, or just talking to a neighbor, there’s a good chance you’ll hear people talking about how crazy the real estate market’s been. And you’ll probably hear people’s opinions on whether it’s a good time to buy or sell a house.

But what are they basing their opinion on?

Sometimes it’s just based on what they’ve heard second (or third) hand from a friend or family member. But a lot of times it’s “backed up” by what they’ve read or heard in the news, which is often just from a headline like, “Home Price Growth Is Finally Decelerating—and It’s Just the Start”, which Fortune recently published.

Someone who only read that headline could easily take that as a sign that prices aren’t going to go up as much in 2022, and that’s just the start! So, it’s an easy leap to think that must mean prices may even go down next year. That could easily cause a homeowner to sell in a hurry before prices drop. Or, it could cause a buyer to wait for prices to come down and miss out on a house that would’ve been perfect for them, only to find nothing changed, or (worse!) prices went up even higher.

If you actually read the Fortune article, it doesn’t entirely prove out the headline, or at least how most people would interpret it. In fact, the “deceleration” they refer to in the headline is a 0.3% dip in home prices between September 2020 and September 2021. It went from an all-time high of 19.8% year-over-year gain, down to a 19.5% gain. Okay, to be fair, that is a “start” as they said in the headline…but how much more deceleration should we expect if that’s just the beginning?!

Well, the predictions they cite in the article are all over the place for the next year:

  • Zillow predicts prices will rise 13.6%
  • Goldman Sachs predicts a rise of 13.5%
  • Fannie Mae expects a 7.9% increase
  • Freddie Mac thinks it’ll be a 7% bump up
  • Redfin is predicting price growth will only be 3%
  • CoreLogic sees it slowing to 1.9%
  • And the Mortgage Bankers Association is the only one cited with any amount of a decrease at 2.5%

To sum it up, according to the sources they cite, sure there may very well be a deceleration in prices, but that doesn’t mean prices will fall. Other than one source, they all predict that prices will continue to go up. More than half of them anticipate the growth rate to be higher than average…

…not quite what you may have thought if you just read the headline alone.

The Takeaway:

That’s just one example of a headline that could be misleading and cause you to judge whether it’s a good time for you to buy or sell a house. Much of what you see, hear, or read about the market tends to be too broad to make an informed decision, and the headlines can often be misleading. If you want a true read on the market and advice on whether it makes sense for you to buy or sell, your best bet is to speak to an agent who knows the local market.

**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.  Connect With Me Here

Take Note Sellers—This Is What First-Time Home Buyers Are Looking For

Shreveport-Bossier City Homes and Lifestyle

First-time buyers are out in the market and ready to buy homes—and many of them are willing to go above asking in order to successfully purchase their dream property. According to a recent survey from realtor.com, a whopping 76 percent of first-time home buyers are willing to pay more than the asking price for a home.

But what, exactly, are they looking for in a property? According to the survey, some of the top priorities for first-time buyers in today’s market include:

  • A large backyard (35 percent)
  • A garage (30 percent)
  • An updated kitchen (30 percent)
  • A quiet location (26 percent)
  • Updated bathrooms (22 percent)
  • A finished basement (20 percent)

The Takeaway:

So, what does this mean for you? If you’re selling your home, it’s important to know what buyers are looking for. That way, you can bring attention to the features of your property that are most likely to attract buyers—and (hopefully!) fetch top dollar for your home in the process.

**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.  Connect With Me Here

Racing the Rates—Should You Sell Your House Now?

Shreveport-Bossier City Homes and Lifestyle

Typically it’s buyers who are most concerned about rising mortgage interest rates, and for good reason. A small jump in rates will cost them a few more bucks per month for the same house than it would’ve if they hadn’t waited to make an offer and lock in a rate. Add a few of those rate hikes together before they buy, and the added cost can be really aggravating.

Mortgage rates constantly go up and down, which is why they’re almost always in the news. It’s something to write about. Right now they happen to be going up again, as CNBC pointed out in this article about how rates jumped again and how it affects buyers. To summarize the big news, rates went up 0.35% in a week. Overall, not a huge deal. At least not enough to really change home values overnight.

But then they dig in a little more and added, “For a median-priced home, currently about $350,000, buyers putting down 20% will now see a monthly payment $125 higher than they would have just three weeks ago.” They’re going back three weeks to basically say that the monthly payment would be $125 more per month for the average buyer. That isn’t due to the one-week bump; that’s due to a few bumps over time. But it starts to add up, and buyers start to notice and feel it a little more.

