Monday, March 31, 2025

Open Concept Design Tips

 

Open Concept Design Tips to Boost Your Feng Shui




If your home has an open-concept design—characterized by a lack of walls among various rooms, such as the kitchen, living room and dining room—then you’re well aware of its many advantages, such as enhanced traffic flow, an abundance of natural light and a feeling of expanded spaciousness.

Recently, national homebuilder Century Communities teamed up with Feng Shui expert and architect Cliff Tan to discuss how the ancient design practice can enhance harmony, balance and even prosperity in an open concept design. Consider the following tips to help add positive energy to your home:

Create a positive first impression.

According to Tan, the front door is where energy enters the home, so you want to make sure the impression you create upon entering is a positive one. Turn the entryway into a zone where you can “settle in” before you or your guests enter the home. It’s all about creating good energy from the get-go.

Switch up the lighting.

 A crucial source of energy in your home, lighting can be directed intentionally to guide the eye toward important areas of focus. Natural light, in particular, is a positive source of energy. Situate important zones where you’ll spend time, like your desk or couch, near windows where they can benefit from natural light. In turn, artificial light can be used to create zones, utilizing light and shadow to split spaces and define what you want the eye to focus on.

Split up your space with rugs.

Rugs are a genius way to segment spaces while adding personality, depth and character to a room. Area rugs can be placed under the dining room table, living area and even in the kitchen. They can also be used to create a sense of space: horizontal rugs make a room feel wider while vertical rugs make it feel longer.

Choose furnishings that complement your room.

Select furnishings that create openness or separation depending on how you’ll use a room. For more spacious open-concept rooms, you might want larger furnishings that feel more protective and help define zones. For smaller spaces, low-profile furniture often works better. When in doubt, Tan advises that you “choose furnishings that not only look good but make you feel good.”

Use art and patterns to guide energy. 

Art and the use of patterns are a great way to guide and move energy around a room. For example, says Tan, “if you want to make someone walk toward the living room, have a piece of art that subtly directs them—almost like an arrow.”

Tan also notes that art is important for influencing how you feel in a space, and that art should be relevant to a room and its usage, such as a dining room with vibrant art to promote a healthy appetite.

Balance color throughout the home.

When it comes to a healthy color balance, Tan advises “not to focus too much on one element (i.e., one color). Try to have a healthy mix of everything.” For example, an all-beige room without greens, blues, reds—even subtle touches of black—could end up feeling like a desert.

Don’t skip the end tables.

End tables are an easy way to delineate different areas in an open-concept design—and to anchor larger pieces of furniture so that they don’t feel like they’re floating in mid-air. Different end tables can promote different aesthetics and vibes, depending on your needs and tastes. For example, if you want to soften a room’s energy, you could opt for an end table with rounded edges.

Consider your window treatments. 

How you let natural light into your home can influence the energy in a room—and ultimately your mood. For example, curtains or fabric blinds could help soften light in a room and help imbue a sense of calm.

Keep spaces organized. 

Keeping your open-concept home clutter-free is essential for maintaining positive energy. Ensure clear pathways in a room so that energy is not blocked or hindered. Furniture pieces like ottomans, coffee tables and end tables with built-in storage can help you stay organized—with clearly categorized items—while subtly defining different areas within your home.

Top off the room with a mirror. 

Mirrors reflect and thus double the energy wherever they’re placed, so make sure they’re reflecting something attractive. For example, Tan recommends you avoid placing mirrors where they could reflect a messy kitchen. However, you could enhance positive energy by having your mirror reflect the dining room table or the pretty artwork that you’ve hung on the wall.

As Tan says, remember that there is no right or wrong when it comes to Feng Shui—it’s about finding the environment that’s right for you and enhancing it with items that are close to your heart. 





lindasecrist.com

Linda Secrist Salt Lake City Real Estate Home Page • Salt Lake City Real Estate • Draper Real Estate • Holladay Real Estate • Sandy Real Estate • South Jordan Utah Real Estate • Salt Lake City’s Top Real Estate Agent  

Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 25 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!

