Outdoor Pruning: Your Weekly Tip from Hometap

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By keeping your yard tidy, pruning maintains your home’s curb appeal. It stops plant growth near your foundation and roof, warding off pricey repairs (up to $4,000) down the line. Pruning also discourages vermin from building nests in your shrubbery. Prune regularly in summer and fall to keep your yard and home spic, span, and safe.

What to Do

Wondering how to trim those overgrown hedges? We’ll show you how to prune all hedges and shrubs in and around your yard to maintain curb appeal and avoid repairs.

What You’ll Need

The Basics

  •  Pruning shears
  •  Loppers
  •  Eye protection
  •  Work gloves
  •  Heavy-duty trash bags

For Big Jobs

  •  Pruning saws
  •  Hedge shears
  •  Pole pruners

How to Do It

Cut back areas where your hedges are overgrown, unshapely, or extending onto your neighbor’s property. Clear areas where greenery is encroaching on your home’s foundation and/or roof as well as near sidewalks or your driveway. You can plan on pruning yourself or hiring a landscaper. If you go the DIY route, work in the morning or evening to avoid summer sun and midday heat.

If you prefer to watch a short how-to video to get you started, check out this great tutorial from Angie’s List

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed in this post are for informational purposes only. To determine the best financing for your personal circumstances and goals, consult with a licensed advisor.

Hometap Tip: Stow Away Your Outdoor Furniture

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Cleaning and safe storage preserve the life of your outdoor furniture so you can enjoy your patio or deck for many summers to come. Spending $10 to $20 on cleaning supplies ensures grime and pests won’t deteriorate your outdoor furniture while $100 or less can provide adequate covers to protect your furniture from precipitation and freezing temperatures. Unless you like to update the look and feel of your outdoor space regularly (which can cost thousands of dollars), this small prevention investment can keep your outdoor furniture in great shape, year in and year out.

What to Do

Clean your outdoor furniture and stow it away for winter months.

What You’ll Need

The Basics

  •  Garden hose
  •  Bucket
  •  Sponges or scrub brushes
  •  Cleaning supplies
  •  Gloves
  •  Dust mask
  •  Tarps or furniture covers

How to Do It

Remove and launder all fabrics from outdoor furnishings (e.g., seat cushions, canopy drapery, rope hammocks). Let dry thoroughly, then fold and store in a cool, dry place.

Using a material-appropriate cleaner (e.g., oil soap for wood, bleach and water for wicker, gentle detergent for plastic), wash and rinse all outdoor furniture, then allow to dry completely. If the material is subject to cold-weather damage (e.g., wood or metal), apply a coat of rot- or rust-resistant treatment (e.g., sealant, oil, or wax).

Clear a space in a dry shelter (e.g., a shed or garage) and place furniture into the designated storage area. Cover with tarps or custom-fit furniture covers. Ensure the area around the stored outdoor furniture is inhospitable to any potential pests (e.g., lay down any traps for rodents or bugs).

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed in this post are for informational purposes only. To determine the best financing for your personal circumstances and goals, consult with a licensed advisor.

Which Appliances Are OK to Buy Used?

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You need a new washing machine and you see a posting for a used one on an online community forum. It’s in your price range and the current owner says it works well. Should you buy it?

Or maybe you just started meal planning and could use a chest freezer for food storage. Does the freezer need to be new or would a used one suffice?

Regardless of which appliances you’re looking to buy, you may be wondering if a used version could be affordable, reliable, and energy-efficient. We checked with the experts to see which appliances are OK to buy used—and in which cases you should always get something new.

New vs. Used Appliances

  •  Appliances that “don’t often need maintenance” may be safe to buy used, says the team at Angie’s List in their “When to Buy Used Appliances” story. But if you’re in the market for built-in refrigerators and/or gas cooktops, go new.
  •  With a used appliance, you may be able to negotiate a good price —but then you may have to arrange your own delivery. Get a full list of “The Pros and Cons of Buying Used Appliances” over on Kitchn.
  •  In “Don’t Be Afraid to Buy Used Appliances,” blogger Laura Coppinger of Heavenly Homemakers shares her positive experience tracking down and buying a used washing machine.

