April Home Maintenance Checklist: Get Your Home Spring-Ready

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, April is the perfect time to refresh your home after winter and prepare for the months ahead. This month’s checklist will help you tackle essential maintenance tasks to keep your home in top shape. 1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters Winter weather can take a toll on your roof and gutters. Check for missing shingles, signs of leaks, and clear out any leaves or debris from gutters to ensure proper drainage. 2. Service Your HVAC System Before the summer heat arrives, schedule a professional tune-up for your air conditioning unit. Change your filters and clean vents to improve air quality and efficiency. 3. Check Windows and Doors for Leaks Inspect seals and caulking around windows and doors to keep cool air in and pests out. Replace weatherstripping if needed to improve energy efficiency. 4. Freshen Up Outdoor Spaces Power wash your driveway, deck, and patio to remove winter grime. Check for loose boards or cracks and make any necessa...

Think Prices Have Skyrocketed? Look at Rents.

Do any of you have rental properties?  Is it worth the effort ... repairs, tenants, etc? 


By:  Pam Boyle & Associates


Think Prices Have Skyrocketed? Look at Rents. | MyKCM

Much has been written about how residential real estate values have increased since the housing market started its recovery in 2012. However, little has been shared about what has taken place with residential rental prices. Let’s shed a little light on this subject.
In the most recent Apartment Rent ReportRentCafe explains how rents have continued to increase over the last twelve months because of a large demand and a limited supply.
 “Continued interest in rental apartments and slowing construction keeps the national average rent on a strong upward trend.”
Zillow, in its latest Rent Index, agreed that rents are continuing on an “upward trend” across most of the country, and that the trend is accelerating:
“The median U.S. rent grew 2% year-over-year, to $1,595 per month. National rent growth is faster than a year ago, and while 46 of the 50 largest markets are showing deceleration in annual home value growth, annual rent growth is accelerating in 41 of the largest 50 markets.”
The Zillow report went on to detail rent increases since the beginning of the housing market recovery in 2012. Here is a graph showing the increases:Think Prices Have Skyrocketed? Look at Rents. | MyKCM

Bottom Line

It is true that home prices have risen over the past seven years, increasing the cost of owning a home. However, the cost of renting a home has also increased over that same time period.

Comments