#Buy #buyer #Sold #justlisted #openhouse #land #home #house #mcm #wcw #uthahomesforsale #Openhouse #homebuying #utahluxuryhomes #luxury #luxurylifesyle #buyahome #utahrealestate #utahrealtor #no1realestateagent #homesforsaleinutah #bestrealtor #skiutah #utahlistings #mlslistings #skiutah #funthingstodoinutah #relocatetoutah #thegreatestsnowonearth #utahskiresorts #worldclassskiresorts #utaheconomy #utahinvestments #stagingyourhome #villaatdimpledell #searchutahhomes #luxuryhomesforsaleinutah #mainfloormaster #homesforsaleinsandyUt #homesforsaleinpepperwood #homesforsaleindraper #searchallutahhomes #utahhousingmarket #slchousingmarket #hometrends #luxuryhomes #modernhomes #openfloorplans #relocate #relocation #seller #buyer #saltlakerealestate #buyingahome #mainfloorliving #homestyle #homedesign #number1 #sellingahome #silicon #slopes #lindasecristandassociates #lindasecrist #saltlakerealestate #utah #UT #Newhomes #Utahhomes #Realestate #Openhouse #tour #sale #rambler #shop #linda #Secrist #Associates #Events #MLS #Parkview #Villas #Luxurylifestyle #Saltlakeolympics #winterolympics #skiutah #thegreatestsnowonearth #Sundancefilmfestival #siliconslopes #winter #Snowbasin #Ski #Skiing #resort #opening #Mountains#Deervalley #concert #outdoor  #hometour #newdevlopment #mainfloorliving #property #realestate #downpayment #save #relocate #relocation #Zionsnationalpark #BryceCanyonNationalPark #TheSecristTeam #Beautiful #Canyons #Mountains #Canyonlands #Ski #Skiing 

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Building Equity

 


WAYS TO BUILD EQUITY QUICKLY





Home equity can be a financial safety net. You can tap into equity if you need funds to cover repairs or renovations, pay off high-interest credit card debt or manage unanticipated expenses, such as medical bills. 

The amount of equity you have is the difference between your house’s value and the balance you owe on the mortgage. As you pay down your loan, you’ll gradually build equity. If you want to speed things up, there are several ways to build equity faster.

Make a Large Down Payment


You begin to build equity when you buy a house. If you can afford to put down a substantial sum, you’ll own a good chunk of your home outright before you make a single mortgage payment. A large down payment can help you get a loan with a low interest rate. The less you pay in interest, the faster you’ll chip away at the principal and build equity.

Make Extra Mortgage Payments


Paying down your loan ahead of schedule is another way to build equity. Before you send extra money to your mortgage servicer, check your loan documents or contact customer service to find out if your mortgage has a prepayment penalty. If it doesn’t, ask your loan servicer how to have additional funds applied to your principal balance. 

One way to make extra payments is to send the loan servicer half of your required monthly mortgage payment when you get paid every two weeks. By paying biweekly, you’ll make 13 full loan payments per year, rather than the required 12. That one extra payment can chip away at the principal and help you build equity at an accelerated rate. 

Another approach is to pay more than the required amount each month. Even a little extra, paid consistently over time, can significantly reduce your principal and help you build equity. 

You can also pay a lump sum when you have extra funds available. If you get an annual bonus or an income tax refund, you can put some or all of that money toward your mortgage.

Increase Your Home’s Value


Raising your property’s value is another way to build equity. You don’t have to spend a fortune on major upgrades. Minor changes that make a house more comfortable and functional can have a greater impact than large-scale renovations. A local real estate agent can help you figure out which kinds of changes will have the highest return on investment.