Where to Buy Used Appliances

  •  How Stuff Works lists out “5 Appliances You Should Consider Buying Used” focusing mainly on how to research and where to buy used. (Insider tip: Floor models and scratch-and-dent deals can help you snag high-quality appliances at a steal!)
  •  Buying used appliances won’t just save you money—it keeps good appliances out of the landfill, too. The team at Remodelista shares eight reputable sources to find great used appliances.
  •  Kimberly Marney with The Penny Hoarder bought three used appliances for just $700. Read how she did it on “How to Buy Used Appliances: 3 Smart Strategies.”

front cover of guide book

Watch the Pros at Work

  •  Want to make sure that used appliance you’re considering is both reliable and a good deal? Check out the “Be Careful When Buying Used Appliances” segment from Milwaukee’s TMJ4 news station.
  •  Wondering whether to go new or used with your next washing machine? Before you decide, see what’s available (and which models are highly rated) with Consumer Reports’ “Washing Machine Buying Guide” video.
  •  From knowing the age to checking the seal, the “Guide to Buying Used Appliances: Refrigerator” video from Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore home improvement outlet helps you determine the viability of any used refrigerator.

As you research potential new or used appliances, remember to take each offering on a case-by-case basis. A used dishwasher from a neighborhood appliance store could be as good as new while a Craigslist find may be a bit more questionable. Use your good judgment and ask the seller lots of questions to know for sure whether the used appliance is dependable or a lemon. Hopefully, you’ll find a quality appliance that will suit both your home and budget.

YOU SHOULD KNOW…

We do our best to make sure that the information in this post is as accurate as possible as of the date it is published, but things change quickly sometimes. Hometap does not endorse or monitor any linked websites. Individual situations differ, so consult your own finance, tax or legal professional to determine what makes sense for you.

Hometap Tip: Insulate Your Older Hot Water Heater

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According to the Department of Energy, insulating your hot water heater can minimize heat losses up to 45%, which means a more efficient heater and a warmer home. With that efficiency comes savings—potentially up to 16% off your heating bills. The installation costs are minimal, too: While insulators for hot water heaters can cost around $20, your utility company may offer them for free at a discount. For toasty rooms and lower bills this winter, head down to your basement and insulate your hot water heater this weekend.

What to Do

Insulate your older hot water heater to maximize its efficiency.

What You’ll Need

The Basics

  •  Gloves
  •  Dust mask
  •  Measuring tape
  •  Marker
  •  Scissors
  •  Hot water heater insulated blanket or jacket kit
  •  Electrical tape

front cover of guide book

How to Do It

While many new hot water heaters come pre-insulated, older models may need additional insulation to increase their efficiency and properly heat your home. If you have a hot water heater that’s warm to the touch, it’s a good idea to insulate it. Purchase an insulating blanket or heater cover or check with your utility company to see if they offer free or discounted blankets/covers.

First, check your hot water heater for any leaks. (If it’s leaking, you need to replace it outright.)

If you’re in the clear, turn off the power to the hot water heater. Measure the height of the hot water heater and cut the insulated blanket or jacket to fit. Once the blanket is the right size, wrap it around the heater, keeping the top of the unit clear. (On gas heaters, the vent is located on top.) Use electrical tape and secure the blanket just enough so it stays in place.

With a marker, note where the water heater’s controls are. On electric heaters, they’re typically found in side panels. On gas heaters, they’re the gas valves, burner, pressure relief valves, and pipes. Take scissors and cut corresponding holes in the insulating blanket so the water heater’s controls are accessible. With gas burners, make each hole an extra inch wider than the control area (e.g., the holes shouldn’t be snug).

Readjust the insulating blanket so the holes line up with the controls, then securely tape it in place. Restore power to the hot water heater. If you have an electric hot water heater, check the thermostat so it’s not set higher than 130° F to prevent overheating.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed in this post are for informational purposes only. To determine the best financing for your personal circumstances and goals, consult with a licensed advisor.

Hometap Tip: Winterize Your Air Conditioning Units

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Making sure your air conditioning units are prepped for winter can prevent expensive replacement costs once spring and summer arrive. Replacing window units averages $275 per air conditioner while replacing your central air conditioning can range from $1,800 to $10,000. Considering tarps and cleaners can cost less than $20 combined, this preventive work is a great return on investment!

What to Do

Safeguard your air conditioning units during the winter months to boost their durability and operating life. ‍

What You’ll Need

The Basics

  •  Garden hose and spray nozzle
  •  Gentle cleaner (e.g., dishwashing soap or window cleaner)
  •  Soft towel or sponge
  •  Window-unit-sized covers (e.g., tarps, newspaper, burlap)
  •  Fasteners (e.g., bungee cords)

Downloadable equity increase guide

How to Do It

For Central A/C

Turn off the power to your central A/C unit. Clean coils with a bristle brush then use a garden hose to remove accumulated dirt and debris. Wipe down hard-to-reach spots with a gentle cleaner (e.g., dishwashing soap) and a towel.

