The Allstate Blog » My Place

How to Do a Final Walkthrough Before Closing on a House

Lindsay Listanski, Coldwell Banker — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:16:49 +0000

When the home buying process is nearly complete, many buyers start relaxing and focusing on other details, such as purchasing new furniture and looking at paint samples.

But there is one more crucial step to take before closing on the house: a final walkthrough. This is the last chance before closing to make sure everything is in working condition. A final walkthrough can not only help you feel more confident about your purchase and avoid buyer's remorse, it can also pinpoint any last-minute problems that should be taken care of before settlement.

When to Schedule a Walkthrough

A house walkthrough should take roughly 30 minutes to complete, enough time for you to be extremely thorough. During this assessment, you should check for new issues that may have come up since the last time you viewed the home.

This is especially important if a major event, like a severe storm, occurred during that time period. Once you close on the home, previous owners are not obligated to fix new damages that may have occurred.

Be sure to schedule a timely walkthrough, about 24 hours before closing on a home, to address any potential problems.

What to Look For

At this time, you should check all major appliances to ensure they are in working condition. For example, consider turning on the dishwasher and washing machine, checking outlets and light switches and testing other basic operations. You might also request warranties and owners' manuals for appliances.

Look to see whether any fixtures the seller agreed to leave behind (a chandelier, for instance) are missing. Check to make sure any previously agreed-upon repairs have been made. Then, look over the general condition of the property, inside and out: Are there damages like scratched walls or floors that occurred when the homeowner moved out? Did they leave unwanted furniture or other things behind? Is the yard and overall property in good shape (or, rather, the condition it was when you last saw the home)?

Many industry professionals recommend that buyers bring a home inspector with them to seek out any problems, and to confirm that repairs were made as requested and to their satisfaction. For this kind of service, home inspectors will typically charge much less than their original inspection costs.

Take Action Quickly

If you do identify problems, you have a few options. First, you may choose to walk away from the deal altogether. However, most professionals encourage buyers to consider how significant the problem is before walking away. Is avoiding a $500 fix worth losing your dream home?

In other cases, you may choose to postpone the closing until the sellers fix the problem. If sellers balk at having the problem fixed, and the repair was agreed upon during negotiations, you do have legal recourse -- although it may be a good idea for the buyers and sellers to try to reach an amicable agreement to make the closing go more smoothly.

Take your time during a final walkthrough to ensure there are no surprises after the closing. Once this important last step is complete, take a deep breath, relax and smile: You are about to be the proud owner of a new home!

Guest blogger Lindsay Listanski is the social media manager for Coldwell Banker Real Estate , a leader in full service real estate sales.

Recommended by the editors:

Green Moving Tips: How to ‘Eco-Boost’ Your Move

MyMove.com — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:22:44 +0000

If your resolution for 2013 was to curb your carbon footprint, you might find it a challenge when there's an impending move: the dozens of cardboard boxes, rolls of packing tape, the white ocean of Styrofoam packing peanuts, reams of plastic bubble wrap. Then there’s the moving truck that’ll haul thousands of pounds of your household goods to the other side of the city, or—cringe—across the state or country. However, if you’re moving, there’s a way to fulfill your resolution, celebrate April as Earth Month and take part in a popular trend: green moving. It’s household moving with a conscious effort to choose the most environmentally-friendly packing materials, share and reuse supplies, and reduce carbon emissions during transport. Read our tips for making your move green, as well as interesting statistics about how moving affects the environment. Also, find out what you need to do to make your household energy-efficient and start things off right in your new digs.

Get Smart about Supplies

The average move uses 60 cardboard boxes—that’s the equivalent of a half-ton tree. If you consider that an American moves 11 times in his or her lifetime, that’s 660 boxes, or 5 1/2 tons of wood, per person. Reusing a friend’s cardboard boxes is a good first step. Depending on quality, a cardboard box can withstand three to 10 uses, at which point it will likely need to be recycled. But there are some more eco-friendly alternatives to cardboard boxes, as well as other traditional packing materials.

