Prepare Your Virginia Home Before Going on Summer Vacation!

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing and worry-free. That's why it's important to secure your house so you don't have to worry about broken water connections, power surges and burglars.

Whether you're going out of town for two days or a few weeks, there are things you can do to prepare your home for your absence and for your smooth return.

Make your house look lived-in.

An empty house is a welcome invitation to burglars. To avoid the house looking empty:

•       Stop the newspaper and mail (or ask a neighbor to pick them up).
•        Park your car inside the garage.
•       Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway.
•       Put at least one light on a timer.
•       Install a motion-activated sensor on an outdoor floodlight.
•       Make sure your lawn stays trimmed.

Take the necessary plumbing and electric precautions.

Not only is running appliances an unnecessary utility expense, it also could lead to costly problems. To avoid the expense and headache of something going wrong with an appliance while you're away:

•        Unplug small appliances and electronic devices.
•        Put the water heater in vacation mode.
•        Turn off water valves to the dishwasher, washing machine and all sinks.
•        Set the thermostat to a temperature that is less comfortable, but still protects your plants, pets and furniture.

Ready your pets.

•       Give the pet sitter or boarding facility detailed care instructions.
•       Make sure you have plenty of your pet's favorite foods, treats, toys, medicines and other supplies on hand.

Tidy the house.

•       Sweep or vacuum floors.
•        Do the dishes.
•        Wipe down counters in the bathroom and kitchen.
•        Put clean sheets on the beds.
•        Give toilets a quick clean.

General home preparation tips before you go on vacation:

•        Notify your credit card company that you are going out of town.
•        Notify your security company that you are going out of town.
•        Make sure your smoke detectors are working properly.
•        Leave your emergency contact information with a neighbor.
•        Toss out any food that will go bad before you return from vacation.
•        Take out the kitchen trash, or any other trash that could get smelly.

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

7 Reasons Why It’s Time To Declare Your Independence… And Buy A Home!

Everyone wonders if they’re ready to take the plunge. No, not marriage… Homeownership! There are dozens of reasons to own your own home rather than rent, and most of them come down to freedom. Freedom from a landlord. Freedom from décor you didn’t choose. Freedom from rent that earns you nothing.

Why choose the “independence” of homeownership?

1.  No more random rules about pets, guests, or noise from a cranky landlord. Your house… your rules!
2. No more arbitrary rent hikes or eviction notices from that same cranky landlord. A fixed rate mortgage is FIXED! And your home is YOURS!
3. When you own your home, you can have the kitchen you want. You can move walls, buy brand new appliances, or paint everything whatever colors you want. These types of changes are not possible for renters.
4. One-story or two? Three bedrooms or four? Basement or front porch? Many builders have lots of inventory to choose from, so you’re sure to find what you want. And these new models are energy efficient, and more affordable to own. That means great choices, as well as great prices.
5. You’ll save on taxes. You can deduct the mortgage interest rate from your income taxes and get a tax break on capital gains when you sell.
6. Rent is a down payment on nothing – except lining your landlord’s pockets.  Owning your own home is a great investment in yourself.  One that gives you a tremendous sense of freedom.
7. Assuming your home is priced right, the economy will reward you with a great return on your investment. Your home isn’t the stock market and you shouldn’t view it as a way to get rich, but as the economy grows, real estate prices grow, too.

Embrace your independence!  Choose the freedom of homeownership!

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.