Clean the central A/C filter, which is typically found at the unit’s return air duct (located inside your home, often in the basement). Open the front grill and remove the filter then tap gently to remove accumulated dust and dirt; you can also vacuum or brush them clean if necessary. Rinse them clean and let them dry completely, then return to the unit.

Back outside, cover all exterior pipes to the central A/C unit. Your unit itself should be designed to withstand winter conditions and resist pests and doesn’t need to be covered (as this can build up condensation and damage the system or create a safe haven for animals seeking shelter). If you’re concerned about heavy storms, secure a piece of plywood to the top of the unit to protect from falling branches and the like.

For Removable Window Units

Unplug the window air conditioning unit and remove panels that hold it in place. Then remove the air conditioning unit from its window and clean out any accumulated debris such as dirt or leaves. Check for and remove any bugs and mold. If the unit is particularly dirty, clean with a garden hose or a bucket of soap and water. Allow the air conditioner to dry completely, including draining any residual water from the cooling unit. Once dry, wrap or cover each air conditioner and store in a place that’s warm, dry, and elevated to prevent condensation buildup and rust. Repeat with each removable window air conditioning unit until all are cleaned and stored.

For Permanent Window Units

Unplug the in-window air conditioning unit then hose it off, remove any remaining debris, and let dry completely. Once dry, encase the air conditioning unit with burlap, a tarp, or a custom winter air conditioner cover. Secure cover with bungee cords as needed. Repeat with each in-window air conditioning unit around your home. Monitor all covers regularly during winter months to ensure there are no breaches (e.g., fabric tears) and replace as necessary.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed in this post are for informational purposes only. To determine the best financing for your personal circumstances and goals, consult with a licensed advisor.

How to Get the Whole Family to Help with Chores

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If you’re part of a typical American family, you may find it tricky to get everyone engaged and motivated to maintain the household. Many chores, like everyday tidying to big cleaning tasks, preventive maintenance to larger repairs, can result in rolled eyes, arguments, and negotiations. Both spouses and kids can be holdouts (given the task), but don’t give up! A well-run household—where everyone is an active and willing participant—can be a reality.

We consulted the pros to round up the most motivating tips to get your family involved with all aspects of home maintenance.

Find the Strategy that Works for Your Family

  •  Which motivators get your family moving? The experts at Houzz recommend involving the whole family in deciding what constitutes “clean enough,” dividing chores among everyone, and fostering responsibility for one’s own messes (meaning even kids know they need to clean up after themselves—no one else will do it for them).
  •  Clean up after your kid and you’ll have a clean house for a day. Teach them how to clean and you’ll have a clean house forever, says the team at The Spruce.
  •  To get your family on board with cleaning, start with a well-planned family meeting, says blogger Maureen Campaiola on A Mess Free Life.

Go for Speed, Efficiency, and Organization

  •  Chores don’t have to take up a whole afternoon or weekend. Check out blogger Elizabeth Voyles’s “10 Cleaning Hacks Your Kids Can Handle Today” over on Organized Mom.
  •  Organization helps tackle any household task. If your family is overwhelmed or doesn’t know where to start, Care.com’s “The Ultimate Household Chore List” helps you prioritize, get going, and stay motivated.
  •  From using slime to gather crumbs to rolling lint catchers to tidy up glitter, Red Tricycle’s creative “23 Life-Saving House cleaning Hacks” will inspire both kids and parents to tidy up.

Watch the Pros at Work

  •  Elle Walker, cofounder of WhatsUpMoms, hosts a video on “5 Tricks to Get Your Kids to CLEAN UP!” that includes turning cleaning up into a game, using special cleaning tools, and explaining the (much less attractive) alternative of a dirty, messy home.
  •  How to divide household chores? Relationship expert Dr. Karyn Gordon discusses how to get family support and whether to hire help on Cityline.
  •  If you have younger kids, music can be a great motivator. Show them this catchy video from ABCkidTV and they’ll soon be singing the “Clean Up Song”—and cleaning up themselves!

Involving the whole family in regular chores and maintenance doesn’t just mean a well-kept house—it also fosters pride of ownership and lifelong responsibility among both kids and parents. With good communication and speedy conflict resolution, your well-maintained home can be a true team effort.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed in this post are for informational purposes only. To determine the best financing for your personal circumstances and goals, consult with a licensed advisor.