Use One or More Approaches to Build Equity


Since home equity is the difference between your house’s value and the amount you owe on the mortgage, there are numerous ways to build equity. You can focus on reducing your loan balance, boosting your home’s value or both. Find an approach that fits your budget.



lindasecrist.com

Linda Secrist Salt Lake City Real Estate Home Page • Salt Lake City Real Estate • Draper Real Estate • Holladay Real Estate • Sandy Real Estate • South Jordan Utah Real Estate • Salt Lake City’s Top Real Estate Agent  



Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 25 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!



#Buy #buyer #Sold #justlisted #openhouse #land #home #house #mcm #wcw #uthahomesforsale #Openhouse #homebuying #utahluxuryhomes #luxury #luxurylifesyle #buyahome #utahrealestate #utahrealtor #no1realestateagent #homesforsaleinutah #bestrealtor #skiutah #utahlistings #mlslistings #skiutah #funthingstodoinutah #relocatetoutah #thegreatestsnowonearth #utahskiresorts #worldclassskiresorts #utaheconomy #utahinvestments #stagingyourhome #villaatdimpledell #searchutahhomes #luxuryhomesforsaleinutah #mainfloormaster #homesforsaleinsandyUt #homesforsaleinpepperwood #homesforsaleindraper #searchallutahhomes #utahhousingmarket #slchousingmarket #hometrends #luxuryhomes #modernhomes #openfloorplans #relocate #relocation #seller #buyer #saltlakerealestate #buyingahome #mainfloorliving #homestyle #homedesign #number1 #sellingahome #silicon #slopes #lindasecristandassociates #lindasecrist #saltlakerealestate #utah #UT #Newhomes #Utahhomes #Realestate #Openhouse #tour #sale #rambler #shop #linda #Secrist #Associates #Events #MLS #Parkview #Villas #Luxurylifestyle #Saltlakeolympics #winterolympics #skiutah #thegreatestsnowonearth #Sundancefilmfestival #siliconslopes #winter #Snowbasin #Ski #Skiing #resort #opening #Mountains#Deervalley #concert #outdoor  #hometour #newdevlopment #mainfloorliving #property #realestate #downpayment #save

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Landscaping Tips When Selling Your Home

 


Landscaping Tips When Selling Your Home

 

No matter how many bedrooms your home has or how great your kitchen updates are, first impressions are critical to ensuring prospective buyers get past the curb and through the front door to find out what awaits them. That’s why making sure your landscaping is up to snuff is critical when listing your home for sale.

According to UK-based gardening expert with HomeHow, Calum Maddock, there are several key steps to take to ensure your landscape is in prime showing condition. Consider the following:

Maintain the lawn. If a buyer pulls up to your home and sees overgrown grass and weeds, they may not venture any further. Make sure your front and back lawn are kept neatly mowed, and stay ahead of weed growth while your home is on the market.

Clean all surfaces. Use a pressure washer to thoroughly clean all surfaces, such as the driveway, paths, patios, decking and hardscaping features like planters and benches. If you don’t own a pressure washer, you should be able to rent one from a local home improvement retailer or hardware store.

Do some edging. Edging the lawn along your driveway, patio, paths and garden beds immediately gives your landscaping an elevated look. You can also consider creating borders in these areas with brick, stone or small ornamental barriers.

Plant flowers. You may be an avid gardener who already has beautiful blooms that enhance your landscape. If not, you can easily plant flowers to beautify your home’s appearance. Choose varieties that are long lasting and require little maintenance, and plant them in decorative containers by the front door and throughout your patio, deck and other seating areas.

Tidy up flower beds. If you do have flower beds, make sure they’re looking their best by pulling up weeds, cutting back dead leaves and flowers, and trimming overgrowth.

Add fresh mulch. Nothing improves the presentation of your yard like mulch, so be sure to add a fresh layer to garden beds and other strategic areas. Maddock recommends mulching once or twice a year, and opting for varieties with larger chunks that take longer to break down. Not only does mulch look good, it helps prevent weed growth and keeps your soil healthy.