Recycled plastic bins. Ask your mover if they offer reusable bins made out of recycled plastic. Plastic bins can be used up to 400 times. They are typically stacked and wheeled into your place on a dolly, left there for you to fill, packed by the mover, and then left at your new place for a week or two for unpacking. The provider then collects the bins, and there’s no worry on your part about collapsing, recycling or donating cardboard boxes. If your mover doesn’t offer bins, there are plenty who do: RentAGreenBox.com, EZBins, EcoBox.com and Zippgo are just some examples. Prices range from $2.50 to $5 per 4-cubic-foot box, per week. (U-Haul charges $3 for a 4.5-cubic-foot box).
Biodegradable replacements. There are green alternatives to plastic bubble wrap, packing peanuts and foam wrap. Often, the alternatives are literally green in color, to alert you to the difference. As effective as their polystyrene forebears, green packing peanuts are made from bioplastics, a form of plastic derived from renewable sources like vegetable oils or corn starch. A 12-cubic-foot bag of green peanuts costs $19 at Uline. Geami wrap, a die-cut recycled paper split by a machine to form protective packaging, is another alternative to bubble wrap.
Getting creative with what you have. Perhaps the most resourceful way to securely pack your fragile belongings is to wrap them with towels, bedding and clothing you already have lying around the house. It’s a two-fer because you need to pack these items anyway. Check out this visual tutorial on how one woman used her scarf collection to pack breakable picture frames.

Know Your Shipping and Fuel Options

Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance will greatly affect the amount of gas your moving truck uses and the carbon dioxide it emits. How much stuff you have, the size of truck you use, and the way you drive will also make a difference—a small truck gets about 9 mpg while a large truck gets roughly 5 mpg. According to carbon dioxide calculations from the Environmental Protection Agency, and based on average truck sizes from national carriers, a short-distance move under 10 miles using a small truck will emit 22 pounds of CO₂; the same move with a large truck will emit 40 pounds. Conversely, a cross-country move of 3,000 miles in a small truck will emit roughly 6,500 pounds of CO₂, while the same move in a large truck will emit almost twice that at 11,760 pounds. Whether you’re staying in the neighborhood or accepting a job offer on the other side of the country, you can look for greener options.

Biodiesel fuel. Some moving companies have converted their trucks to run on biodiesel fuel. Ask each mover who gives you an estimate—you should get an estimate from at least three different companies—if they’ve made the upgrade.
Car shipping via rail. Do you have to transport your car? Instead of having it shipped by truck, consider train transport. On average, trains are four times more fuel-efficient than trucks.
Declutter and donate. Lighten the load. The less stuff you have to ship, the smaller truck you can use and the less waste you’ll pump into the atmosphere.

Start New Habits in Your New Home

Once you’re in your new home, get into a habit of saving energy, creating less waste and recycling. Here’s a checklist for getting started.

Replace incandescent light bulbs around the house with CFLs (compact fluorescent lights), or, better yet, LEDs (light-emitting diodes). CFLs require less energy than incandescents, but LEDs blow the CFLs away in terms of efficiency, and, unlike CFLs, they don’t contain mercury.
Stop air leaks under doorways, window panes and out of the roof. Get a professional to inspect these areas and give you recommendations for how to fix them.
Unplug appliances, electronics and phone chargers when not in use. Buy power strips to make unplugging several electronics at once a one-switch process.
Everyone knows to recycle. Need a new hobby? Start composting your organic refuse.
Upgrade to ENERGY STAR appliances, which have met energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA
Generate renewable energy by installing solar panels on your roof. Solar panels may require a large investment up front, but eventually they offer clean, renewable energy sans the electricity bills.

Cheers to Mother Nature! Carolyn McKibbin leads the MyMove.com editorial team. Her raison d'être is to make moving easier by providing insightful and time-saving advice in articles, videos and blog posts. She loves to share moving stories and photos on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Recommended By the Editors:

The Essential Guide to Renting a Storage Unit

Jenny Zhang, SpareFoot — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:00:28 +0000

Many of us, at one point or another, will use self-storage. Whether it be for college, moving, general storage or downsizing, self-storage remains a viable option for those with simply too much stuff. Though, if you’ve never used self-storage before, the process can seem overwhelming: What is climate control, and do you need it? What should you bring on the day of move-in? Will you end up on Storage Wars? If these questions have ever crossed your mind, keep reading for a comprehensive guide to renting a storage unit.

Where to Start

If you don’t already have a storage facility in mind, the Yellow Pages, Google and websites like SpareFoot are wonderful places to start. Many local facilities offer promotions, deals and discounts on storage, so it can be valuable to do research on the various options in your area before making a choice.