Is Your Dream House Worth a Longer Commute? 5 Ways to Find Out

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The good news: You’ve just found your dream house and it fits your budget. The bad news: It’s an hour away from your workplace. In debating whether to buy a new home, many homeowners need to realistically consider: Is your dream house worth a longer commute? Here are five areas to consider.

1. Time Commitment

If you’re looking at a longer commute, be sure to factor in the real time commitment: rush hour congestion, weather, school drop-off, and other contributors to traffic jams. Know how bad the overall region’s traffic is, too. If you’re thinking of moving to or near Atlanta, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, for example, traffic is unavoidable. Even if you’re able to commute at off-peak hours, you’ll still want to consider distance and average travel times.

2. Your Lifestyle

Are you a homebody or someone who enjoys after-work happy hours and social gatherings? Do you have kids in school and after-school activities? Objectively look at how a longer commute may impact your availability to do what you enjoy. If you’re driving two or more hours per day to get to work and back, you may not be able to spend time at home, in your much-desired garden, or at your kids’ functions, and post-work socialization may be curtailed because you have to hit the road to get home.

3. The Numbers

If you’re moving to a suburb or exurb, your home may be more affordable than if you stayed in or near a city. But calculate your monthly mortgage savings against what you’ll be spending on your commute. What will you now need to shell out for car maintenance, gas, and tolls (or a more expensive commuter train pass) each month? In addition to your commuting costs, will your new home require more upkeep, such as lawn maintenance or higher heat and utility bills? When you estimate your new monthly budget, you’ll know whether that further commute will cost you more in the long run.

4. Your Health

Studies have shown that long commutes contribute to divorce, insomnia, obesity, and stress. If you already work a high-stress job, have health problems, or have related concerns, know that a long commute may exacerbate existing health risks (or even create new ones). Don’t wear rose-colored glasses when it comes to your well-being. Be realistic, practical, and unemotional: Your health will thank you!

Download our home equity 101 guide

5. Your Career

In a 2017 Gallup survey, more than 43% of Americans reported they spent at least some time working remotely. If your company is open to flexible working arrangements, can you keep your job and eliminate your commute entirely (or reduce it to a few days a week)? Thinking creatively and communicating openly with your employer may bring you the best arrangement for your home and career.

Speaking of your career, will there be any impacts from your longer commute or flex-time arrangements, such as reduced opportunities for advancement? If you were to lose your job, does your new region have ample employers if you need a new job (or would you continue your longer commute arrangement at a different company)?

Ultimately, only you and your family can decide whether your dream home is worth a longer commute. Do some soul-searching to determine the maximum amount of time you’d like to spend commuting and take a realistic approach to your budget. Aim for the confluence of your preferred lifestyle and an affordable budget and think critically about what you value most and least. When you comprehend the true impact of a commute on your daily life, career, family, and goals, you’ll know whether to buy or keep looking for your new home.

Take our 5-minute quiz to see if a home equity investment is a good fit for you.

YOU SHOULD KNOW…

We do our best to make sure that the information in this post is as accurate as possible as of the date it is published, but things change quickly sometimes. Hometap does not endorse or monitor any linked websites. Individual situations differ, so consult your own finance, tax or legal professional to determine what makes sense for you.

Hometap Tip: Drain and Flush Your Hot Water Heater

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By removing built-up sediment, draining and flushing your hot water heater improves the heater’s efficiency and extends its working capacity/operating life. Servicing your hot water heater once a year can save you $750-$1,350 (the potential cost of installing a new hot water heater), not to mention the avoided expenses to clean up a leak!

What to Do

Remove sediment and mineral build up from your hot water heater.

What You’ll Need

  •  Backyard hose
  •  Gloves
  •  Bucket

front cover of guide book

How to Do It

First turn off the water source to your heater, then turn off the power source. (For gas heaters, turn the thermostat to “pilot.” For electric heaters, turn the power off via its breaker switch in your home’s electrical panel.) Locate the water heater tank’s drain valve and determine where you’ll route the drained water and sediment (e.g., exterior drain, floor drain, lawn, etc.). Attach a standard backyard hose to the water heater tank’s drain valve and route the other end to the drain.

Go to the sink nearest to your hot water heater and turn on its hot water tap. Return to the water heater, open the drain valve, and drain all water from the tank. Once the tank is emptied, turn on the cold water to dislocate any remaining built-up sediment. Repeat these steps until the tank’s water runs clear. (If the water doesn’t run clear after repeated flushing or if the water drain is slow or nonexistent, you’ll want to call in a plumber.)