Consider lighting and water features. To cap off your landscape design, consider adding outdoor lighting to play up key features of your yard. Try solar lights to illuminate walkways, spotlights to play up beautiful trees or string lights to add atmosphere to seating areas. If it’s within your budget, adding a water feature can also elevate your landscape design, whether it’s a simple birdbath or a show-stopping fountain.

The above steps will help wow buyers as soon as they pull up to your home, putting them in a positive frame of mind as they cross the threshold to see everything else your home has to offer.

 

 

 

Linda Secrist Salt Lake City Real Estate Home Page • Salt Lake City Real Estate • Draper Real Estate • Holladay Real Estate • Sandy Real Estate • South Jordan Utah Real Estate • Salt Lake City’s Top Real Estate Agent  

 

Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 25 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!

 
#Buy #buyer #Sold #justlisted #openhouse #land #home #house #mcm #wcw #uthahomesforsale #Openhouse #homebuying #utahluxuryhomes #luxury #luxurylifesyle #buyahome #utahrealestate #utahrealtor #no1realestateagent #homesforsaleinutah #bestrealtor #skiutah #utahlistings #mlslistings #skiutah #funthingstodoinutah #relocatetoutah #thegreatestsnowonearth #utahskiresorts #worldclassskiresorts #utaheconomy #utahinvestments #stagingyourhome #villaatdimpledell #searchutahhomes #luxuryhomesforsaleinutah #mainfloormaster #homesforsaleinsandyUt #homesforsaleinpepperwood #homesforsaleindraper #searchallutahhomes #utahhousingmarket #slchousingmarket #hometrends #luxuryhomes #modernhomes #openfloorplans #relocate #relocation #seller #buyer #saltlakerealestate #buyingahome #mainfloorliving #homestyle #homedesign #number1 #sellingahome #silicon #slopes #lindasecristandassociates #lindasecrist #saltlakerealestate #utah #UT #Newhomes #Utahhomes #Realestate #Openhouse #tour #sale #rambler #shop #linda #Secrist #Associates #Events #MLS #Parkview #Villas #Luxurylifestyle #Saltlakeolympics #winterolympics #skiutah #thegreatestsnowonearth #Sundancefilmfestival #siliconslopes #winter #Snowbasin #Ski #Skiing #resort #opening #Mountains#Deervalley #concert #outdoor  #hometour #newdevlopment #mainfloorliving #property #realestate #downpayment #save #relocate #relocation #Zionsnationalpark #BryceCanyonNationalPark #TheSecristTeam #Beautiful #Canyons #Mountains #Canyonlands #Ski #Skiing #thesecristteam

 

 

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Choosing The Right Garage Door For Your Home

 


How to Choose the Right Garage Door for Your House

 

 

Your garage door is likely one of the first things that people notice about your home, but the garage door can affect more than your property’s curb appeal. If the garage is attached to the house, the door can affect your home’s energy efficiency, as well as your family’s security. These are some things to think about when shopping for a new garage door.

Consider the Climate in Your Region

Garage doors can be made with one or more layers. The way a garage door is built affects the amount of insulation it provides. When you compare doors, you’ll see a range of R-values listed. The higher the R-value, the better a garage door’s insulating properties.

If you live in a region that has cold winters, you’ll want to select a garage door with a high R-value. If your area has a moderate climate, a door with a lower R-value can suit your needs.

Explore Different Materials

Garage doors are manufactured with numerous materials, each with pros and cons. Garage door costs can vary widely depending on the material and style you choose.

Steel is durable and easy to maintain, but it can get dented if it’s struck by a vehicle or a blowing object. Steel can be manufactured to resemble other materials, and a wide range of colors are available.

Fiberglass garage doors are popular for their durability. Fiberglass can resist dents, as well as insect and moisture damage. Fiberglass garage doors can closely resemble wood, and they’re affordable.

Some homeowners choose wood garage doors because of their beautiful appearance. The drawback is that garage doors made entirely of wood are less durable than doors made of other materials, like steel or fiberglass. The price of wood garage doors depends on the species used to make them.

