Thursday, August 29, 2013

Helena Talbot’s blog - 4 Spring Updates to Protect Your Investment

When homeowners think about protecting their home’s assets, they may immediately think about large maintenance issues, like a new roof. But checking on—and updating, if necessary—small details can have a huge impact on the health of your home over time, saving you big dollars by warding off monumental repairs. Below are a handful of things you should keep up-to-date to lower bills and avoid costly repairs later on, regardless of whether you plan to stay or sell. 

Check the ventilation
Spring can be wet, and a build-up of moisture can peel paint, cause mold and mildew and ruin flooring, carpets and fixtures. At the start of the season, check out kitchen or bath ventilation fans, and consider installing dehumidifiers anywhere prone to excess moisture. Check out basements and any overlooked crawl spaces, too, to make sure they aren’t prone to leaks. Homes can change over time, so just because you have never had a ventilation problem before, doesn’t mean you never will. 

Give your AC some TLC 
Spring is the perfect time to service your air conditioner, which will get it into its best shape for summer, and help extend the overall life of your system. Replace your air filters at the start of the season, and every 90 days of use. 

Insulate, insulate, insulate

A well insulated home is going to have lower energy bills. By checking gaps and cracks around your home, and filling in any seals with a sealant, you can monumentally reduce your energy bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, as much as 40 percent of your home’s energy loss can be blamed on shoddy insulation. 

Water works

Spring often brings rain, and excess water means excess strain on your plumbing. If you have a sump pump, check that it is in working order by pouring a few buckets of water into the sump pit and monitoring the response. Check all indoor and outdoor faucets. Turn on your hose—if there is a sudden leak inside your home, you may have had a frozen pipe that cracked over the winter and needs to be replaced. Also, you should consider replacing your water heater if it’s more than 15 years old; newer water heaters are more energy efficient.



I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com
My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.
Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburgAshburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

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