by Supreme Lending | Dec 11, 2024
As winter creeps in and the temperatures start to dip, it’s time to get your home ready to take on the chill. Think of winterizing your home as more than just another seasonal chore—it’s a proactive move to save money, improve energy efficiency, and steer clear of those unexpected (and costly) cold-weather mishaps. A little preparation now means a cozier, more comfortable home all season long. Below are some tips for cold-weather preparedness to make sure your home is winter-ready.
Seal Gaps and Insulate
- Drafts may make your heating system work overtime, leading to higher energy bills. Sealing gaps with caulk around windows and doors prevents heat from escaping and keeps your home warmer during the cold months.
- Insulating your attic and walls helps maintain a steady indoor temperature, ensuring your home stays warm without overburdening your heating system. Proper insulation may reduce heating bills significantly.
- Adding weather-stripping around doors and windows creates a tighter seal, reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency.
Service Your Heating System
- Before the cold weather hits, consider having a professional inspect and clean your furnace. An efficient furnace ensures your home stays warm and minimizes the risk of breakdowns in the middle of winter.
- Clean air filters are crucial for optimal air quality and system performance. Changing filters regularly helps your furnace run smoothly and prevents dust and debris from circulating in your home.
- Make sure your thermostat is calibrated properly! An incorrect reading may lead to uneven heating, leaving some rooms too cold or hot.
Protect Pipes from Freezing
- Pipes in unheated areas like basements or attics are more susceptible to freezing. Wrapping them in insulation sleeves may protect them from the cold, reducing the risk of burst pipes.
- On super cold nights, allow your faucets to drip slightly (especially if pipes run through an exterior wall). Moving water is less likely to freeze, and this small step may prevent major pipe damage.
- Check for gaps around pipes, especially near walls, windows, and floors. Sealing these gaps helps keep cold air from reaching vulnerable pipes.
Clean and Inspect the Chimney & Fireplace
- Schedule a chimney cleaning. If you have and plan on using your fireplace this winter, make sure your chimney is clean. Soot and debris may build up over time and pose a fire hazard. A professional chimney sweep will clear out the buildup, helping ensure safe use.
- Check your fireplace damper. A properly functioning damper ensures that heat doesn’t escape through the chimney. Make sure it opens and closes smoothly to regulate airflow and prevent drafts.
Inspect Roof and Gutters
- Clogged gutters may lead to ice dams, which may cause water damage to your roof and walls. Remove leaves and debris to allow water to flow freely and avoid any buildup of snow or ice.
- Winter storms may be hard on your roof. Inspect your roof for missing shingles or other signs of wear. Addressing any issues now may prevent leaks and other water damage down the line.
Prepare for Snow Removal
- Be ready for snow by keeping snow shovels, ice melt, and other snow removal tools on hand. Stocking up early may save you a headache when the snow starts falling. Don’t forget to use pet-safe ice melt if you have furry friends!
- Keep walkways and driveways clear to prevent slips and falls. Regular snow removal may help avoid ice buildup and keep your family and visitors safe.
Protect Your Home’s Exterior
- Disconnect hoses and cover outdoor faucets to protect them from freezing temperatures. This may prevent damage to your plumbing and reduce the risk of burst pipes.
- Heavy snow and ice that weigh down tree branches may potentially cause damage to your roof or other parts of your home. Trimming overhanging branches now may prevent potential issues later.
Review Insurance and Emergency Plans
- Ensure that your homeowner’s insurance covers winter-related damages, such as burst pipes or roof collapse due to heavy snow. Double-check before disaster strikes!
- Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like blankets, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and non-perishable food. Having these items on hand may be a lifesaver during winter power outages or other emergencies.
Conclusion
Winterizing your home may seem like a daunting task, but taking these steps ahead of time helps ensure that your home stays warm, safe, and efficient throughout those colder months.
We’re here to support you in every aspect of homeownership at Supreme Lending. Whether you’re exploring loan options for home improvements, considering refinancing* to free up funds for winter upgrades, or have general loan-related questions, our team is ready to assist. Let’s work together to make your homeownership journey as secure and comfortable as possible this winter. Reach out to us today!
*By refinancing an existing loan, total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan.
by Supreme Lending | Aug 9, 2024
Celebrate new beginnings with these quick and easy back-to-school homeownership tips.
As summer winds down and it’s back to school season, it’s not just the kids who need to get ready for the new academic year. Homeowners can also take this time to reassess, reorganize, and revitalize their living spaces and check in on their mortgage. At Supreme Lending, we understand that your home is more than just a place to live—it’s a learning environment, a cornerstone of your family’s life, and one of the most important investments. Here are seven practical back-to-school homeownership tips to ensure you’re at the top of the class this school year.
1. Declutter and Donate
When it comes to back-to-school homeownership tips, decluttering is a valuable first step to creating an organized home. Research has found that physical clutter can compete for your attention, resulting in decreased performance and increased stress. Back to school is the perfect time to take on the challenge. Go through closets, pantries, utility drawers, and other areas to remove items no longer needed. You can also give back to your local community by donating any gently used clothing and items to local charities. A clutter-free home supports a clear mind for both studying and relaxing.