Garage doors made with a composite material offer the aesthetics of natural wood, without the drawbacks. Composite doors have multiple layers that consist of wood fibers and other materials. That makes composite garage doors more resistant to moisture than doors constructed with real wood.

Aluminum is a lightweight material that can resist corrosion, which makes it an appealing choice for a region that gets a lot of rain or snow. Aluminum garage doors come in a range of contemporary designs that often feature a series of glass or acrylic panels.

Vinyl garage doors are lightweight, durable and affordable. They can resist damage from moisture, insects, collisions and blowing objects. Vinyl doors have multiple layers and vary in terms of their insulating properties.

Find the Right Garage Door for Your Home

Garage door manufacturers offer a stunning array of options. Before you start shopping for a new garage door, think about what’s important to you and how much you’re comfortable spending. That will help you decide which materials to focus on, narrow your options and find a door that fits your needs, your home’s design and your budget.

 

 

Linda Secrist Salt Lake City Real Estate Home Page • Salt Lake City Real Estate • Draper Real Estate • Holladay Real Estate • Sandy Real Estate • South Jordan Utah Real Estate • Salt Lake City’s Top Real Estate Agent  

 


Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 25 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!

 
#Buy #buyer #Sold #justlisted #openhouse #land #home #house #mcm #wcw #uthahomesforsale #Openhouse #homebuying #utahluxuryhomes #luxury #luxurylifesyle #buyahome #utahrealestate #utahrealtor #no1realestateagent #homesforsaleinutah #bestrealtor #skiutah #utahlistings #mlslistings #skiutah #funthingstodoinutah #relocatetoutah #thegreatestsnowonearth #utahskiresorts #worldclassskiresorts #utaheconomy #utahinvestments #stagingyourhome #villaatdimpledell #searchutahhomes #luxuryhomesforsaleinutah #mainfloormaster #homesforsaleinsandyUt #homesforsaleinpepperwood #homesforsaleindraper #searchallutahhomes #utahhousingmarket #slchousingmarket #hometrends #luxuryhomes #modernhomes #openfloorplans #relocate #relocation #seller #buyer #saltlakerealestate #buyingahome #mainfloorliving #homestyle #homedesign #number1 #sellingahome #silicon #slopes #lindasecristandassociates #lindasecrist #saltlakerealestate #utah #UT #Newhomes #Utahhomes #Realestate #Openhouse #tour #sale #rambler #shop #linda #Secrist #Associates #Events #MLS #Parkview #Villas #Luxurylifestyle #Saltlakeolympics #winterolympics #skiutah #thegreatestsnowonearth #Sundancefilmfestival #siliconslopes #winter #Snowbasin #Ski #Skiing #resort #opening #Mountains#Deervalley #concert #outdoor  #hometour #newdevlopment #mainfloorliving #property #realestate #downpayment #save #relocate #relocation #Zionsnationalpark #BryceCanyonNationalPark #TheSecristTeam #Beautiful #Canyons #Mountains #Canyonlands #Ski #Skiing #thesecristteam

 

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

First Time Homebuyer?

 


What to Consider as a First-Time Homebuyer

 

From budgeting, to the art of a deal, to understanding home maintenance, there is a lot to consider when buying a home. This can prove to be a large learning curve if you don’t know a lot about the real estate industry or general home handiwork. While this can be true for any home buyer, first-time home buyers can be at a disadvantage regarding this industry knowledge.

General Financial Readiness

Financial Readiness is a pivotal part of the home-buying process. Your home is likely one of the largest investments that you’ll make, and ensuring that you are financially ready for that expense is pivotal. Calculate how much you can afford based on your monthly income, potential expenses and current debt. Don’t forget to include important factors like your current credit score and how much you plan to use for a down payment.

Remember that you don’t always need a 20% down payment, especially as a first-time buyer, but it will help you avoid private mortgage insurance (aka PMI). A great broker or a financial advisor are both helpful resources for evaluating your current financial options alongside your future goals. Don’t forget to budget for unexpected challenges or expenses down the road; a buffer within your budget is key.

