Fall has made it, which means now is a great time to start preparing your home for the chilly days. It is important to protect your investment in your home and hopefully lower your utility bills!
Another important factor to consider is refinancing your home to save you money. When you refinance your home at the Lake of the Ozarks, you could be able to reduce the interest rate and monthly payment amount, sometimes by a lot. You may also be able to "cash out" some of your equity, which you are able use to take care of higher interest debt, make home improvements, or take a vacation. You might be able to refinance to a shorter-term mortgage loan, enabling you to add to your equity quicker. With that said, read on to prepare your home for the upcoming cold season!
Tune Up Your Heating System
An HVAC technician can be hired to come over to your home and inspect your heating systems. This is worth it to avoid unnecessary breakdowns on the coldest day of the year.
Fun tip: Reverse your ceiling fans! Studies show that reversing your ceiling fans produces an "updraft" and pushed the hot air down, since hot air rises.
Prevent Ice Build-Up
Taking steps to prevent ice build-up that can leak into your home and cause potential damage is recommended. Call a weatherization contractor to come over to fix any air leaks and insulation in your home.
Check Your Roof
Look at your roof up close and check for any missing shingles or damaged areas. Better to find it now than during a snowstorm! You can hire a roofing contractor to repair breaks.
Caulking
Gaps may form between the siding and the window or door frames. This can be closed with silicone caulking, as it won't shrink and can stand strong against the cold elements.
Cleaning Your Gutters
Gutters can get clogged if not cleaned. Debris that gets caught in your gutters can lead to water back up that can damage your roof, siding, and trim...leading to the potential of water leaking into your home!
Turn Off Exterior Faucets
Undrained water can freeze up, which will make the pipes burst as the freezing ice expands. Disconnect your hoses, and drain water.
Prepare Your Mower
As your mower sits all winter, fuel that has been left inside can decompose. This is harmful to your mower and will make it harder for you to turn on in the Spring.
Wait To Prune Until Late-Winter
It is tempting to think about pruning your plants in your landscaping when you see the leaves start turning. But, horticulturalists suggest waiting to prune until late Winter for most plants, just before Spring growth begins.
Call a Chimney Sweep
make sure your fireplace and chimney are clean before using, this can prevent potential chminey fires.
Restock Winter Essentials
Do not wait for the first Winter strom to realize you need more ice melt! Also ensure you have a durable snow shovel handy.
MHQ is Here for You
We hope you received some beneficial information to prepare your home for these upcoming colder months. Another expert tip is to consider refinancing your home to save your money long-term. It's important to understand that in the end, for most borrowers, the total of up-front costs to refinance will be made up very quickly in monthly savings. Our
Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lenders can help you explore your options, considering the effect a refinance may have on your taxes if you are likely to sell your home in the next couple of years and your available cash. Give us a
call today or you can also
check out our website listed below for more information!
Mortgage Headquarters of Missouri, Inc
4824 Osage Beach Parkway, Suite 1
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Office: (573) 302-9990
Toll Free: (888)799-1206
Fax: (636)648-9917
NMLS # 1229111
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