5 easy ways to get rid of bugs this summer!

MAKE YOUR HOME A BUG-FREE ZONE Patio with lounge furniture in the summer     As we navigate our way through this summer, many of us are likely spending more of this season at our homes than usual. While relaxing outdoors can be a great way to spend your time, you might find that you are running into bug issues. Unfortunately, nice weather usually means an increase in pesky bug activities. Here are 5 simple ways to make sure you can enjoy your space outside and make your home a bug-free zone. Get rid of any standing water. Make sure you clean out gutters and downspouts regularly. While you may be aware that stagnant water attracts bugs, you may not realize those gutters can trap water and become a mosquito breeding ground. You should keep kiddie pools and watering cans empty when not in use. Add plants that bugs hate. Mint and citrus plants are your best bet to battling bugs you may not want around. Here are some pest-repelling plants and the bugs that hate them: Some of the best additions to your garden to keep bugs out are: basil, catnip, citronella, lemon thyme, lavender, marigold, rosemary. Keep a tidy yard. Bugs, especially ticks, love to hide in tall grass. Make sure you are mowing your lawn regularly and making sure plants aren’t crowding your home or giving bugs easy access inside. Don’t mulch too much (or too close)! Mulch generates heat as it decomposes, so it gives cockroaches and ants an ideal environment to nest and end up inside your home. Try to keep mulch areas a foot or so from your home’s foundation or consider inorganic mulch options. Install patio fans. An easy way to get rid of mosquitos is to add a patio fan to your outdoor space. Their bites are a pain, but they don’t put up much of a defense when they are pushed away by outdoor fans.   Brianna Porter-Hoops REALTOR 02002571 REAL BROKER 562-380-0188  

Weighing the Benefits of a Home Warranty

Weighing the Benefits of a Home Warranty     When you invest in a home, whether it is brand new or beautifully aged, you want to make sure it is protected. Homeowners insurance, which is required when you purchase a home, covers major occurrences like fire and crime. However, homeowners’ insurance will not cover specific parts of your home, like your plumbing or heating and cooling system. Instead, you can opt for a home warranty that will take care of specific appliances and equipment if they need to be repaired or replaced.   On a basic level, one of the biggest perks of buying a home warranty is purchasing peace of mind. When you have a warranty, you are entered into a contract with a company that already has an established list of reputable service providers on hand, ready to assist you if you need them. This means that homeowners who are covered simply need to contact their warranty company. The company will send out a contractor to assess the issue and take care of the service request. Another way that your home warranty can provide peace of mind is by simply knowing you have it – even if your home systems are operating perfectly. You just never know when your dishwasher might need to be repaired or you’ll have an unexpected plumbing issue. To know that you are covered against these costly and often unforeseen expenses can be reason enough to purchase a home warranty. Of course, as with any warranty, there are fees involved with having a home warranty. Homeowners pay an annual premium that is often around a few hundred dollars. In addition, similar to the way a deductible works with home insurance, there is a minor fee when a homeowner places a service request. However, when you’re considering the cost of replacing one of your home’s major appliances or your HVAC system, the annual premium and service charges are rather minimal. An important point to note about having a home warranty is that homeowners must exercise a bit of responsibility when it comes to the appliances and equipment that are covered. Many warranty contracts clearly state that home items must be properly maintained to qualify for coverage. If you follow the maintenance schedule for your major systems, this should be no problem. Homeowners who purchase older homes can run into difficulties proving the equipment they purchase within a home has been properly maintained. So, asking for service records and full disclosure when you buy an older home is especially important if you plan to purchase a home warranty. When you are thinking about a home warranty, think about this: your home is likely the largest investment you’ll ever make. A home warranty is one way to provide certain protection on that investment. If you know you want to move forward with a home warranty, here are a few tips: 1. Do your research. There are a lot of home warranty companies and contracts out there. Find a reputable company with good reviews before entering into any agreement. 2. Read the fine print. Each home warranty contract is different and will cover different appliances and equipment in your home. Find out what might be excluded and check on required maintenance before agreeing to any coverage plan. 3. Consider the overall cost. There is no set price for a home warranty. Find out the exact cost of your annual premium and service fees before selecting and signing a warranty contract. Once you find a warranty that fits your home’s needs, enjoy the peace of mind and protection you’re provided! Have questions about your currenrt home or your futiure home purchase? Lets connect. Brianna Porter-Hoops REALTOR 02002571 REAL Broker Serving: Inland Empire & North Oranage County