Evaluate Mortgage Options

First-time home buyers have access to additional mortgage options that general home buyers do not. Familiarize yourself with different mortgage types: FHA loans (designed specifically for first-time home buyers), VA loans (designed for veterans and service members), USDA rural development loans and traditional mortgages, will all have their benefits and downsides. Don’t forget that you may also qualify for grants or special offers based on your occupation, location, demographic or other qualifications. A savvy broker can walk you through potential options and make recommendations based on your needs.

Future Lifestyle and Location Goals

A starter home may be a great stepping stone to the home of your dreams, but it can be helpful to think of the long-term investment of a particular purchase. Consider the location and property type by looking into the neighborhood’s safety, school quality and proximity to work and community features. Assess your lifestyle goals and keep them in mind. You may want more space if you plan to start a family, have pets or work from home.

 

Linda Secrist Salt Lake City Real Estate Home Page • Salt Lake City Real Estate • Draper Real Estate • Holladay Real Estate • Sandy Real Estate • South Jordan Utah Real Estate • Salt Lake City’s Top Real Estate Agent  

 

Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 25 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!

 
#Buy #buyer #Sold #justlisted #openhouse #land #home #house #mcm #wcw #uthahomesforsale #Openhouse #homebuying #utahluxuryhomes #luxury #luxurylifesyle #buyahome #utahrealestate #utahrealtor #no1realestateagent #homesforsaleinutah #bestrealtor #skiutah #utahlistings #mlslistings #skiutah #funthingstodoinutah #relocatetoutah #thegreatestsnowonearth #utahskiresorts #worldclassskiresorts #utaheconomy #utahinvestments #stagingyourhome #villaatdimpledell #searchutahhomes #luxuryhomesforsaleinutah #mainfloormaster #homesforsaleinsandyUt #homesforsaleinpepperwood #homesforsaleindraper #searchallutahhomes #utahhousingmarket #slchousingmarket #hometrends #luxuryhomes #modernhomes #openfloorplans #relocate #relocation #seller #buyer #saltlakerealestate #buyingahome #mainfloorliving #homestyle #homedesign #number1 #sellingahome #silicon #slopes #lindasecristandassociates #lindasecrist #saltlakerealestate #utah #UT #Newhomes #Utahhomes #Realestate #Openhouse #tour #sale #rambler #shop #linda #Secrist #Associates #Events #MLS #Parkview #Villas #Luxurylifestyle #Saltlakeolympics #winterolympics #skiutah #thegreatestsnowonearth #Sundancefilmfestival #siliconslopes #winter #Snowbasin #Ski #Skiing #resort #opening #Mountains#Deervalley #concert #outdoor  #hometour #newdevlopment #mainfloorliving #property #realestate #downpayment #save #relocate #relocation #Zionsnationalpark #BryceCanyonNationalPark #TheSecristTeam #Beautiful #Canyons #Mountains #Canyonlands #Ski #Skiing #thesecristteam

 

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Home Inspections In Winter

 


What to Look for During a Winter Home Inspection

 

 

If you plan to offer a home this winter, you may have an advantage during the home inspection. The home inspector will be able to assess winter-related house issues when they arise and can give insight into how the house holds up during winter’s severe conditions. Here are some areas a home inspector should pay closer attention to, especially during winter.

Assess the heating system

When you tour a house, it should ideally feel warm upon entering. During the inspection, the inspector should test how efficiently the system is running and how clean it is and look for signs of wear and tear. They should also assess the airflow, humidifier, and thermostat.

Check the gutters

Blocked gutters can prevent water from draining correctly and form ice dams in cold weather. If the temperature outside is freezing, the inspector can determine if the house is at risk for ice dams, which can result in extensive damage to the structure of the home.

