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The majority of homeowners will tell you that the homebuying process is exhausting, but also quite exhilarating at the same time. They’ll tell you about their search for the perfect home and how exciting it is to own your first home. But, more importantly, they’ll tell you about the mistakes they made and what they wish they knew before diving into the journey.

While it may be intimidating to listen to these homeowners’ biggest obstacles, it’s also necessary to be informed about what not to do. The more mistakes you hear about, the less mishaps you’ll experience and the more prepared you’ll be when it comes time for you to buy a home. To help you avoid making some common mistakes, check out these three things current homeowners wish they knew before starting the homebuying process.

1. An emergency fund is essential. One thing most first-time homeowners will tell you is that once they signed on the dotted line, they faced unanticipated expenses that actually required a lot of extra cash. Not only do most new homes come with certain fees and closing costs, but they also often require hefty tasks like siding updates, roofing repairs, and other property improvements shortly after closing. In fact, a recent report claims that 44% of new homeowners will experience one or more of these expenditures in their first year of homeownership.

That said, it’s critical that you build up a healthy savings account that prepares you for these costs. Cutting back on spending, setting up auto-deposits, and most importantly, saving as early as possible will best help you boost your savings. And, if later on down the road, you’ve already used up a chunk of your savings, don’t worry– there are options like home equity loans that allow you to use the equity you’ve built up in your home to acquire cash that can fund major home repairs.

2. Too much debt can ruin the homebuying experience from the get-go. Many adults dive into the homebuying process even though they’re not financially prepared. In the current market of potential homebuyers, a large portion of people have delayed buying a home due to an inability to get approved for a mortgage and a lack of means to afford a down payment, both heavily influenced by an individual’s amount of outstanding debt. In fact, millennials specifically have delayed home buying by 10 years compared to previous generations.

Amidst student loan debts, car payments, and phone bills, a budget can be hard to manage and buying a home can seem like a distant dream. Before you sign up for another source of debt as substantial as a mortgage and add on an additional monthly payment, eliminate as much debt as possible. Commit to a budget-oriented lifestyle and allocate a larger percentage of your monthly income to paying off credit card bills or student loans. That way, you’ll be more comfortable taking on another payment and lenders will be more likely to approve your mortgage application.

3. Pre-approval is a necessity. This might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s actually a common mistake. Believe it or not, lots of potential homebuyers begin touring open houses and are blindsided by the perfect home. They rush to find a lender and get approved for a mortgage and by the time they’re ready to put in an offer on their dream home, the sellers have stopped taking them or another offer has already been accepted.

This situation illustrates the importance of getting pre-approved for a mortgage, especially in a competitive market. The process can move very quickly, so you’ll need to have your pre-approval settled and your offer ready to deliver once you find the ideal home. Keep in mind too, that you shouldn’t settle for the first bank that grants you pre-approval. Shop around so you can find the right lender for you that best fits your financial situation and guarantees a good interest rate and monthly payments.

Don’t overlook any details throughout your house hunt. While nobody’s home-buying journey is perfect the first time around, you can better your chances of a smoother experience by reading insider tips like these.

Posted by Scott Stueber on Mar 3, 2020 9:30:58 AM

Traveling, whether it’s for work or leisure, can be pricey. When you’re going on vacation with friends or family or visiting a client for business, you should always do your research beforehand. This can help you to be prepared to balance costs and experience. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help cut down on the expenses from your trip. To save a few extra bucks, check out our tips below.

1. Plan in advance

One of the best things you can do to save money while traveling is to plan ahead. This will give you time to do some research on where to stay, what company to fly with, or which route to travel. You can also take some time to price check other third-party options for booking like Priceline and Expedia.

If you’re planning a vacation for the family or yourself, research the best times of year to travel. Factors like airline ticket pricing and weather can be helpful to know ahead of time to avoid spending a lot of money on a trip that may disappoint.

2. Pack smartly

When it comes to packing, there’s a lot to remember. From clothes to electronics to toiletries, it can be easy to forget to pack the most important items. When it comes to showering and grooming items, take note that small stores located around tourist attractions normally have higher prices due to high demand. Remembering to bring the necessities from home can save you a lot of money. Packing things like new portable razors, toothbrushes, shampoo, and conditioners will save you from purchasing them at the hotel gift shop.

Another smart tip is to be mindful of what clothes you want to bring and how many you can fit. Be selective in your wardrobe and be smart about how you pack, because baggage fees at airports can add up. Try rolling clothes to fit more into your suitcase and limiting your options of footwear so you don’t have to fill many bags on your journey.

