Home Ownership

Home Warranty

All About The Home Warranty

A home warranty acts as a safety net for homeowners, covering the costs of repairing or replacing major home appliances and systems. It's a service contract that ensures you're not left footing the bill when something goes wrong. This guide delves into the intricacies of home warranties, offering peace of mind to homeowners, especially in the unpredictable moments of homeownership.

Home Warranties Provide Peace of Mind

There's nothing quite like the security of knowing that a sudden appliance breakdown won't drain your savings. For first-time homebuyers or those on a tight budget, this can be particularly reassuring. The home warranty stands as a buffer against the unpredictable, ensuring that a malfunction doesn’t disrupt your financial stability.

Home Warranties vs. Homeowners Insurance

While homeowners insurance covers damage from external events like fire and storms, it doesn't help when your air conditioner quits on the hottest day of the year. This is where home warranties shine, offering coverage for wear and tear on your home's most critical systems and appliances.

How Home Warranties Work

When a covered item breaks down, a simple call to your home warranty provider can set the wheels in motion for a repair or replacement. You'll pay a predetermined service fee, and the warranty company covers the rest. It's a streamlined process that saves time and reduces hassle.

Understanding Home Warranty Costs

Costs can vary, but most home warranty plans start around $400 annually, with service fees ranging from $75 to $125 per visit. It's a small price to pay for the convenience and protection these plans offer.

The Pros of Home Warranties

Home warranties bring numerous advantages to the table, from financial protection against unexpected repairs to the convenience of having...

Important Stuff Every Homeowner Should Know

What You Should Do Once You buy a Minnesota Home

You just bought a home! Congratulations! You’re excited and can’t wait to move in, especially if this is your first home. You want to paint and decorate it. Maybe buy some new furniture. Of course, you want to turn your new digs into a house; you will appreciate every single minute in the years to come. Kate and I felt the same when we bought our first home.

But in all the enthusiasm, there are some aspects of your home you should familiarize yourself with from your first day, for your safety and peace of mind. There are also a couple of new home chores you want to take care of that need to be on the very top of the to-do list.

Things to do Right After You Buy a Home in MN

I’m often amazed at how many new homeowners do not change the locks before or as soon as possible after they move in. It would be best if you were prepared to do this before closing your house. Even when you have met the former owners and think they would never hold back a key, you have no idea how many other legends may be circulating or who may have them. If you want to save some coins, you can buy a rekeying kit. You could also change the locks yourself (it’s easy) or have a handyman perform the task.

Change the Garage Door Code

For the same reasons you would change the locks, you should also reprogram the access code on your automatic garage door opener. Once you have your home secured against unauthorized entry, you will sleep more soundly.

Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Test all your smoke detectors. I would...

The Ultimate Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Getting Your to MN Home Ready for Winter

That nip we feel in the air means fall is here. The season is synonymous with pumpkins, falling leaves, apple cider, and preventive home maintenance! What? Home maintenance - You know, like working around the house.

If you are a long-time homeowner, you know this drill. If this is your first home, listen up! Most of the necessary chores you can do yourself. Accomplishing these tasks will not only protect your investment but can also lower your energy bills.

While temperatures are still moderate, and before the snow flies, let’s get cracking! Here is my 21 step checklist. Accomplish them all, and you and your home will be as prepared for winter as you can be. Your family and your home will thank you for it.

Get your Yard Ready

1. The lawn needs some attention now if you want it to look its best in the spring. The autumn is the perfect time to aerate, fertilize and resee your lawn.

2. Never allow piles of leaves to sit on your grass for the winter. You can rake and bag them, compost them, or mulch back into the lawn. Municipalities have different regulations about how to dispose of leaves, so check your community website for directions.

3. Winterize the flower garden. Doing this now will save you lots of time in the spring. Clean up dead plants and debris. Divide your perennials. Dig up the tender bulbs that will not survive...