Understanding Climate Control

With more and more storage facilities offering climate control, it’s important to understand exactly what it is and how it can help you. The most basic level of climate control guarantees that your storage unit will remain within a certain temperature range. This will often mean anywhere between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Some facilities also offer humidity control in tandem with climate control, so ask your facility representative if you’re unsure. If you’re storing temperature-sensitive items like wine, wood or leather furniture, vehicles or artwork, climate control is a must; swings and extreme highs or lows in temperature can affect the quality of your possessions. Additionally, you may want to avoid plastic bags -- a sealed plastic bag can foster humidity, especially if you haven’t properly dried whatever item you’re storing before wrapping it in plastic.

Renting a Truck

Again, depending on the amount and size of possessions you’re looking the store, you may or may not need a truck. Many storage facilities offer deals involving free or discounted trucks and other necessary moving equipment, so make sure you make a point to ask.

Know Your Insurance Plan

It's crucial to insure your belongings if you're planning to store for a long term, and especially if you're keeping expensive items in storage. Check with your agent first to clarify if your existing homeowners or renters insurance policy will cover your stored possessions; while most do, the extent of coverage can vary by insurance company. In many cases, the storage facility may also offer its own coverage. Regardless of which provider you choose, make sure you read the respective insurance policy and rental lease carefully for any fine print to make sure you understand.

A Word on Storage Auctions

If you’re worried about ending up on Storage Wars or Auction Hunters, take note: Storage facilities can only auction off the contents of a unit when the tenant stops paying rent. Even then, the storage facility is required by law to notify the tenant through either public notice, post or electronic mail. The delinquent tenant can pay for their unit at any point during this process, thus cancelling the need for the auction. The process can vary slightly by state, though, so if you’re worried that your chaise will end up on TV, make sure you familiarize yourself with your state’s laws. Overall, however, if you pay your fees on time, you shouldn’t ever have to worry about losing your valuables to an auction.

Security

Before you commit to a storage facility, take a tour and ask about the electronic systems. Do the grounds have video surveillance? Is there gate access? Ask about the neighborhood, or do some research online if you’re unsure.

Locks

Most self-storage facilities will require you to use your own lock, so don’t let that be the one thing you forget on move-in day! Stay away from standard or combination padlocks, as these can be easily picked or broken. Stick with a closed-shackle padlock, disc lock or cylinder lock.

Unit Sizing

If you’re storing heavy or large objects, it can often be worth the extra money to rent a unit on the ground floor. Additionally, choose a larger-sized unit if you plan on "visiting" your items often. This gives you walking space and will make your life exceptionally easier. Don’t forget to take advantage of the height of the unit, which usually ranges from 8 to 12 feet. Store vertically, with heavy boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes at the top. As always, if you’re unsure about the best size for your belongs, describe your stored items to your facility or a SpareFoot representative, and they’ll help you figure out the appropriate size.

Know What You Can’t Store

This includes animals, perishables, firearms (varies by state, make sure you check first), explosives, flammable items, noxious or hazardous materials, and stolen property. Again, if you’re unsure, ask the facility manager before going forward. Jenny Zhang is a writer at SpareFoot, the online marketplace where you can find and reserve a self-storage unit with comparison shopping tools that show real-time availability and exclusive deals.

Spring is Here: Get Your Home Ready!

Melissa — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:32 +0000

Spring weather was a little late in arriving in many parts of the country this year. Chances are, by now, you're probably seeing some daffodils and tulips and hearing birds singing in the budding trees. The arrival of spring brings thoughts of spring cleaning -- and getting some maintenance projects under way before summer means you'll be able to relax and enjoy your home by the time spring gives way to summer. Here are some home maintenance tips to help you welcome the arrival of spring weather.

Weatherstripping

The U.S. Department of Energy says weatherstripping the windows on your home is an easy and effective way to save money on your energy bill. Weatherstripping is a material you can apply around your window and door frames to ensure there's a good seal. During the harsh winter months, it can help keep the warm air inside the house, and the cold drafts out. In the spring and summer, weatherstripping works the opposite way, helping to keep the cool air inside and the warm air out. If you didn't install weatherstripping before the winter cold set in, you may want to take this opportunity to seal your windows before you have to turn on the air conditioner -- which could help save you money on your energy bills year-round. In the summer, if the cool air is contained inside, then the AC will not have to work as hard, and that may help you save money on your energy bill. The same can be true of your furnace when winter rolls back around. Thinking about installing weatherstripping? The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you apply weatherstripping to clean, dry surfaces in temperatures above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Click here for more information.