Close the drain valve and remove the hose. Turn on the cold water so the tank will begin to fill. Return to the hot water tap and test it—once cold water begins to flow from it, turn it off. Confirm that the drain valve is completely closed so you won’t have any leaks. Restore power to the water heater (via either gas valve or electricity breaker). Check the drain where all the flushed sediment was routed to clear and dispose of any buildup.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed in this post are for informational purposes only. To determine the best financing for your personal circumstances and goals, consult with a licensed advisor.

How to Make Time for Your Home When Your Schedule is Packed

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Every August and September, most American families feel a time crunch as back-to-school season gets under way. But even as your family calendar gets jammed with school appointments, extracurricular activities, and professional commitments, that doesn’t mean your home’s basic upkeep and maintenance should get overlooked. With a proactive approach—and commitment from the whole family—you can stay on top of your home despite a busy schedule.

Check out these tips from home and family experts and let us know on Facebook which methods work for you!

Update the Family’s Routine

  •  Over on Redbook, organizing pro Julie Morgenstern focuses on mapping out mornings, involving the kids, and eliminating unnecessary tasks to help parents manage their time during the busy back-to-school season.
  •  Overwhelmed by house chores piling up? The team at verywellfamily shows you how to create a cleaning routine to fit your busy schedule.
  •  If you’re struggling with prioritizing your home organization and cleaning tasks, the experts at Home Storage Solutions walk you through how to keep and maintain a cleaning plan (with personalized checklists) for everyone in the family.

Involve the Kids

  •  Do your kids pitch a fit every time you ask them to help around the house? Childcare provider Bright Horizons offers age-appropriate solutions to get kids involved and take pride in the family home.
  •  Speaking of kids and chores, motivation is half the battle. Parents magazine lists 11 ways to get kids excited about helping out, including allowing autonomy, communicating a chore’s greater purpose, and working as a team.
  •  Child development experts know that household chores can impart life skills, foster responsibility, and boost your child’s confidence. The Richmond Times-Dispatch outlines the benefits of making each family member an active participant in your home’s maintenance.

Watch the Pros at Work

  •  Cassandra Aarssen, who blogs as Clutterbug, put together a video with her tried-and-true “5 Tips to Get Kids to Clean Up,” including having the right kid-friendly tools and turning cleaning into a game.
  •  Feeling especially pinched for time? The team at 5-Minute Crafts has a video covering “20 Ways to Clean Your House in Just a Few Minutes.” Quick DIY solutions cover unclogging low-flow showerheads, removing mineral deposits from your kitchen sink, and using WD-40 for a variety of household fix-it tasks.
  •  “Supernanny” Jo Frost shares her tips on “How to Get Your Kids to Do Chores” in this clip from “Bethenny.”

Give your home equal priority as school, work, and extracurriculars during this back-to-school season—and share the responsibilities among the whole family. An all-hands-on-deck approach will protect and preserve your home, despite more demands on your time.

Take our 5-minute quiz to see if a home equity investment is a good fit for you.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed in this post are for informational purposes only. To determine the best financing for your personal circumstances and goals, consult with a licensed advisor.

Hometap Tip: Dust Your Ceiling Fan Blades

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A clean ceiling fan means better air quality. There’s less dust buildup on furnishings, rugs, and carpet, which means fewer allergens in your home. With cleaner air, you’ll save $80 compared to running an air purifier nonstop throughout spring and summer.

What to Do

Dust off every blade on each of your ceiling fans.

What You’ll Need

The Basics

  •  Step ladder
  •  Pillowcase
  •  Dryer sheets or static-dust cloth
  •  Microfiber cloth
  •  Dust-repellent spray

The Works

  •  Extendable ceiling fan blade duster

How to Do It

With a ladder:

Set a ladder under your ceiling fan, and climb to a step where you’re not overextending your arms. (You don’t want to lose your balance!) Drape an old pillowcase over each blade, then pull the pillowcase across both the top and bottom to wipe it clean. The goal is to enclose all the dust inside the case, so you’re not sending dust across the room. If you don’t want to use a pillowcase, a static-capture cloth like a dryer sheet can also do the trick. To prevent future dust buildup, spray a clean rag with dust repellent and wipe both surfaces of each ceiling fan blade.

Without a ladder:

Use an extendable fan blade duster (available at most home improvement stores) to clean each blade of your ceiling fan. Position the duster so it can dust both sides of the ceiling fan blade at the same time. Dust each blade in succession until all are clean.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed in this post are for informational purposes only. To determine the best financing for your personal circumstances and goals, consult with a licensed advisor.