3. Try hostels or low-cost hotels

Much like planning ahead to purchase a flight, you should also consider planning ahead to book your lodging. It’s no secret that hotels can set you back a couple of hundred bucks per night and can be a quick way to drain your wallet, especially if you’re going to a touristy location. For a more budgeted stay, especially if you’re traveling overseas, look into hostels, which are shared living spaces with other guests. Not only are these a great way to save some cash, they’re also great places to meet like-minded travelers, learn more about the area you’re staying, and get recommendations on the best things to do while you’re in town.

On the other hand, if you decide to go the hotel route, try to find your cheapest options. Think about how you’re going to use your room. Will you spend the majority of your time there or just mainly be there for sleeping? Also, will you use amenities like a pool area or fitness room that can often increase prices? Keeping all these things in mind is key to getting a good bang for your buck.

4. Look for free activities

If you put your mind to it, there are surely tons of free activities in your destination. Do some research or ask the front desk at your hotel or locals about the best free things to do, as these can often be the most fun and rewarding experiences. Whether it be walking around the city on a self-guided tour or finding a free museum to spend the day, there are definitely tons of great opportunities out there, so don’t be afraid to ask!

5. Be smart with food

As you travel, it can be hard not to spend a lot of money on food. Trying new restaurants and coffee shops is intriguing, but it can cost you a pretty penny. There’s nothing wrong with spending money on meals, however, try implementing habits like packing snacks for when you’re on the go or storing up some food in your hotel room to avoid late-night cravings and unnecessary purchases. If the place you’re staying has a kitchen, that’s even better. It’s all about finding the balance between splurging and snacking.

As you begin to think about your travel plans alongside your finances, start prioritizing needs versus wants. The trip you want to have versus the trip you can afford to have may be quite different, but through preparation and organization, you’ll be able to find an enjoyable middle ground.

Posted by Scott Stueber on Feb 25, 2020 9:02:20 AM

With several weeks of winter left, and then the transition to spring, salt could still play a big part in keeping your property safe. Part of being prepared is knowing the specifics of the deicers you’re using on your driveway or sidewalk. Each type of deicer has different melting properties and uses. Consider all factors when choosing the product best for you.

The most common types of ice melts on the market today are chloride based.

• Sodium chloride, most commonly known as rock salt, is the most frequently used type of salt, probably because of how inexpensive it is. Working in temperatures as low as 20 degrees, this isn’t the most effective and it’s known to leave a white power behind.
• Calcium chloride is probably the most effective salt-based product, because it works up to -25 degrees. Be careful when using calcium chloride. It’s known to cause harm to plants and grass and sometimes it even damages concrete if used excessively.
• Potassium chloride has been deemed as the safer chloride-based option, working in temperatures as low as 12 degrees. It doesn’t work as well as other melting products, but people pick this product because it doesn’t harm vegetation.

Looking for products that aren’t chloride based?

• Sodium acetate works well in colder temperatures, as low as zero degrees. Its most common use is on airplane runways.
• Calcium magnesium acetate works in colder temperatures as well. Along with sodium acetate, this product is considered environmentally friendly and has a lesser chance of harming animals or vegetation.
• Ethylene glycol works in extreme cold, up to -58 degrees. However, this product is incredibly harmful for people and animals. Use extreme caution with this product, it can be deadly if ingested.

A huge concern when picking salt is knowing what is and isn’t safe for children and pets.

• There really isn’t a fully “safe” salt choice; all salts are harmful if ingested and can cause skin irritation. Even if not ingested directly, there are other ways salt can be ingested. Remember as you’re spreading salt out, you may also be getting it in nearby snow which your children or pets may decide to eat.
• Many salts say they’re “pet friendly,” but that isn’t always the case. It’s extremely important to look at labels when selecting salt – try and find a product that doesn’t have any warning labels on it. If something isn’t safe for humans, it isn’t safe for pets either. Propylene Glycol based products are generally the safest product to have around pets.
• If you’re concerned about your children or pets, look for products that don’t contain salt or chloride. These are less harmful.
• Try mixing salt with some sand to decrease the amount of salt you’re using this winter. Although sand won’t melt ice like salt does, the combination will help increase traction.

As always, it’s important to read warning labels and follow manufacturer directions when using these products. When picking a deicer, take all factors into consideration and pick the product best for you and your family. There’s no such thing as being too safe, always wash your hands after using deicers and keep a close eye on children and pets.