Indoor Maintenance

Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition, an opportunity to sweep the cobwebs from your home, clear out the dust that accumulated during the winter and let the sunshine in. While you’re up to your elbows in soap, washing the windows, defrosting the refrigerator and tackling what seems to be a never-ending list of spring cleaning chores, you might as well make a maintenance checklist, too. On those warmer days, you may want to do the following: Test and clean ceiling fans. According to the the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, an efficient ceiling fan in each room you want to cool can help allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees Fahrenheit without reducing your comfort level. Ceiling fans are not only a good way to air out the house and generate a cross-breeze, but they have the potential to help you save money on your energy bill. With ceiling fans keeping the house cool, you may not have to turn up the AC as high. So, now might be a good time to make sure your fans are clean and ready to start cooling you off this spring. Replace your AC filter. While the warm weather is still technically several weeks away, you want to make sure your air conditioner is prepared and ready to go. The National Center for Healthy Housing recommends you replace the filters in the air conditioner in the spring. A new filter will optimize the efficiency of the unit. Replace torn or damaged window screens. If you don't have an air conditioner, or if you simply like to keep the windows open in the spring and summer, it's a good idea to make sure your screens are in good shape -- you don't want to let flies in with all that fresh air! Winter storms and wind can damage window screens, so it may be a good idea to assess any damage and replace what needs to be fixed. Exterior Upkeep Your window screens aren't the only parts of your home that can fall victim to nasty winter weather, so you may want to take stock of your home's condition. The National Center for Healthy Housing suggests that in the springtime, you may want consider these outdoor maintenance projects: Check your roof shingles. This should be done by a licensed professional, as working on the roof can be dangerous without the proper training. You should ask the roofing professional to make sure the shingles are not curling or clawing. If they are, they are susceptible to leaks and may need to be replaced. Replace rotten siding or trim. Make sure your home's siding and trim aren't damaged from windy, icy conditions. If your home is made of brick or stucco, look for any crumbling or deteriorated mortar. If you find a problem, contact a professional for help with repairing or replacing the damaged materials. Clean gutters and downspouts. You're making sure the inside of your home is clean; why not make sure your gutters are, as well? Get rid of any leaves of other debris that accumulated during the winter to make sure your gutters and downspouts are ready to take on those April showers. This job, too, is best left to a professional, as climbing on a ladder is required. So, now's the time to get those spring maintenance projects under way. By the time those May flowers start to bloom, you will be able to enjoy them with the peace of mind of knowing your home maintenance is up-to-date. If you need a reminder to perform maintenance tasks at your home, click here to sign up for the Allstate Maintenance Reminder tool.

Lessons From The World’s First Indoor Hailstorm

Pauline Hammerbeck — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:54:45 +0000

Who would take the time to fashion hailstones from a mix of tap water and seltzer water in a special laboratory, and then fire them at a variety of roofs, windows and doors from air cannons? Isn't that painstakingly detailed work? Of course. But the scientists at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) in Tampa, Fla., decided to do just that as part of a major study to help homeowners, manufacturers of home products and others better cope with this natural disaster.

