AW Realty Group

Trying to save money? Home maintenance is so much more affordable than emergency repairs. Here are five routine maintenance projects that can help prevent unexpected costs and save you money year round. 1. Clear out gutters Water from clogged gutters can overflow and leak into your home. Heavy, ice-packed gutters can tear away from your house in the winter. Grab a ladder, gloves and hose and clear them out while the weather is still warm. 2. Re-caulk windows Drafty windows and doors can suck money right out of your budget from high energy bills. Check the caulk and weatherproofing strips around doors and windows to make sure they're not dried and crumbling. If they are, they're easy (and cheap) to replace. 3. Clean the fireplaces Have your chimney professionally inspected and potentially cleaned annually to prevent creosote, a flammable byproduct of wood burning, from building up. It can create a fire hazard and elevate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before...

Getting ready to buy a house? Before you head out on your first home tour with your agent, arm yourself with the following advice. 1. Double check your credit If you're thinking about buying, you should already be "keeping score." Know your credit score, and make sure to rectify any credit reporting errors before lenders take a look.  Read more in  4 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Success . 2. Understand the added cost of certain features As you make your list of "must-have" home features, be sure you consider the added expenses that may come with them. Your math should include things like the cost of landscaping maintenance for extra acreage and energy costs that come with added square footage.  Read more in  3 Home Features That May Not Be Worth the Work (or Expense) . 3. Discover where your dollars go Get up close and personal with your monthly budget and track every single thing you purchase over 30 days. Review your credit card and bank statements...