Home maintenance from top to bottom is a spring ritual

By sticking with a seasonal maintenance routine, you’ll catch those little problems before they become big headaches.

The weather is delightful in the St. Charles area now and the urge to get outside before the sweltering July heat and humidity come is undeniable. This is also the season for your spring home maintenance checks to insure a trouble-free summer.

While you’re outside enjoying the weather, take a look at your roof, the soffits and guttering. We don’t recommend climbing on your roof–one slip of the foot could result in much more than you bargained for–but get some binoculars for a safe view. While you’re at it, check the attic and rafters for water damage. Staining will show you exactly where the leaks may be located.

Go the professional route to repair any loose shingles or major roof problems. And while your roofing specialist is there, ask them to clean the gutters and check downspouts.

We’ve had a lot of rain this spring; that moisture will show in the attic and in the basement if you have problems. Now’s the time to go down below, peer in the nooks and crannies to look for foundation cracks, pools of moisture and missing tuck pointing. Consumer Reports recommends marking the cracks with tape, then check back again in a few months to assess any damage. Most likely you can fill the cracks with epoxy, but for any major problem, call a structural engineer.

Before it’s 95 degrees outside and you have a major meltdown, make an appointment to get your air conditioner up and ready for summer. You can do your part too by changing the filters on a regular basis and removing dust from around the grills and ductwork. Not only will these tasks insure a cool summer, but also save you money on the cooling bill.

Decks are where family and friends gather for summer parties and barbeques. This outdoor living space requires regular maintenance for a safe, beautiful appearance. Check the railings and supports to make sure they are stable and secure. A guest falling off the deck is not an option. While you are inspecting, keep an eye out for wood rot and termite colonies that might lead to structural damage.

Power washing is the next step for spring deck maintenance. Be careful not to use too much force, which could damage the wood or composite decking. High volume, low pressure is the way to go. Allow a minimum of 24 hours for the deck to dry before adding the final step. Apply the stain during the cooler part of the day and let dry another 24 hours before using the deck. The final step? Invite friends and family to celebrate on your beautiful deck.

Home maintenance is an ongoing project, whether you are getting you home ready for sale or just staying put. Following a regular schedule will make your home a better place to live or sell, and make your life much easier and worry-free.

St. Charles County Real Estate

Written by Myra Vandersall

Builder confidence increases as constructio of new homes rises in January

The federal tax credit program is a major component in the optimistic report

Builders are feeling a bit more positive and are looking toward the spring construction season to pump up sales of new single-family construction. The National Association of Home Builders reports that their market index survey results went up two points to 17, the highest level since November 2009. Regionally, the Midwest and South measured a two-point gain to 13.

NAHB chief economist David Crowe says that builders are beginning to see the results of the homebuyer tax credit combined with still low interest rates. Add the beginning of job stabilization and builders see their future with a sense of optimism.

Also on the plus side, housing construction posted an increase in January, rising to 2.8 percent with a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 591,000 units, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. That department also cites the tax credit program as a major influence for the positive uptake.

Tax credits of up to $8,000 for first-time homebuyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers will expire on June 30, 2010. To qualify the buyer must have a contract in force by April 30. Another set of tax credits is available through the stimulus program’s energy-efficient upgrades. Homeowners can receive up to a $1,500 tax credit for energy-efficient improvements, including exterior doors and windows, heating and cooling systems and insulation. That program expires on December 31, 2010.

On a statewide basis, Missouri is taking action to increase home buying with the $15 million Home Ownership Purchase Enhancement program (HOPE), which offers credits on a homebuyer’s real estate bill, up to $1,250. Energy efficiency also kicks in here; approved homebuyers may be eligible to receive an additional amount if they purchase a qualified, newly-constructed energy-efficient home; buy an existing home and remodel it; or purchase Energy-Star® appliances.

With all of these incentives, low interest rates and lower sale prices, now is the time to buy before April 30. Contact St. Charles County Real Estate - SCHNEIDER Real Estate.


Written by Myra Vandersall

Mortgage Rates Drop Below 5%

Freddie Mac reports a drop in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate to 4.98 percent during the week ended March 19 from 5.03 percent the prior year, marking the lowest rate since 4.96 percent in mid-January.

Experts say rates could fall further in response to the Federal Reserve's announcement that it will add $1.2 trillion to the economy to alleviate the credit crisis.

Source: Tulsa World (Okla.) (03/20/09)

Around St. Charles County

• April 1: Heat Smart Safe Start: Helmet Fittings for Kids, Lake St. Louis Civic Center 4-6 p.m. -- Free
• April 3: Flashlight Egg Hunt for 21 and older at Civic Hall at 7:30 p.m. - Admission
• April 3: Flashlight Egg Hunt for 11-14 at Rotary Park Lower Pavilion at 7 - 9 p.m.
• April 3-5: Missouri Tartan Day Festivities, Frontier Park
• April 3-5: St. Charles Home Show, Saint Charles Convention Center; Friday & Saturday 11am-9pm & Sunday 11-5pm -- Free
• April 11: Easter Egg Hunt for newborns to 12 years old and extreme hunt for 12- 18 year olds at Youth Activity Park, 10 a.m. for $5.00
• April 15: Paws on Parade Walk, Quail Ridge Park 8:30 - 11 a.m. -- Free
• April 18: Plein Air Painting for Kids ages 5-12, St. Peters City Centre Park, Saturday 1-3 pm --Free
• April 18: Annual Spring City Wide Yard Sale starting at 7 am in Wentzville
• April 22- May 3: Augusta Plein Air Art Event
• April 24-26: Spring ArtWalk, Main Street and Foundry Art Centre
• April 25 - 26: Earth & Arbor Day, Shop St. Peters, Crafts, games, prizes, activities Saturday 10 am - 4 pm Sunday 11 am - 3 pm -- Free
• April 25: New Town Blues Festival, New Town Outdoor Ampitheater 6:00 PM
• April 25: Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area, 10 am-4 pm, free with some fees for off-site birding trips