Posted by Megan Ringwell on Feb 19, 2019 1:22:35 PM

Homeowners already have packed home-maintenance checklists. Understandably, “taking care of drains” is far down on the to-do list. For the most part, your drains and sewer line are the little-thought-about, unsung heroes of your home, carrying away the water you use in your sinks, showers, and toilets daily. As the holidays approach, it’s good to understand the importance of caring for your drains and sewer lines.

The holiday season is great because it allows us to spend time with our families and friends. The holiday season can also be a bit stressful when it comes to meal planning and preparation. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for drains to get clogged.

Here are some things you should never put down your drain.

• Coffee grounds – they can cause a buildup to occur in your pipes. Your best bet is to recycle or toss them in your garbage.
• Egg shells – the membrane of an egg can cause a sticky mess.
• Grease and oils – they’re the main cause of fatbergs which are gross and can wreak havoc on your pipes.
• Pasta and rice – because pasta and rice are high in starch, they expand when put into water. It’s ok for small amounts of each to go down your drain, but never intentionally dump a large amount.
• Potato skins – they’re full of starch and it only takes a small amount to clog your drain. By the time you realize you have a clog, you’ll have a big mess.
• Flour – when mixed with water it creates a glue-like paste.
• Bones – they’re very durable and tough for garbage disposals to grind completely.
• Raw meat – the fat in meat can cause a fatty buildup in your drain.

Keep these important tips in mind all year round.

Get familiar with your sewer line

It can be argued that the sewer line is the most-essential part of the home that homeowners know the least about. However, the key to preventing several major sewer line issues—including the dreaded sewer backup—lies in understanding how the line works and why it’s so important to take care of it.

Understand causes of leaks

Most modern sewer lines that run underneath the home and front yard to a municipal sewer are made of either copper or sturdy, long-lasting PVC or ABS (both forms of hard plastic) pipe. If your home was built prior to the 1960s and hasn’t had its sewer line replaced, the line is likely made of iron. As you might have guessed, the combination of metal and water can only last so long. Iron or steel pipes are eventually subject to corrosion—a sewer line leak and the need for pipe replacement is almost inevitable.

While they’re immune to the rust that impacts steel and cast-iron pipes, PVC and ABS pipes also have the potential to leak. Over time, PVC can develop cracks and fractures due to shifting earth above and around the buried pipe and a common culprit: trees.

If you have a tree in your front yard near your sewer line, there’s a chance that the roots of the tree might grow around the pipe and break it. This is a self-escalating problem: as the root cracks the pipe and accesses wastewater, the root is encouraged to keep growing in the direction of the water. Many sewer line blockages (more on these in a minute) have a clear “root” cause once unburied, as the plumber finds that the tree root has grown into the pipe, completely blocking the flow of water.

Prevent blockages

Sewer line blockages are bad news. Your sewer line is how your home disposes of wastewater—everything from the water you use while showering to every toilet flush, goes through the sewer line to the sewer. Any kind of obstruction in the line slows or prevents this process. With nowhere to go, the wastewater begins to back up the line leading back into your home. All your drains clog simultaneously as sewage comes out the drains. It’s a bad scene: beyond being incredibly disgusting, this can also cause serious water damage and require professional cleanup, on top of getting your sewer line repaired.

So, what causes sewer line blockages and how can you prevent them from happening? We’ve already mentioned one common cause, but an even more common scenario is caused by the homeowners themselves. Too many of us treat our sink and garbage disposal like, well, a garbage can. Things that really shouldn’t be disposed of in the sink—cooking grease, oils, coffee grounds, eggshells, produce stickers, and more—travel down the sewer line. Sometimes, they get stuck and begin to collect more waste, starting a blockage inside of the line. Grease is particularly dangerous: you may dispose of it as a liquid, but it can begin the process of solidifying while in the line.

Protect your home’s sewer line

The good news is that many sewer line issues are within your control: of all sewer line problems, 52% are caused by sewer blockages. By being mindful about what you and your family put down the sink—and, for that matter, the toilet—you can protect your line and ensure that things continue to flow the way they should.

As for tree roots, consider having front yard trees that are either directly over or near the sewer line removed or moved elsewhere in your yard. Consult with professional, licensed plumbers in your area about whether nearby landscaping or foliage poses a threat to the sewer line. The plumber will also be able to give you more information about the state of the line based on the age of your home or the year the line was replaced. Around 37% of sewer line leaks are caused by the line material failing.