Does this mean there’s going to be an absolute halt to the buying frenzy? No, at least not overnight. The market (and your home’s value) won’t turn on a dime and turn your dollars into dimes. But if the trend continues, and the news continues to point it out and alarm buyers, it could cause them to at least be less aggressive in how much they’re willing to pay in the near future. Or, perhaps they’ll just be less willing to get involved in a bidding war. Also worth noting: it could also come to a point, if rates rise significantly, where buyers simply won’t be willing to pay the prices they have been for a house.

After all, the value of homes is in large part based upon how much buyers can afford to pay per month, and what they want and will agree to buy for that much per month. So, if they get to a point where the rates are increasing their monthly payment too much, it will likely cause them to lower the amount they are willing to pay for your house.

There’s really no crystal ball to say whether or not rates are on an upward trend for good, or how high they’ll go. All you can deal with is the here and now, along with a little “what-if” assessing.

So, to sum up, if you’re even remotely thinking about selling, here’s a good two-step game plan:

  1. Get a firm grasp on what your house is currently worth in the market right now.
  2. Assess whether or not it makes sense for you to capitalize on the current value and sell now, or let it ride and see if the rates keep hovering and values continue to rise (or at least stay about the same).

**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.  Connect With Me Here

Renting a House Is Getting Way More Expensive. Is It Time to Buy?

Shreveport-Bossier City Homes and Lifestyle

Prices for everything have been going up—from food, to gas, to services, and people are getting less for the dollar. Rents are no exception.

After an unprecedented period of time where renters could more or less just cite COVID as a reason to not pay rent, the moratoriums on evictions are gone and rents are roaring higher—particularly with single-family rental houses.

People rent single-family homes for many different reasons, and it often makes sense to do so. If you’re relocating to a new area and aren’t sure if you’ll stay in the area for long, or want to get to know the area before buying a house, renting certainly makes sense. Or, perhaps it’s the only option due to credit issues, or the inability to obtain a mortgage for other reasons.

But one reason for renting that may need to be questioned is the notion that it’s more affordable to rent than buy, especially if you’re trying to rent a single-family house.

CNBC recently reported that single-family rents are up 10.9% year over year, which is three times the 3.2% annual growth seen in October 2020. At the most basic level, this is due to the simplest of economic laws, which is supply and demand. Vacancy rates are at a 25-year low, so there are less homes to rent and demand for them is high, so landlords can easily demand higher rents.

Much of this demand reportedly roots back to people who would otherwise buy a house, but decide to rent because they feel home prices are high, and the competition to buy houses on the market has been fierce. Valid reasoning…until and unless renting actually costs more than buying. With rent prices increasing, and the competition getting as fierce for rental homes as it is in the buyers’ market, it does beg the question whether it makes more sense to rent if you can qualify to buy a house.

While home prices have certainly risen in recent years, buying a house can hedge against inflation, especially when rates are low, according to this Forbes article. Locking in a low, fixed mortgage rate with even a low down payment is possible. So, it may make more sense to take advantage of the historically low interest rates (before they jump up), brave the competition, and spend the security deposit (and first and last month’s rent) on a downpayment to purchase a home rather than rent one.

Renting might end up being your best (or only) option, but it certainly can’t hurt to weigh which makes more financial sense. Just running on the assumption that renting is your best or only option could actually be costing you more than you think.

**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.  Connect With Me Here

First Winter as a Homeowner? Be On the Lookout for These Potential Issues

Shreveport-Bossier City Homes and Lifestyle

As a first-time homeowner, there are certain home and maintenance-related tasks, to-do’s, and issues you just might not be aware of—and that’s never more true than in the winter months. But not handling those tasks can lead to a variety of winter-related challenges with your home—so understanding what to keep an eye out for in the winter is critical.

So what, exactly, should you be looking out for?