Orchestrating an indoor hailstorm

The IBHS has a huge indoor facility measuring a half-acre across and 70 feet high at its existing research center in South Carolina. It sent scientists into the field to study hailstorms in six states to gather a variety of data, as hail varies in size, shape and hardness. Then, in February, after creating hailstones that closely mimics those produced by Mother Nature, it orchestrated the first-ever full-scale indoor hailstorm. Within a four-minute time span, the IBHS used ice and air cannons to fire 9,000 pieces of man-made balls of ice (some as large as 2 inches in diameter) at top speeds of 76 mph at a test house featuring different roofing and siding materials, windows, and doors, along with a car and outdoor furniture to replicate a residential setting. IBHS Hailstorm Demonstration Highlights from IBHS on Vimeo. The goal was to achieve conditions present in a typical super-cell thunderstorm known to produce hail. While IBHS has only begun to analyze the results, it has found that the damage was confined mostly to roofs, and particularly to soft areas with less coverage, similar to what researchers found during “real” outdoor hailstorms in the field. This spring, the Institute is collecting more data, and it plans to bring back damaged housing parts to its research center to determine their longevity once hail has wrecked havoc. Spring Means Hail Season Hailstorms are common in the spring, because of the season's frequency of thunderstorms with strong, tilted updrafts, which are known for producing hailstones--some as big as marbles and balls. But they can happen anywhere, and at any time. According to the IBHS, the U.S. experiences more than 3,000 hailstorms a year, resulting in more than $1 billion in damages. "Hail Alley” -- which runs from Texas north through the middle of the country to the Dakotas -- is particularly prone. Hail Preparedness Tips for Homeowners So, what can you do to prepare for the next hailstorm? According to the IBHS, you should consider these precautions:

As soon as a hailstorm starts, if it's safe, move vehicles under cover and move outdoor furnishings indoors.
During a hailstorm, stay indoors and stay clear of windows; they may break.
After a hailstorm, inspect your property for signs of hail damage; snap photos to document the impact.
If you plan on a replacing a roof, the IBHS recommends using materials that are “impact resistant,” specifically those with a Class 4 rating from Underwriters Laboratories' 2218 standard. (Siding, window and door products aren't yet graded this way.)
Be sure to hire a reputable contractor. Before you hire anyone, check references; ask for proof of certification or licensing, and be sure they’re bonded and insured, too. “Some ‘storm chasers’ are not reputable, demanding money up front, then disappearing,” says Julie Rochman, president and CEO of the IBHS.

It can also be a good idea to stay on top of changing weather. Sign up for email or text weather alerts, or get a weather radio, to alert you to emerging weather hazards and reports of hail in your community. Recommended by the editors:

10 Spring Cleaning Tips to Make Your Life Easier

Quicken Loans Guest Blogger — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:00:42 +0000

Despite the chill that still lingers in the air, spring is here. Whenever I hear the word spring I almost always associate it with cleaning. And as much as I really despise cleaning, dusting off the dirt and polishing things up puts a smile on my face. For many, it means it’s time for a fresh start. Spring cleaning is no small task, though. In fact, it can often turn into a huge beast of a project that some of us may give up on. To make your spring cleaning adventure a little less painful, I’ll share a few tips that always help me tackle my dirty house.

Make a list of what needs to be cleaned in each room.

Lists help me stay organized – especially if I have a huge project, like spring cleaning, on my plate. Before I even get started, I walk through each room and write down what needs to get done. Writing a list out also helps me make sure I have all the cleaning materials I need before I get started, saving me tons of time later. It’s a pain in the butt when you have to stop everything to run out and buy more carpet cleaning solution.

Make your playlist.

I have a cleaning playlist that includes the Black Keys, Boston and the Rolling Stones. Listening to music while I clean just seems to make things go by faster. Of course, you don’t have to make a playlist; you could always just turn the radio on to your favorite station.

Get a trash and donate box/bag.

As you go through each room, make sure to declutter. Throw away old magazines and papers from the previous year. Put items you no longer use or need, like that book you bought 10 years ago but never read, in the donate box. Once you’re done cleaning your whole house, itemize your donate pile because you may be able to deduct those donations on your taxes.

Work on one room at a time.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you want to clean your entire home all at once. Try writing down all the rooms in your home on a piece of paper and checking each one off as you go. If you can work on at least two or three rooms each weekend, you’ll get a lot more done and still have free time on the side.

Set an amount of time to work on each room.

I know I can get easily distracted, looking at items I'd forgotten or old photographs, and before I know it I’ve spent the entire day cleaning just one single room. Set a timer so you don't fall into this trap. You can also use the timer to give yourself a little break here and there. Much like a list, it helps keep me on track. Trust me, I get easily distracted.

Get some help.

Don’t do all the cleaning yourself. Recruit your kids, significant other or roommates to help you out. I know that when my roommates and I pitch in together to clean the kitchen, it takes about half the amount of time that it takes when I do it myself. To be honest, if those who live there make the mess, they should also help clean it.

Start from the top and work your way down.

