Posts in category 'Helpful Home Ideas'

Bend Oregon Homes -

This winter has seen more snow fall in Central Oregon than we have had for several years. Although beautiful, it can also be hazardous for driving and can create problems for Bend real estate. Among the most noticeable issue we have observed is a great number of icicles hanging from roofs. These are indicators of problems with your Bend home. Icicles form when snow accumulates on your roof and then melts. If your attic has insufficient insulation or improper ventilation so that your attic becomes warm, this will heat the roof and cause the snow to melt.  As it melts, the water flows towards gutters or the edge of the roof where it freezes again, forming icicles. Experts advise against knocking these icicles off, as this may break the gutter and can cause injury to the homeowner as chunks of ice can be very heavy and dangerous.

Icicles can also be an indic...

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Bend Oregon real estate continues to be sold even during winter. Some sellers do take their property off the market during the winter months, but for those who don't, there are buyers interested in purchasing Bend homes. For those sellers who are willing to keep their listings going in the winter, there are several items which need to be addressed to optimize the opportunities for buyers to see and fall in love with the property.

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Seasons have different effects on plumbing. As the winter season approaches it is necessary to take steps to protect your plumbing from the risks this season may bring. Being aware of these risks and following some simple tips can save your home, and you, from a lot of frustration.

• Pipe Protection:

If you have a trip planned, it is vital that you take proper safety measures regarding your plumbing while you are gone. Rather than turning off the heat altogether, set it to a temperature of 45-55 degrees.

This temperature setting will keep the water in the pipes from freezing which is a serious hazard. The ice may cause the pipes to burst causing flooding in your home and gallons of water to be wasted. Consider keeping cupboards with water pipes open to allow the warm air to circulate around these pipes w...

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The days are getting shorter, the leaves are turning, and there is a chill in the air! We all know that winter is just around the corner. But while you are raking the leaves in your yard, have you also thought about what you need to do to get your home ready for winter? Here are 10 ideas which can be done to keep your Bend Oregon Home ready to tackle the worst Mother Nature can throw at it this winter!

1. Blow out sprinklers and turn the system off.
2. Store hoses in the garage and install covers over your outdoor faucets.
3. Seal cracks around doors and windows.
4. Clean your rain gutters.
5. Have your roof and chimney inspected by a professional.
6. Have your furnace serviced.
7. Prune your bushes and trees and clean up any yard debris.
8. Drain and refill your hot water heater.
9. Install foundation vent covers and keep them on...

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Buying a new home can be one of the most exciting real estate experiences for homeowners. Besides the possibility of picking out colors and interior finishes, being the first to hang a picture, to cook in the kitchen, to move in furniture can all  create memories which turn a new house into a home to treasure for years to come. However, there are several things which home buyers need to be aware when purchasing a new home.

First, when buying in a subdivision, typically the asking price is the price a buyer should expect to pay. The builder, unless he/she has excess inventory which is not moving, needs to keep the price where it is so that future homes he/she builds have good comparables. Sometimes a buyer can negotiate a refrigerator, A/C, fenced backyard, backyard landscaping to be included at the list price, but it is very difficult to get the builder to reduce the asking price. And the earnest money put down on t...

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