A recent article from realtor.com outlined the (not-so-fun) surprises many first-time homeowners find themselves facing during their first winter in their new home, including:

  • Higher-than-expected heating costs. When the temperatures drop outside, chances are, you want to turn up the thermostat inside. But many first-time homeowners are shocked when they get their first winter heating bill—and the number is a lot higher than they were anticipating. If your heating costs are higher than expected, consider investing in a smart thermostat, which better monitors temperature in each room—and can help bring down your energy bill.
  • Plumbing challenges. If you’ve never owned a house or lived in a cold climate, you may not know that leaving the garden hoses hooked up outside is a major no-no—as water can freeze in the hose and back up water flow, causing major plumbing issues throughout the house. If you want to keep your plumbing working well all winter long, make sure to disconnect all your exterior houses when the temperatures start to drop.
  • Issues with the fireplace. If you bought a home with a fireplace, chances are, you couldn’t wait until winter to get cozy next to a fire. But regular home inspections might miss some fireplace-related issues—which can lead to a fireplace fail come winter. Before you light up your first fire, consider getting a dedicated fireplace inspection and/or hiring a chimney sweep to ensure you can easily (and safely!) enjoy your fireplace all winter long.

The Takeaway:

Knowing some of the unexpected issues first-time homeowners face during the winter can help you better prepare yourself to deal with those issues—and will ensure your home makes it to spring in tip-top condition.

**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.  Connect With Me Here

14 of the Best Christmas Real Estate Memes

Shreveport-Bossier City Homes and Lifestyle

‘Tis the season to be jolly! And, what better way to be jolly than to joke around a little bit!

And since real estate makes me jolly no matter what season it is (although Spring is probably my favorite), here are 14 of my favorite Christmas real estate memes to give you a laugh between shopping and wrapping presents!

1) Remembering to hide the elf is no joke! (You know this offer is appealing even if you had no intention of selling your house…)

2) Or maybe just buying a house with more hiding spots is more appealing…

3) Enough with elves on shelves, gimme a…

4) Say what you will, but don’t you dare buy or sell with your coworkers cousin!

5) Let’s hope this meme doesn’t age well and stays in 2021…along with the pandemic.

6) Seriously…same vibe

7) Not to brag, but…ok, maybe just a little bit!

8) To be clear, gift-wrapping is not included in my services…

9) It may be cold outside, but the market is still hot!

10) But feel free to give me a larger size…just to be safe.

11) It’s a long, yet short list, all at the same time…

12) You know you have a list!

13) Warning: real houses are not actually edible, please do not attempt to eat any house I sell you, no matter how sweet it is.

14) Well, maybe just follow my sleigh, I’ve got MLS sheets all over the passenger seat…

Let’s wrap up the list there, so you can get back to shopping and wrapping your gifts! Happy holidays!

Should You Decorate When Selling Your Home During The Holiday Season?

Shreveport-Bossier City Homes and Lifestyle

The holidays are arguably the most festive time of the year. And for many people, part of that festiveness is plenty of festive, holiday-themed decorations. But if you’re selling your home, going too over-the-top with your decorations can put off potential buyers.

So, the question is, can you decorate your home for the holidays without hurting your home sale?

An article from realtor.com outlined the rules you need to follow if you want to get into the holiday spirit with your decorations without derailing your home sale, including:

  • Avoid personalized decorations. If you want to sell your home, potential buyers need to be able to picture themselves in the space. But if your home is plastered with personalized holiday decorations, it’s going to be nearly impossible to do that—so while you might love your personalized Christmas stockings or your array of holiday cards from friends and family, keep them packed away until your home is sold.
  • Go classic. Classic, elegant holiday decorations are always going to have a wider appeal to buyers than more kitschy, over-the-top decor.
  • Look to your neighbors. Your buyers are looking at your neighborhood just as much as they’re looking at your home—so when it comes to holiday decor, look to your neighbors for inspiration. If every home on your block is decked out for the holidays, you don’t want to skip decorating altogether—and, on the flip side, if your neighbors all opted out of holiday decorations, your don’t want to deck your home in bright lights and an avalanche of “Happy Holidays”-inspired decor.

Bottom line? It is possible to sell your home and decorate it for the holidays—as long as you decorate with potential buyers (and your home sale) in mind.

**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.  Connect With Me Here

Barksdale AFB Spouses Movers Group | Facebook

6 Ways To Winterproof Your Home This Fall

Shreveport-Bossier City Homes and Lifestyle

If you want your home to make it through the winter months unscathed, you’ll need to take the proper measures to protect it. In other words, you need to winterproof your home.

But if you wait until you’re hearing Christmas carols on the radio to take the necessary steps to protect your home, you’ll be too late. Here are 6 ways to winterproof your home this fall so your home is ready for the cold temperatures, snow, and whatever else the season wants to throw at it:

1. Store patio furniture

Winter isn’t the time for barbecues and dining alfresco, so it’s important that you protect your grill and patio furniture in the winter months — that way, they’ll be ready to roll when the weather starts to warm.

