Check out these fall lawn-care tips [Video]

It’s not time to give up on lawn care just because the weather is getting colder and the leaves are falling from the trees. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Your yard still needs some care before the winter, and here are a few tips for doing just that:

For starters, don’t stop mowing. Shorter grass will come back healthier in the spring, so mow as close to the first snowfall of the year as you can. You will also want to water and fertilize in the fall, so your grass can stay strong under mounds of snow.

Above all else, you need to take care of any fallen leaves. They’ll suffocate your yard and still be there in the spring as a rotten, damp mess. Rake a few times throughout the fall and one final time after all the leaves are down.

Thanks for watching, and check back soon for more home care tips.

Smart homes of the future are finally here.

Today, more houses across the country have a number of “smart” features, or those that can be controlled by a mobile device. Some examples include thermostats, security alarms and window blinds. 

According to a report from Houzz, almost half of homeowners who complete a renovation project are installing a smart system. Homeowners with these features are also reported to be happier with their properties, and their main reasons for upgrading include security, energy efficiency and resale value.

Overall, smart homes can be easier and more convenient to use – not to mention attractive to potential buyers.

Whether you’re buying or selling, make sure you have a trusted home inspection professional look over your property.

Tune in soon for more from our video blog series!

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According to a report from RealtyTrac, the number of flipped homes in the U.S. has increased by 14 percent in the second quarter. Overall, there were more than 51,000 flipped homes across the country.

This is a fairly significant rise. You’ll remember that home flipping took off after the Great Recession, and there are currently a number of popular television shows detailing the process. One big switch now is that many smaller investors are getting in on the game, instead of just larger companies. 

The reason is due to affordable loan options and a favorable lending environment. 

No matter what, a home inspection is a must-have, whether you’re flipping or buying for yourself.

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Hello again, and welcome back to the Alban Inspections video blog.

Do you know what to look for when shopping for a home inspector? Hint: It’s not all about price. In fact, there are a few other traits of a home inspector that can really make the difference during the homebuying or selling process.

Home inspectors are your first line of defense against any future problems with your home. They can identify areas of concern and even give you negotiating power. The best home inspectors have strong local knowledge and years of experience in the industry.

Furthermore, top inspectors need to be patient, thorough, detailed and kind. The best of the best will spend multiple hours going through the property and answer any questions you might have. 

Not all home inspectors are created equal, and the experts at Alban Inspections are your trusted professionals. Thanks for watching.

Home inspections are must-haves for nearly all homebuyers today. However, not every seller feels like they’re equally important – and that can be a mistake.

The reason is that a home inspection can uncover any number of issues that could delay or even prevent closing. If you have a home inspection completed right before your house hits the market, you now have the ability to get ahead of any potential issues and ensure a timely sale.

For instance, home inspectors are ideal partners for savvy sellers, according to Trulia. Inspectors can catch pests, asbestos, foundation problems, electrical issues any many other concerns before potential sellers take a look.

Make sure you contact Alban Inspections today, before you list your home. Thanks for watching.

Welcome back to Alban Inspections’ video blog series.

Across the country, a few hot new kitchen trends are taking hold, according to CNN Money.

One popular kitchen feature is the steam oven – homeowners are all about steam cooking in their kitchens. Also hot are cabinets that open by pressing them, instead of pulling on a handle. This provides a seamless, integrated look to any kitchen.

Also cracking the list are larger, customized pantries and refrigerated drawers, increasing cold storage space throughout the kitchen.

Does your home have any of these features? Do you want it to? Thanks for watching, and as always, make sure you work with a trusted home inspector the next time you’re in the market for a new home.

Which home repairs are the costliest? Not all are created equal, and if you’re in the market for your next home, it’s a must that you identify those big-ticket items ahead of time.

While the cost of individual projects can depend on a number of variables, there are a few repairs that are widely considered to be the most expensive.

That includes the foundation, the plumbing and bathroom, and the roof.

The foundation can get expensive because it is connected to the entire house – a shifted foundation could lead to cracks all throughout the property. The bathroom is pricey because water is involved. Water damage, rot and mold can affect many parts of your home. And the roof is costly for many of the same reasons.

Therefore, always have a home inspection completed before buying, because spotting these issues early can save you a lot of money and time.

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From our television screens to our neighborhoods, tiny living has become one of the hottest new trends in real estate.

While it takes some dedication and creativity to dive into small real estate, bigger, more traditional properties can take some lessons from their tiny brethren.

For example, CNN Money reported some tiny home trends that make a lot of sense in any house. One such option is creative storage. Tiny homes have turned stairs into drawers and made hidden trap doors in the floors.

Dining room tables can appear out of nowhere and even walls can be moved – or removed – to change a floor plan. All of these are interesting and effective ideas for traditional real estate.

Which tiny home trend would you like to see in your house?

While it may still feel like the dog days of summer, fall is right around the corner. 

Hello again, and welcome back to our blog. 

Before autumn hits, you need to prepare your home for the changing seasons. This means tackling a few key maintenance challenges.

First, have your roof inspected by a professional. A leaky, damaged roof is never good, but it can be especially problematic in the colder seasons.

Second, clean out your gutters. Clogged gutters – just before leaves start to fall – could lead to flooding and drainage issues.

Third, seal your windows and doors. A nice, tight seal is good in all weather conditions, because it keeps your heating and cooling inside your home.

Thanks for watching, and check back soon for more tips and tricks.

Flowers are essential to most curb appeal strategies, lending home facades small pops of eye-catching color. If you’re looking to draw in buyers with some new blooms, consider planting perennials. As their name suggests, these plants flower for years, using elongated rootstocks to draw in extra moisture and reappear every growing season. 

There are myriad perennials to choose from, but savvy gardeners focus on a couple key species.

Most flower enthusiasts are attracted to classic perennials like black-eyed Susans and peonies. However, a number of others are just as beautiful and can make your flower bed more unique. For instance, Russian sage plants provide colorful canvases for smaller blooms, but also draw ample attention with their tall, pale-blue stems and wide bases.

Of course, blanket flowers are another good option. These durable wildflowers come in vibrant gold, orange and red hues and look similar to daisies.

Thanks for watching! Come back later for more homeselling tips.