Inspect for drafts around windows and doors

If the windows or doors leak air, they must be sealed or replaced. Depending on the severity of the leaks, they can be sealed with caulk or weather-stripping. If these solutions don’t work, the doors and windows may need to be replaced entirely.

Checking the electrical outlets is another area where air leaks can be spotted. If there are outlets on the exterior walls, you can pinpoint if air is coming and going from these spots if you feel a draft.

Assess the ductwork

The ductwork is another area in the home where heat can escape. Inspecting the home’s ductwork for air leaks, missing insulation, and other damage can result in heat loss.

Inspect the roof for damage

The winter can damage the roof in the form of missing or damaged shingles and drainage issues. The roof should be inspected closely to see if there is any damage to the handles or moisture damage from the snow and ice. Water damage from snow and ice buildup can also damage the foundation, so inspecting the foundation to ensure proper drainage is essential.

Check plumbing

Frozen pipes can cause significant damage to a home. To prevent the pipes from freezing, the exterior fixtures should be turned off, and the exposed water pipes should be insulated. The plumbing should also be inspected for issues such as leaks or pipe corrosion, which could result in water damage or mold.

Assess the home’s insulation

Attics, crawlspaces, basements, and walls should be adequately insulated to help conserve heat throughout the home. The area should also be inspected for air leaks to ensure that hot air stays in and cold air stays out.

Linda Secrist Salt Lake City Real Estate Home Page • Salt Lake City Real Estate • Draper Real Estate • Holladay Real Estate • Sandy Real Estate • South Jordan Utah Real Estate • Salt Lake City’s Top Real Estate Agent  

 

Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 25 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!

 
#land #home #house #mcm #wcw #uthahomesforsale #Openhouse #homebuying #utahluxuryhomes #luxury #luxurylifesyle #buyahome #utahrealestate #utahrealtor #no1realestateagent #homesforsaleinutah #bestrealtor #skiutah #utahlistings #mlslistings #skiutah #funthingstodoinutah #relocatetoutah #thegreatestsnowonearth #utahskiresorts #worldclassskiresorts #utaheconomy #utahinvestments #stagingyourhome #villaatdimpledell #searchutahhomes #luxuryhomesforsaleinutah #mainfloormaster #homesforsaleinsandyUt #homesforsaleinpepperwood #homesforsaleindraper #searchallutahhomes #utahhousingmarket #slchousingmarket #hometrends #luxuryhomes #modernhomes #openfloorplans #relocate #relocation #seller #buyer #saltlakerealestate #buyingahome #mainfloorliving #homestyle #homedesign #number1 #sellingahome #silicon #slopes #lindasecristandassociates #lindasecrist #saltlakerealestate #utah #UT #Newhomes #Utahhomes #Realestate #Openhouse #tour #sale #rambler #shop #linda #Secrist #Associates #Events #MLS #Parkview #Villas #Luxurylifestyle #Saltlakeolympics #winterolympics #skiutah #thegreatestsnowonearth #Sundancefilmfestival #siliconslopes #winter #Snowbasin #Ski #Skiing #resort #opening #Mountains#Deervalley #concert #outdoor  #hometour #newdevlopment #mainfloorliving #property #realestate #downpayment #save #relocate #relocation #Zionsnationalpark #BryceCanyonNationalPark #TheSecristTeam #Beautiful #Canyons #Mountains #Canyonlands #Ski #Skiing #thesecristteam

 

 

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Merry Christmas

 




FROM THE SECRIST TEAM



This is a very special time of year to reflect on the blessings in our lives and we want you to know how much we appreciate your friendship and loyal business. We thank you for always thinking of the Secrist Team when you buy, sell and when you trust us by referring your family, friends and neighbors to our care!

We are incredibly grateful for the success of this year and we have all of you to thank!

"May you homes be blessed with peace, love and cherished memories this Christmas and in the coming New Year!"

 

The Secrist Team

Linda Secrist, 801-455-9999
Brett Butler, 801-31-6435
Lisa Herron McKinney, 801-455-9900

Lisa Wuest, 801-990-9539