Take your patio furniture and grill and put them into storage. This is especially important if you have aluminum patio furniture, which can rust once the snow hits. If you don’t have a place to store your grill and furniture (or if your furniture is made of a more durable material), you should at the very least cover it up to protect it from the elements.

2. Empty and store hoses

You’ll also want to store your garden hoses before the temperature drops. If you leave your hoses as is, the water in them can freeze, which can cause holes and leaks.

Drain each of your garden hoses and store them inside until the spring.

3. Protect your home from chilly winter air

One of the trademarks of winter is cold air, and if that cold air finds a way into your house, you’re likely to find yourself shivering no matter how high you turn up the heat.

It’s important to seal off your house to keep cold air from getting in. Look for any gaps in the walls or foundation and seal them with foam or caulk (you can also use caulk to seal any gaps around windows). If your home is notorious for being cold in the winter, you’ll also want to check the insulation. Your attic and basement should be insulated, and if the insulation is old or improperly installed, it can cause dropping temperatures in the colder months.

Redoing or adding insulation isn’t cheap, so if you’re unsure of whether your insulation needs an upgrade, consult an insulation professional and get an estimate.

4. Get the right thermostat

One of the most important ways to protect your home in the winter is keeping it at the proper temperature. But “proper temperature” is relative; obviously, you’ll want your house warmer while you’re home, but it’s fine to turn down the heat while you’re out. But if you turn OFF the heat, you run the risk of the temperature dropping too low.

A programmable thermostat will allow you to control the temperature in your home at all times. You can program your thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you leave, and raise the temperature before you get home so you get to return to a nice, toasty environment. Many of the new thermostats even connect to your smartphone, allowing you to control the temperature in your home straight from your mobile device.

5. Switch to winter fabrics

When the winter chill kicks in, you’re going to want lots of warm, cozy fabrics to keep you warm. Replace your summer linens with more substantial fabrics, like velvet, fleece, or faux fur, to match the season. Put a throw or blanket in one of these fabrics in each room so you always have something on hand to wrap yourself up with when the temperature drops.

6. Replace your furnace filter

Old, dirty filters will make your furnace less efficient, driving up your energy bills and making your home more difficult to heat. Replace your furnace filter this fall to ensure that your furnace is in tip-top shape when winter hits.

Colder temperatures are on their way, so it’s important to protect your home while you still have time. And with these winterproofing tips, getting your home ready should be a cinch.

**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.  Connect With Me Here

3 Common Mortgage Myths Busted

Shreveport-Bossier City Homes and Lifestyle

The process of getting a mortgage can be a complex and confusing one, and all the myths around mortgages certainly don’t make the process any easier.

So, the question is, what are some of the most common mortgage myths?

A recent article from realtor.com busted some of the most persistent myths around mortgages and the homebuying process, including:

  • The lowest rate is always the best choice. Many buyers think that the mortgage with the lowest rate is automatically the best option. But that’s not always true; for example, if a loan has high origination fees or early payoff penalties, it might not be as solid of an option as a mortgage with a slightly higher interest rate—but lower or fewer fees.
  • Pre-qualification and pre-approval are the same thing. Some buyers think pre-qualification and pre-approval are essentially interchangeable steps in the mortgage approval process—but that’s simply not true. Pre-qualification is essentially having a conversation about mortgage qualifications with a lender. It can be helpful, but it’s not enough to start looking at or making offers on properties. A pre-approval, on the other hand, entails sharing all your financial information (like pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements) with a lender—and it’s a must before you start looking at homes.
  • Adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) are always a risk. The 2008 financial crisis made many buyers wary of adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs)—often to the point that they won’t even consider one. But ARMs can be a good fit for certain buyers; for example, if you’re planning on moving within 5 years, and an ARM’s rate doesn’t increase before that five-year mark, an adjustable rate mortgage could help you save a significant amount on interest (since initial rates on ARMs are typically extremely competitive).

The Takeaway:

What does this mean for you? If you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s important to get yourself pre-approved prior to starting your search. Once you find a house and get an offer accepted, be open to the various mortgages available to you. And, don’t just jump at the lowest rate a lender quotes you, since it may not be the best overall loan for you and your future plans.

**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.  Connect With Me Here