Simple Ways to Refresh Your Space

Simple Ways to Refresh Your Space       It’s easy to get sick of your home decor, especially if you have been staying home a lot.  With the warmer weather approaching, take some time to give your home a little refresh.  There’s no need to do a complete makeover of your home, just switch up a few things.  You’ll be surprised how a few simple changes can give you a whole new outlook! Take Advantage of Natural LightWith spring on the horizon, we are starting to see a little more sun peeking out, so open those blinds and bask in the natural light. Instead of flipping on your lights in the morning, pull back the curtains and let sunshine fill your home.  The simple act of opening your windows can help lift your mood, and you’ll save a little on your electric bill too. You can also take advantage of the natural light to add in some more houseplants or help your current ones thrive! By simply adding in natural light, you have so many options to refresh and enjoy your living space.  Give Your Home a Good CleanIt seems simple but giving your space a deep cleaning and decluttering can instantly revitalize a room and make your home much more livable.  Even if you only go this far, it will surely make a major difference in refreshing your home. Set goals to clean and declutter one space at a time, and then work to organize anything left behind.  This is an easy and rewarding way to give your home a quick refresh! Change Up Your BeddingMaking small updates to your bedroom, like changing up your bedding can change the whole look of your room and give it a fresh feel. This is the perfect time of year to wake up your bedroom with some new bedding. Or simply refresh your look by switching out your heavy winter blankets, throws, and pillows with lighter-weight and lighter-toned versions.  You could also add some throw pillows or a blanket at the end of your bed to add different textures and colors.   Rearrange Your FurnitureRearranging your furniture is an easy and free way to completely transform your space.  Try changing up things or even losing pieces that just don’t fit. You’d be surprised how doing this can make your space seem more open and change the whole look of the room, while also becoming more functional. Plus, it’s kind of fun to shake things up a bit and change your furniture layout. If you are feeling bored with your space, you don’t have to completely remodel your home to switch things up! By swapping out a few pieces, adding in some new decor, or even letting more light in, you can achieve the looks you want.  These are all cheap and easy alternatives that will have a major impact on your living space!   Have Questions about your current home or about a new home? Lets connect. Brianna Porter-Hoops REALTOR 02002571 REAL Broker  Serving: Inland Empire & North Orange County

Solar Panels: Is Your House a Candidate?

 If you’re thinking about going solar, you’re probably wondering: Is solar cost-effective? Is my roof suitable for solar panels? Will solar energy generate enough electricity to power my home? Who makes the best solar panels?  But first, it's important to explore if solar panels for your home make sense. Here are some key questions to ask yourself if you are interested in buying or leasing a solar energy system to make sure your home is best suited for making power with solar panels. Do I Have the Right Roof? The proper installation of solar panels will depend on the type of roof you have. The ideal roof materials are composite, asphalt type shingles, tiles made of concrete or a metal roof. You can still have solar panels installed if you have other materials like tile, wood, or clay, as long as they’re sturdy. It is also important to consider the amount of sunlight you get per day.  South, east or west-facing roofs are the most desirable. The roof should also be free of any obstructions such as vents, antennas, chimneys, or even wooded areas in the parts where your panels are being installed. Will it Help Save Money? Having solar panels installed won’t necessarily mean you don’t have to pay an energy bill, but it will certainly lower your monthly costs. Typically, solar panels will decrease your energy bill, but you are also eligible for a tax deduction.  The federal solar tax credit, also known as the investment tax credit, allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. How Many Panels Will I Need? The square feet of suitable roof space you need to install solar panels will vary by the size of the solar system you need. This, in turn, will vary with the amount of power you consume and the utility company. You can work out how many solar panels you need for your home using a solar panel calculator. What if my Roof isn’t right for Solar Panels? There are other solar options available if your roof isn’t ideal for installing a solar panel system, including: Installing a ground-mounted solar panel system elsewhere on your property Building a solar panel carport to simultaneously power your house and provide shade for your car Invest in a share of a solar garden, which offers you the benefits of rooftop solar panels sourced from a large solar panel array in your community All of this could sum up to a great choice for the environment and an even better choice for your wallet!  Have questions about your current home or your future home? Send me a message. Brianna Porter-Hoops 02002571 REALTOR MRP REAL Broker  Serving: Inland Empire & North Orange County