Consider insurance coverage

West Bend’s Underground Service Line Coverage Endorsement would provide up to $15,000 for repair expenses, as well as potential expedite fees, tree removal, landscaping repairs, excavation costs, line replacement, etc. Be sure to talk to your local agent about the exposures of the underground service lines that provide many necessary services to your home. The minimal additional premium you’d pay would be well worth it if it saves you thousands of dollars in unexpected and devastating expenses!

For more sewer line maintenance tips—as well as tips for protecting a septic system and its lines—check out this informative infographic created by the team at King Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Frankfort, Illinois.

SOURCE: Posted by Scott Stueber on Dec 3, 2019 9:30:28 AM

Burr, it’s cold outside. If you live in an area that’s cold and snowy, your car might look a bit rough by now. Cold temperatures, road salt, ice, and snow can wreak havoc on your car. Here’s some tips to keep your car running at it’s best this winter.

1. Wash your car regularly. While washing your car may seem like a waste of time and money, it’s even more important to keep your car clean this time of year.

• Road salt is corrosive. While road salt does a great job keeping the roads in good winter driving condition, it’s tough on our cars. Because of its corrosive property it can damage your car’s paint, clear coat, exhaust system, brake and gas lines, and undercarriage. Don’t overlook salt as just an everyday nuisance of winter. Get rid of it when you can!
• Tire maintenance. Tires take a beating all year round. However, keeping your tires clean can reduce wear and tear.
• Improved visibility. Dirt, grime, and salt can build up on your headlights, taillights, windshield, mirrors, and back-up camera. Keeping these items clean can prevent you from hitting other objects.
• Keeps your clothes clean. It doesn’t take much to get salt on your winter jacket or pants. Regular washing can prevent additional dry cleaning bills.

Mother Nature can make washing your car tricky. The combination of cold and snow can make it seem like a losing battle. Days where daytime temperatures are near or at freezing are the best days to wash. If the temperature is a cooler, consider driving around a bit to shed excess water. Once you’re home it’s a good idea to wipe down your doors and windows with a warm, damp, microfiber cloth or chamois. Even if your garage isn’t heated, keeping the main door closed can help prevent your car from freezing.

Lastly, don’t forget about keeping your car’s interior clean. Using rubber floormats this time of year is beneficial because they’re easy to wash.

2. Drive smart. Snow and ice can significantly increase braking distances. The last thing you want to do is slide into the car in front of you. Also, maintain a safe speed; hitting a concrete road barrier or spinning off the road into a ditch can cause significant damage to your car and can injure you.

3. Install winter tires. While winter tires are a financial commitment, they’re well worth the money. They offer exceptional grip which leads to better steering and braking. In addition, when the stoplight turns green, you’ll be able to get up and go.

4. Avoid driving through large puddles. While large puddles may seem like no big deal, you never know what’s lurking beneath. Not only do they collect dirt and road salt, they can also hide foreign objects and potholes. Damage caused to your car by hitting a pothole can be significant. Here’s a list of some of the damages that can occur to your car.

• Tire punctures
• Bent rims
• Suspension damage
• Steering knocked out of alignment
• Exhaust system damage
• Engine damage

5. Avoid driving in deep snow. Driving in deep snow won’t only leave you stranded, it can cause damage to your car. Like puddles, you never know what’s lurking beneath. Packed snow containing road salt can get into places under your car causing rust. Deep snow can also damage your exhaust system. Depending on your car, exhaust systems can be elaborate and pricey to repair. If you ever notice your car shaking during winter, it’s likely from packed snow in your wheels. To eliminate the shaking, get rid of the snow by going through a car wash.

6. Avoid parking on the street. My two daughters are constantly bickering about who’s going to park in the street. While we have space in our driveway, they don’t want to play musical cars. If you can avoid parking in the street especially during winter storms, it’s in your best interest. This will help prevent your car from getting buried and sprayed directly by salt. Parking in the street also makes it more susceptible to damage from other cars and theft. Lastly, if your city has a winter parking ordinance, parking tickets can make a dent in your pocketbook.

7. Buy touch up paint. Due to cold temperatures, applying touch up paint to a scratch or chip is challenging. However, just applying a little bit on bare metal can help fight corrosion. If you’ve been in an accident and your car is drivable, still make plans to get it into the body shop for repair sooner rather than later. The longer bare metal is exposed, the more likely it’ll rust.

SOURCE: West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Feb 4, 2020 9:00:00 AM