This is just the law of gravity – clean from the top of the ceiling to the floor. Knock all the dusty cobwebs from the corner, wash the curtains, clean the windows, dust the furniture, vacuum the furniture and finally vacuum the floor.

Use natural cleaners.

Many chemical-based cleaners emit hazardous fumes. Some cleaners when mixed together can even emit toxic fumes that can seriously hurt you. Vinegar is a great substitute to use in your bathroom or kitchen and as a general household cleaning solution. Although it sounds crazy, vodka can also substitute for chemical cleaners. My grandmother had sworn off “newfangled” chemical cleaners some years ago. She only cleans with vodka and vinegar. It makes sense, though, because the acidity of vinegar is extremely high at a pH level of 2. A study in the Journal of Environmental Health found that vinegar is comparable to bleach when killing harmful bacteria like E. coli.

Be patient.

My dad always told me to work smarter, not harder. Take your time and let grimy surfaces, like the ones in your bathroom and kitchen, soak in your cleaning solution. Work on something else on your list while your cleaner does the hard work.

Reward yourself at the end.

For me, having something to look forward to at the end of a long day of cleaning sure makes things go a lot faster. Plus, you worked hard and deserve it. Treat yourself. OK, so these ideas won’t make all the dirt magically disappear, but the tips above can make the process a little less agonizing. Just remember to pace yourself. You don’t have to do everything in one day. Want more spring cleaning inspiration for your home? Check out these helpful tips for cleaning up the outside of your home. What kinds of things do you do around the house to get ready for spring? Share what you do with other readers! Krissy Schwab is a writer at Quicken Loans, focusing on sustainable living, home, money and life for the Quicken Loans Zing Blog.

Not All Smoke Alarms are Equal: Knowing the Difference Could Save Your Life

Admin — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:08:11 +0000

You change the batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year, and test them every month. But do you know what type of smoke alarms you have? Or, that having one kind over another can make a difference in getting out safely in a home fire? There are two chief smoke alarm types, and each has a sensor that detects smoke and fire differently depending on the origin of the fire.

Ionization vs. photoelectric smoke alarms

The most common smoke alarm type, Ionization alarms are generally more responsive to a flaming fire ( for instance, when a lit candle tips over and ignites a towel), according to Underwriters Laboratories. These alarms use "ions," or electrically charged particles, to detect smoke in the air. UL says that, because they are inexpensive, ionization detectors are the most commonly found smoke alarms in North American homes. The second type of detector is the photoelectric smoke alarm, which uses a light beam to detect the presence of smoke. According to UL, these alarm types are more effective at sounding when a fire originates from a smoldering source, like a lit cigarette that falls into a couch cushion. Smoldering fires can fill a home with dangerous gases before a fire ever erupts.

Which smoke alarm type is best?

So, which alarm to choose? While both types of smoke detectors are designed to detect any house fire, no matter the source, each technology has its advantages and can offer an earlier warning over the other, depending on the origin of a fire. The challenge is that it's impossible to predict which type of fire could erupt in your home, which is why the National Fire Protection Association says the best protection is offered by having both alarm technologies in your home. There are a couple of ways to get this done. If your existing detectors are ionization smoke alarms, you can purchase photoelectric smoke alarms and install one next to each ionization unit. If you don't know what type you have, check your owner's manual. (Or, try this tip: Take the smoke alarm down and look at the back. Because ionization alarms all contain a trace amount of a radioactive material, Americium 241, they contain a warning about the material on each alarm. If you see this warning on your device, you have an ionization unit.) Another option: If budget allows, consider replacing all of your existing smoke alarms with dual-sensor devices, which combine both ionization and photoelectric technologies in a single unit.

Maintenance is key, regardless of type

Knowing the type of smoke alarm you have is clearly an important part of fire safety, but experts also warn that, regardless of type, smoke alarms won't protect you if they're not working properly. According to UL, an estimated 20 percent of homes have detectors that do not work or are missing batteries, and two-thirds of reported residential fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms, or with no smoke alarms at all. So, start by making sure you have the right number of smoke alarms in the right places. The NFPA recommends a smoke detector in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home (smoke rises, so install them high on the walls). Then, set reminders to swap out the batteries on each unit at least once a year, and to test the units monthly. Are your smoke alarms ready to alert you to a home fire? Recommended by the editors:

Stop Electronic Identity Theft: 5 Steps You Can Take Now to Protect Your Digital Life

