5 Inexpensive Techniques to Keep Your Home Cool for the Summer

We all know how hot the summertime can get but there is no cheap way to keep your house cool with the air conditioning running all summer. To keep your wallet happy, here are some techniques to keep your house cool without going over budget.

1. Fans can be your best friend! Put a fan in each room of the house and on those really hot days have the fans running while your thermostat is set to about 76 degrees. You’ll like the benefit to your electric bill.
2. The oven adds unnecessary heat to the house so try using a crockpot as an alternative.
3. Closing the blinds can help keep the cool air in on those super-hot days.
4. Temporary tints on windows can help reduce heat and still let you see the beautiful outdoors.
5. Save on appliances that are not in use by unplugging to save any extra costs on your electric bill.

Now that you have some techniques to keep your home cool without breaking the bank; sit back and enjoy the season!

For more information about how to keep your home cool for the summer season be sure to contact: HMMA, Inc. at: 201-943-3331 or see www.hmmainc.com

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Homeowners are anticipating the spring weather to arrive. Getting ready for spring also includes these 5 tips that will help you ease into the season:

1. Check your ‘Insides’- make sure to assess your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. By assessing these systems, you can make sure that they are working properly and if filters need to be replaced or cleaned.
2. Check your ‘Outside’- inspect your windows and doors and if caulking or weather stripping needs attention. Also, check the roof for missing shingles and/or tiles. Gutters need to be cleaned out as well.
3. Spring cleaning- Windows can get awfully dirty from the horrid winter season. The windows, ceiling fans, and fireplaces should all be cleaned out. To be safe rather than sorry, test out your emergency systems as well (replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries and if their useful life is up, the whole unit).
4. Landscaping- Let’s get that front lawn ready to shine! Garden hoses should be replaced if cracked or old. Take the time to rake away leaves, tree limbs, and debris from the front of your home and the walkway. Think about power washing the concrete, brick walls and your deck to get the cleaning that it so painfully needs.
5. Front and Backyard Furnishing- if you have outdoor furniture, its time to clean the cushions, canvas, and plastics to get your back or front yard ready for lounging in the warm weather.

Taking proper precautions before the seasons change is extremely important. Your home goes through a lot during the cold weather, so giving it some TLC in time for the warmer seasons is crucial for a well-cared-for home.

For more information about how to improve your home for the winter season be sure to contact: HMMA, Inc. at: 201-943-3331 or see www.hmmainc.com

Summer…the time for vacations and longer days.  For homeowners, the work never seems to end.  For smart homeowners, the right maintenance prevents a larger repair down the road.

Here are some tips to keep your home in tip-top shape this season.

Help your gutters do their job. Remove any winter debris by giving the gutters a quick purge with your leaf blower or garden hose extension. Check for loose or disconnected elbows and tighten when needed.
Service your A/C. Most homeowners can change air filters and vacuum out  floor registers.  Call your contractor if you need additional service.
How’s your siding? Warm and sunny days give an excuse for playing with the hose. Give your siding the once over with soap and water, a brush & the garden hose.
Check the Play and Sitting Areas of your home.  Children will be planning to enjoy the outdoors…so be sure to give your swing sets and lawn furniture the once over with some bleach and soapy water.  Always test an area first.  Also, tighten any loose connections.
Window of Opportunity. GET A SQUEEGEE!  No one likes this job, but, a squeegee makes it a little easier.

Do a walk-thru and make a list of items that need repair or service.  This way, you can work to get a contractor to price a full day of work at a value rate rather than several short trips that will typically cost more.

Contact HMMA at: hmma@hmmainc.com for a Free Summer Maintenance Walk Thru Checklist.

 

 

 

 

Improve Your Property Management Success

So, you want to be a landlord?

Well, running a successful and profitable property, whether it is a rental home, apartment, condo or commercial building requires dedication, hard work, perseverance and the right tools.

Some folks enter the property management business by accident: They have a home that hasn’t sold, so they decide to rent until it does.

Other folks are looking for an income opportunity.

Well, there are many important aspects to consider and here are some of them:

1. Remember that there will be vacancy periods.  Keep this in mind when pricing your rent.  Once you know what you want to receive monthly you can choose to add an additional cushion for the times that the property will be between renters.
2. Just because you CAN fix something, it isn’t ALWAYS the best choice.  Whether it is a timing issue, a cost issue or other reason, you may find that hiring a reliable outside professional provides the quickest and least troublesome repair.
3. Hiring a professional for a small job today is somewhat like an ‘interview’ for future; larger projects.  Note this message from DALE CARNEGIE:

4. Once you have a successful experience with the work of a local professional on a small project, you will have someone to turn to when the larger repairs arise.

5. Another useful tool is a Move In/Move Out Checklist. There are several available online like this one from HUD.gov: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=90106.pdf

Have the new/outgoing tenant sign off on the property.  Adding photos can help you both agree on the condition of the property as well.

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As always, check with your professional advisors when entering any new project and let us know if these ideas have helped you or if you have questions regarding any property repairs for your current properties.

HMMA, Inc: 201-943-3331