Posts in category 'Homeownership'

When you look at your property, it's easy to imagine where the property lines might fall, based on the location of fences or the line where you stop mowing your lawn and your neighbor starts. However, the actual property lines may differ from appearances, and in some situations, property lines can become a point of contention between neighbors.

Whether you're looking to start an outdoor project, buy/sell a home, avoid conflict with neighbors, or simply know exactly where the property line lies for potential future projects, taking the time to determine your property lines is a must-do for any responsible homeowner. But how do you do it? Our REALTORS® are here to help, with a guide to determining the property lines for your home.

• Why It's Important to Know Your Property Lines
  For most homeowners, backyard projects and good relationships with neighbors are both important parts of owning a home... so you wouldn't want one to get in the way of the other. Determining property lines makes it easier to work on projects on the edge of your property, without worrying whether you're encroaching on your neighbor's land, or worse having to start a project all over because you started building without knowing the boundaries. Building a pool, fence, or other projects in the wrong place can be costly, and cause conflict in the neighborhood, so it's better to learn exactly where property lines lie.

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With Spring just around the corner (and we promise it really is), you may be eyeing those cobwebs on the ceiling and the dust bunnies along the baseboards. As you tackle that Spring cleaning list, don't forget your home's maintenance list, especially if yours is a Mansfield home for sale.

Our REALTORS® suggest checking through these key areas of your property, top to bottom:

• Roof and Gutters
  Spring is a good time to clean the roof and check for missing shingles,  rust or cracking, and of course, any leaking. Sometimes simply hammering the wayward shingle down and applying some caulk is enough, and sometimes you might need to call a professional. If you can't get on the roof yourself, using a pair of binoculars can get you started with your inspection. 
  
  At the same time you're giving the roof some attention, look over the gutters too. Clean out any leaves or debris. Look for leaks here also, as well as any place the gutters or downspouts may have pulled away from the house. Again, the caulk gun may be all you need to shore up the problem.

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Winter in Ohio can bring low temperatures and blankets of snow to the doorsteps of every Mansfield home. With plenty of cold mornings and frosty nights ahead, our REALTORS® are here to help you stay warm indoors. Here are six easy tips for keeping your Ohio home cozy all winter long.

1. Use Your Windows Wisely
   Depending on the time of the day, your windows can cause your home to either retain or lose heat. Take advantage of the sunlight during the day and allow it to stream through your windows. However, when the sun sets, use thick curtains to prevent heat from escaping through the window panes.

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Know the Ins & Outs of Home Warranties

Mark your calendars, homeowners! February 10^th is National Home Warranty Day!

Haring Realty knows that you want to protect your home inside and out, that's why our REALTORS® want to help you celebrate this annual holiday by providing you with everything you need to know about the vital resource that is a home warranty.  

What is a Home Warranty?

The way you live transforms an ordinary house into the home of your dreams. Every day, your family relies on appliances and systems like the water heater, washing machine and refrigerator to keep life running smoothly. Unfortunately, normal wear and tear on these machines over time can cause components to malfunction or break. Thankfully, home warranty protection plans are available to help you replace or repair these appliances and systems.

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Winter in Ohio is in full bloom. There is nothing quite as cozy as a crackling fire in the fireplace of your Mansfield home.  However, the last thing any homeowner wants is for disaster to strike, potentially damaging their home and putting loved ones in danger. Understanding and practicing fireplace safety is crucial in ensuring that your house and family are safe. Our REALTORS® offer these eight tips to keep your fireplace in tip-top shape and protect our family.

1. Get Your Fireplace Ready
   Before you light the first fire of the season, have your chimney and fireplace inspected and cleaned by a professional. Flues should be intact, and the dampers are operating correctly. Any buildup of dangerous residues including soot, creosote and glaze should be removed as they can seriously increase the risk of a chimney fire.

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