Melissa — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:00:29 +0000

One of my favorite things to do is to grab my laptop, walk to the coffee shop down the street from my apartment building, grab a table and sip some cappuccino while perusing Pinterest. One evening last week, I was getting ready to leave the coffee shop when a friend walked in. We started chatting, I got distracted, and when I finally left, I grabbed my purse -- but not my laptop bag. I realized this when I was about two blocks away from the coffee shop, so I sprinted back. As I ran, I was thinking furiously of all the information on that computer -- my irreplaceable vacation photos, financial software with my checking account records, all my passwords. When I burst back into the shop I found that luckily, an honest customer had given my laptop to the barista, and my information was safe. Phew! But, what if someone with less moral character had come across my laptop? I started looking into what criminals can do with your personal data and realized I was lucky I hadn't become an identity theft victim. Scam artists often use stolen personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, PINs and other sensitive details -- much of which was stored on my laptop -- to commit various types of fraud, from taking out credit cards in a victim's name to fraudulently using a stolen identity to get a job. According to a report by Javelin Strategy and Research, in 2011, about 28 million Americans became identity theft victims. So, I learned some ways to help protect my digital life. One strategy is to put extra security layers in place. For example, back up your personal files to both an external hard drive and a paid cloud storage provider – should something happen to either copy, you will have a duplicate. Stronger passwords and data encryption are also important. If you're like me, and you haven't really thought much about your digital security, there are some steps you may want to consider. Here are five things you can do right now to help stay safe: Get security software that updates automatically. As the efforts to outmaneuver identity thieves evolve, so do the thieves' tactics. OnGuardOnline.gov says one way to combat this is to make sure that the security software, operating system and browsers on your computer are up-to-date. You can usually set these programs to update automatically. Set up an external drive for data storage. OnGuardOnline.gov suggests backing your computer data with an external hard drive. You may also want to consider printing off your most important files, such as financial documents and family photos, so if your digital copies are compromised, you'll have hard copies. Store the drive or hard copies in a fireproof safe or emergency kit. Put it in the cloud. Like your laptop, computer or smartphone, external hard drives are vulnerable to fire, flood or theft. PCMag.com suggests backing up your data to an online data storage server, also known as keeping it "in the cloud" -- which means that it is protected no matter what happens to your home. A paid storage provider will archive all your files, which you can access via a user-friendly website. Not all cloud storage providers offer the same services, and not all are both Mac- and PC-friendly, so you'll want to evaluate your specific needs when researching cloud storage providers. Strengthen your passwords. Never use the same password for more than one account login. Be creative with your passwords. The Federal Trade Commission suggests thinking of a phrase or word and then substituting numbers and symbols for some of the letters. Encrypt your data. Guard online transactions by using an encrypted, secure connection. Not sure if a site is encrypted? Check your browser’s status bar. A “lock” symbol means that your data can be safely exchanged. The FTC also warns that you should be careful when using public wireless (WiFi) networks; an unsecured network means anyone can see what data you send and receive (unless you are visiting an encrypted website). Save personal financial transactions, like checking a bank account balance, for secure networks. My brief panic about my lost laptop has made me want to take measures to protect my information. Hopefully, you'll learn from my mistake and plan ahead to keep your digital life safe from identity thieves.

Things To Know About Well Water Before You Buy a Home

Admin — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:49:47 +0000

When you are thinking of buying a new home, there are many details to consider: Financing, the condition of the home, schools in the area and the quality of the neighborhood, property taxes, insurance, whether all of your furniture will fit. And the water. You will drink, shower, clean, flush, brush and wash with the water in your new home every day. So, what do you need to think about if that prospective home operates on a private well? The majority of homes today have a municipal water source that is regulated by government and Environmental Protection Agency health standards. In these cases, the homeowner has little need to be overly involved in the health and safety of their water. But that changes a bit when your home has its own water source. And some prospective homeowners may not be comfortable making that shift from a home with a municipal water supply to one with its own private water source. If your prospective home has well water, you are not alone. According to the EPA, 15 percent of Americans rely on individually owned and operated sources of drinking water. Here are some tips derived from the EPA for managing a home with a private well:

Research common water problems in your area

If you are moving to a completely new area, it is a good idea to reach out to your local water expert for information on local water problems. The EPA website is also a good resource for local water problems. This way, you will be proactive in preserving the taste and safety of your drinking water.