2. Organize Study Spaces and Refresh Your Office
With the return to school, having a quiet and organized space for homework, study, and work is crucial. Carve out a dedicated area in your home free of distractions. Ensure that it’s well-lit, stocked with necessary supplies, and comfortable enough to keep concentration levels high. If you work from home, this could be a great opportunity to refresh and beautify your working space by adding house plants, hanging wall art, or painting an attractive accent wall.
3. Deep Clean
Give high-traffic areas like the entryway, living room, and bathrooms a deep clean. These areas tend to accumulate dirt and clutter quicker. Scrub down all showers, bathtubs, and bathroom tiles with proper cleaner. Don’t forget the baseboards, windowsills, and surfaces that can build up dust. A clean environment not only creates an inviting space but can also reduce stress and promote a healthy, positive atmosphere.
4. Implement Energy-Saving Practices and Smart Home Technology
Other back-to-school homeownership tips include enhancing your home technology. Take advantage of energy-saving practices such as programmable thermostats, LED lighting, and smart power strips. Adding innovative smart technology can also enhance things like electricity, lighting, appliances, and entertainment for easier convenience.
5. Evaluate Home Safety and Procedures
It’s important to regularly review your home safety checklist. Double check your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Update your first aid kit and ensure everyone knows where it is. Remove any tripping hazards and secure heavy furniture or things mounted on the wall. If you have younger family members, practice emergency plans so they know what to do in case of an unexpected event.
6. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Stay ahead of the game by scheduling regular home maintenance checks around the house. This may include servicing major appliances, trimming the trees, cleaning the gutters, or treating the yard for pests and insects. Preventative maintenance can help save you from potentially costly repairs down the road. With these back-to-school homeownership tips, you can maintain a happy, healthy, and efficient home environment that supports your family and lifestyle.
7. Check In on Your Mortgage
Amidst life’s hustle and bustle, don’t forget to check in on your home loan. Make sure you are still making the most of your mortgage. Do you plan on moving and buying a new property any time soon? Maybe you finally want to make those dream home renovations? Or are you considering a refinance* to access your home equity or lower your current mortgage payments? Using a refinance calculator can help give you a rough estimate of costs to see if you may benefit from refinancing.
Whatever your home financing goals may be, our experienced team at Supreme Lending is here to help you review your mortgage and guide you through the loan process. Find a loan officer near you and get started today!
*By refinancing an existing loan, total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan.
by Supreme Lending | Jun 7, 2024
Your Guide to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season and Severe Weather
Homeownership is a considerable, rewarding experience, offering a place of comfort and security. However, natural disasters are inevitable, so it’s important to keep your home safe and protected in the event of severe weather. HousingWire reported that nearly more than 32.7 million residential properties from Texas to Maine may be at risk of moderate or severe damage this year. To keep your home and family safe, here are seven homeownership tips to prepare your home for hurricane season.
1. Review and Update Your Insurance Policies.
Regularly assess your homeowners and flood insurance policies to ensure you’re adequately covered for potential damage. Make any necessary updates to safeguard your home, especially during hurricane season.
2. Assess the Vulnerability of Your Home.
As you prepare your home for hurricane season, evaluate the current condition of your property. Carefully examine windows, exterior doors, the roof, and nearby trees. This will help you prioritize your preparation efforts and focus on reinforcing any vulnerable areas on your property.
3. Have an Emergency Plan.
Create an emergency plan for your household, including your pets. This should include evacuation routes, shelter sites, an emergency kit of essential food and supplies, and a list of important contacts. Ensure all family members are familiar with the plan.
4. Protect Windows and Doors.
Homeowners in hurricane or tornado-prone areas can install storm shutters or impact resistant glass to help prevent breakage. Plywood can be a temporary solution if these are not available. Another important step to prepare your home for hurricane season is to check for and seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors. This can help minimize damage from wind-driven rain.
5. Keep Trees Trimmed.
Preparing your home for hurricane season also includes yard maintenance. Dead or overgrown tree limbs are more at risk of breaking and falling. Undergo regular tree service by trimming and removing any hazardous limbs, especially if they’re over the roof of your home. This simple preventive measure could save you from potentially costly repairs, ensure the safety of your property, and support your landscaping.
6. Secure Outdoor Elements.
In the event of possible high winds, make sure any outdoor furniture and grills are secured. Keep umbrellas closed and fold up chairs. You can use furniture and grill covers to protect them from excess rainwater. Bring in more sensitive items such as potted plants, hammocks, and other items that could be displaced in high winds.
7. Reinforce the Roof.
This may be one of the most important steps to prepare your home for hurricane season and may even enhance your home’s value. Be sure to carefully inspect your roof for any loose or damaged shingles, leaks, cracks, rust, or decay. Promptly repair any roof damage to protect the home’s structural integrity. It’s crucial to address any minor roof issues so they don’t escalate into major problems down the road. If a large roof restoration is needed, you may consider a home renovation loan to help fund the project.
BONUS. Plan Backup Power Sources.
If your property is in an area known for frequent storms and power outages, consider adding a generator or heavy-duty battery in the event the power goes out. Have portable phone chargers and power banks readily available. Additionally, keep matches and candles on hand to provide extra lighting if needed.
As you prepare your home for hurricane season, remember that your home is a sanctuary – a place where memories are made and cherished. By taking these proactive steps, you not only protect your investment but also ensure your property is safe. Homeownership is a rewarding experience, and with the right preparation, you can face any storm with confidence and peace of mind.
