Holiday Hosting with Care: Your Essential Safety Checklist
‘Tis the season to open your home for gatherings with family and friends. Before the festivities begin, it’s important to ensure your home's safety for all your guests. Here’s a checklist to help you get your home ready for memorable [...]
Is it Time to Replace that Smoke Detector?
We've all experienced smoke detectors that start to chirp, indicating the battery is failing. This past week, I played “chase the chirp” (there were several grouped in close proximity) and finally discovered an old detector hiding in plain sight above [...]
Print Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
It's officially fall! We're not ready to think about Minnesota winter just yet but it's time to prepare our homes! We recommend taking advantage of these moderate temps by scheduling routine home maintenance or repairing any outdoor damage before the [...]
Should Buyers Invest in a Sewer Inspection?
A sewer scope inspection is one of the most often overlooked inspections when purchasing a new home. It is not typically included in the cost of a standard home inspection so some buyers wonder if it’s really a necessary service. [...]
Skipping Your Home Inspection? Beware…
In this highly competitive Twin Cities market, some buyers choose to waive their home inspection contingency in order to make their offer more competitive. When buyers agree to purchase “as is” or without an inspection contingency, they are eliminating the [...]
Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
As spring arrives, most of us are eager to open windows, clean out closets, and uncover patio furniture! But home ownership requires going the extra mile, at least if you want to maintain your property value and avoid costly surprises. [...]
Prevent Moisture Intrusion in Your Home
Winter in Minnesota has been a bit lackluster this year in terms of snowfall but moisture intrusion can still be an issue for homeowners. We've heard from people with frost in their attics, frozen or burst pipes, and those who've [...]
How to Prevent Ice Dams this Winter
Although we've had a slow start to winter in Minnesota, surely more snow is coming! A large build-up of snowfall on roofs will wreak havoc for many homeowners by creating ice dams. Today we'll explain how ice dams form and [...]
Your Pre-Listing Home Inspection Checklist
Sellers often ask realtors what they should do to get ready for their home inspection, so we've created a handy tool to share! Whether you're planning to list your home next week or next year, being mindful of these items [...]
Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist to Print
Fall is upon us and Minnesota winter will be here before any of us would like to admit! We recommend taking advantage of these moderate temps by scheduling routine home maintenance or repairing any outdoor damage before the first frost [...]
Why Get a Level 2 Chimney Inspection?
Having your fireplace and chimney inspected annually is your best preventative action against a chimney fire. When purchasing a home, the condition of the chimney is often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be! Safe operation is always our top concern but [...]
Can You Spot the Signs of an Unsafe Deck?
Summer is upon us which means it’s time to do a deck check! Today we’re going to highlight the specific areas you should pay close attention to before you invite friends and family over for that backyard barbecue! Be on [...]