Find out your state’s well water regulations and recommendations

States vary on policies and regulations for private well water owners. Check with your local water expert or local health department for your state’s policies or guidelines on water testing. In some states, like Colorado, you may need to obtain a permit for your private well. In other states, like New Jersey, it is required by law for a seller to perform a water test and disclose results to potential buyers.

Get the water tested by a trusted local professional

Local water professionals can do an in-home water test for certain contaminants, but some recommended well water tests require a full lab analysis. Your local water professional can help guide you through the most appropriate testing for your home.

Have test results interpreted by someone who knows local water conditions

Make sure your local water expert clearly explains the results of your water test, especially if you are new to well water.

Learn your options if your water does contain contaminants

Many contaminants in well water can easily be reduced with water softeners, drinking water filters or other water treatment systems. If your water does contain a contaminant, reach out to a local water expert who will be able to determine the best option for you in your area.

Set up a regular water testing schedule for your home

The EPA recommends private well water tests once a year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH levels. The EPA also recommends an extra well water test every two to three years for tannins, hardness, chloride and copper. Potential contamination can occur naturally, or as a result of human activity.

Keep a record of your water tests and any problems that occur

It is a good idea to keep water test results on file. This will allow you to reference them to help identify when a problem began and determine a potential cause. This will also help answer questions from prospective buyers if you ever sell the home. If you are planning on moving to a home with well water, finding a water expert to help you is one of the easiest and best things you can do to ensure your water is healthy and safe. When choosing a water expert, make sure they are Water Quality Association-certified, work in your area and understand local water problems. Check with your local health department, your neighbors or search for your local water treatment company for suggestions on water experts in your area. Becoming educated in well water safety will be beneficial to the maintenance and longevity of your new home! Jim Stewart is the Director of Commercial & Industrial Sales and Dealer Support for Culligan. He has 25 years of Culligan experience that includes the residential, commercial and industrial markets. Recommended by the editors:

How to Approach Home Sellers About Repairs

Lindsay Listanski, Coldwell Banker — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:20:23 +0000

When looking for a new home, it's important to see beyond paint colors and decor that may not be your taste and, instead, focus on the floor plan, structural design and other physical elements of the house. Replacing carpets or changing light fixtures are typically simple and affordable changes you can make once you move in. But if certain areas of the residence require repairs, like the foundation or the roof, purchasing a property could become costly. Don’t let the fear of having to pay for repairs deter you from buying a house, though. In some cases, home sellers may be willing to pay for repairs if it will help them close the deal and sell their property. Here's how to make the ask:

Reasonable Requests

There are certain types of fixes that are generally OK for home buyers to request sellers make before they agree to purchase the home. Getting a home inspection is a must. Once this is complete and specific parts of the home have been identified by an inspector as needing essential upgrades (electrical wiring, for instance), you can approach the sellers to see if they would be willing to pay for the repairs. Conversely, it is not acceptable for home buyers to make non-essential requests for fixes in a home for sale. This might include painting the house simply because you prefer a different color, or making other aesthetic alterations.

Timely Requests

In addition to making appropriate repair requests, it is also important for home buyers to petition fixes in a timely fashion. Making requests days before closing may halt a home sale altogether, as the sellers may not be willing to alter their agreement at the last second. This means you will want to ask the sellers to upgrade certain parts of their home early on in the negotiating process. In certain circumstances, home sellers may be willing to pay for home repairs after the sale is complete. To ensure the sellers follow through on their intent to do so, you might want to hire a lawyer to draw up a contract stating the seller’s intention to make the fixes within a predetermined period.

Decide What You Can Live With

There is a chance that a home seller may be unwilling to pay for repairs. According to Inman News columnist Barry Stone, you should determine how willing you would be accept the home as-is, without repairs paid for by the sellers. If the majority of the home is in quality shape (make sure the defects won't impact your ability to get insurance on the property) and you like most features, you just might want to worry about making fixes after the sale goes through. The key to approaching home sellers about repairs? Communication. For more home buyer tips, check out the coldwellbanker.com learn section. Guest blogger Lindsay Listanski is the social media manager for Coldwell Banker Real Estate , a leader in full service real estate sales. Recommended by the editors: