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        <title>Jupiter Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/2018-03/</link>
        <description>Jupiter, FL Real Estate Blog, Palm Beach Real Estate News &amp; Info, Palm Beach Gardens Housing News</description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-different-roofing-materials.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-different-roofing-materials.html</link>
        <author>Dylan@dylansnyder.com (Dylan Snyder)</author>
        <title>Pros and Cons of Different Roofing Materials</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





There are many types of materials used in a modern roof, and it can be difficult for homeowners to make a choice. The price of the roofing is an important point, but there are many other factors to consider as well. These tips help people to discern which roofing material might be best for them, based on the investment they are willing to make.


Seal It Up With Asphalt


In many parts of the country, asphalt or composite roofing is the most common material. This material relies on thin shingles that have a fiberglass mat on which asphalt granules are layered to seal out water. Asphalt roofing does not have an exceptionally long lifespan compared to other roofing materials, but it is one of the least expensive types.


People may be able to get an entire roof laid out with material for around $5,000-$10,000, depending on the square footage. If a shingle becomes damaged or falls off the roof, it is relatively simple to replace it with a new shingle. Roof replacement for this style typically involves placing the new layer of shingles directly on top of the old one.


Go Traditional With Wood


Roofing made out of wood features a classic style that is hard to replicate, although it carries a few disadvantages with it. Wood roofing comes in a couple of varieties, notably wood shingle and shake shingle. Wood shake is quite a bit thicker than the regular shingles, leading to a lifespan that might last a few decades. Since wood is an organic material, it is prone to water damage and can catch fire in certain areas. This increases the maintenance obligations for homeowners, who need to monitor the condition of a wood roof more regularly.


Long Live Your Slate Roof


For longevity, few things can beat natural slate. A slate roof has the potential to withstand the elements for centuries, and might even exceed the lifespan of the rest of the home structure. In exchange, slate roofing is a considerable investment compared to other roofing materials. The roof must have the proper strength to support the stone, which makes for a very heavy roof. The slate tiles are very strong, but they can crack or break over time.


Class It Up With Tile


Clay tiles also feature a long lifespan in exchange for the weight and expense. Baked into the right shape, these tiles are ideal for areas with a moderate climate. Although the tile roofing seems strong and can last for many decades, the individual tiles are very easy to break. People with tile roofing must avoid walking on it as much as possible. Fortunately, if they do break a tile or two, they are relatively reasonable to replace individually.


Metal, Strong and Reliable


Roofing made of some kind of metal (e.g. aluminum, copper or steel) offers a lightweight roof that can still protect against the elements. These days, metal roofing is typically installed in pre-made panels that can be attached in pieces. The end result is a classy roofing design that looks modern, lasts for decades and is fairly easy to maintain. The primary disadvantage of the material is cost. Metal roofing may cost several times as much as asphalt roofing, and is usually harder to replace.


Buying a new roof is a moderate investment that every Evergrene homeowner should consider carefully. With this discussion of common roofing materials, people can make an educated decision about the roof that will work ideally for them.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2018 11:51:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/what-to-do-about-pests-in-the-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/what-to-do-about-pests-in-the-home.html</link>
        <author>Dylan@dylansnyder.com (Dylan Snyder)</author>
        <title>What to Do About Pests in the Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





Many homeowners, as a part of owning a home, will—at some point or another—be required to deal with the presence of pests. Homeowners should be aware that a pest infestation can lead to home damage and exacerbate existing health conditions. Know the signs of a potential pest problem and take steps to address issues as quickly as possible. What are the options for homeowners who may uncover a pest infestation?


Termites and Home Damage


Termites can do substantial damage to a home as they consume wood in support beams and other wooden structures. A home and wooden products within it can easily contain and feed generations of termites, and the danger may be present before homeowners ever move in, as basic home inspections do not cover termites. Homeowners may see particles that look like sawdust but is actually termite excrement. Wings of termites may also be observable. A homeowner may find that when they knock on wood, it sounds hollow. This can be indicative of a termite problem. It may be useful to contact an exterminator to effectively address a serious termite infestation.


Cockroaches and Health Concerns


Many people who find cockroaches in their home, find their new unwanted visitor is the German cockroach. This cockroach resides near moisture and food. Homeowners may unwittingly introduce such a pest into a home as they can hide inside grocery bags, boxes and secondhand appliances. A serious issue related to these pests is they can potentially contaminate food, spread bacteria and trigger allergy flare-ups. Signs of cockroaches may be found under appliances and sinks in kitchens and bathrooms. Clean crumbs from surfaces, wash floors and counters, vacuum often and regularly dispose of any garbage.


Rodents and Fire Hazards


A house mouse is a common rodent to reside in homes. They may choose to nest in attic spaces and in the basement. Norway rats are also large pests that can become an unwanted intruder. Rodents need to chew and will gnaw through drywall, on electrical wires and more. Electrical issues such as damaged wiring can pose a fire hazard. Holes in and around a property or in walls may indicate the presence of such rodents. Humans may be exposed to salmonella and tapeworms from a house mouse and other diseases from Norway rats.


Homeowners can take steps to prevent such animals from getting into a home by eliminating clutter, keeping boxes off of the floor and sealing cracks and holes on a home's exterior with caulk and steel wool. Eliminate moisture sources that may exist in crawl spaces and basements and be on the lookout for animal droppings and gnaw marks.


Household Pests in Canada


These are only a start of the range of household pests that can be found in homes in Canada. Ants, bedbugs, blacklegged (deer) ticks, bats and other organisms can easily invade a home. Attics, basements, kitchens and bathrooms may be areas where evidence of pests are observable to a homeowner. Homeowners may want to be mindful of signs including:




Musty and unusual smells;


Pest droppings;


Grease or track marks related to mice or rat movement;


A number of dead bugs which are the of the same species; and


Shredded paper or materials used for nesting.




If a homeowner should see unusual holes, track marks or smell musty odors, this may indicate a pest issue. Homeowners who uncover insect and pests issues may also find related home damage or an exacerbation in health symptoms related to specific conditions, such as allergy flare-ups. There are many products and pesticides that may be used to eliminate a pest infestation in a Bent Tree home. Contact a professional exterminator to correctly identify pests and help find a suitable solution.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2018 09:50:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/geothermal-energy-a-renovation-that-pays-back-in-increased-home-value.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/geothermal-energy-a-renovation-that-pays-back-in-increased-home-value.html</link>
        <author>Dylan@dylansnyder.com (Dylan Snyder)</author>
        <title>Geothermal Energy: A Renovation that Pays Back in Increased Home Value</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





For a lot of homeowners, home improvements only make sense if they can help to maintain or increase the home's value. While the boost energy-efficient upgrades could have for a home's resale value can be difficult to measure, one thing is clear: Top-of-the-line renovations, including converting to geothermal energy, often attract buyers who are willing to pay more for the ease and savings.


Buyer Preferences


As home buyers become more savvy about what they can expect from homes they buy, they are starting to demand that their homes do more for them. No one wants to pay a ton for utilities because the home is full of old, outdated equipment. In fact, energy efficient appliances and systems rank high on buyers' desires for homes they want to purchase, in virtually every demographic. They want to save energy and money, and they are drawn to homes that offer it in a smooth, streamlined fashion.


Long-Term Energy Solutions


Buyers also long for convenience. While practically everyone plans to make a few changes to a property after they move in, performing expansive, time-consuming improvements is not appealing to a large proportion of buyers. Geothermal energy, with equipment that can last up to 50 years or more, capitalizes on convenience and delivers it to homeowners and future buyers.


A homeowner could have a geothermal system installed and enjoy it for years before passing on an effective and efficient solution when they sell. Experts claim that people who purchase a geothermal system could recoup the additional expenses within 5-10 years of use. This is a great way for homeowners to take advantage of geothermal's energy savings to make a greater return on their investment.


Lower Energy Consumption


When it comes to energy usage, homeowners want to cut their energy consumption and save money on their utility bills. Because heating and cooling takes up nearly 50 percent of the average home's energy usage, switching to a much more efficient method offers an appealing and cost-effective choice. Many cities rely on the relatively moderate temperatures underground to supply energy to create electricity to run equipment.


At the residential level, hundreds of thousands of homes in America use geothermal heat pumps to heat their homes. Because they can draw from the constant temperatures a few feet below the surface, they do not need to burn nearly as much fuel for heating. This leads to concrete, measurable savings that buyers often find compelling, when considering their future energy costs.


Improved Awareness


Of course, buyers have to know about the products they are purchasing in order to understand how it benefits them. Thanks to greater awareness of energy-efficient renovations like geothermal energy, people who own homes or who are considering homeownership have more information about their options. Geothermal energy is certainly an investment, and requires a little work and space to install.


When buyers can see that the system is already in place and could save them hundreds of dollars per year over a more conventional system, many are prepared to pay extra for a Steeplechase home that is optimized for efficiency. It is hard to put a price on convenience, but saving a lot of money on energy is easy to understand. With a geothermal energy renovation, homeowners can appreciate greater efficiency and a more-appealing home, when they decide to sell.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 14 Mar 2018 11:39:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/tips-for-creating-the-best-outdoor-living-space.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jupiterhomesales.com/blog/tips-for-creating-the-best-outdoor-living-space.html</link>
        <author>Dylan@dylansnyder.com (Dylan Snyder)</author>
        <title>Tips for Creating the Best Outdoor Living Space</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





The outdoor area of a home is just as important as the indoors of a home, no matter what season it is. And yet, it's often pushed to the side for new curtains, sheets, or indoor lighting. But a true living space can open up doors for homeowners that they never even dreamed of. It's the difference between sitting inside with the air conditioning blasting all day and enjoying the fresh air, or another frozen dinner instead of a burger straight from the grill. For the best possible connection to the property, homeowners can follow these tips to create an outdoor space they can really live in.


Add More Color


Arguably the fastest and easiest way to bring more life to any outdoor space, homeowners can add potted plants and flowers to make a living space more attractive. This trick helps to camouflage decks and patios with the rest of the landscape for a more cohesive view. The goal is to both increase the quality of air and the amount of shade directly outside the home. Add the greenery before adding any additional features to the outdoor space.


Design a Dining Space


It takes a certain amount of effort to dine outside, especially when homeowners remember just how many other critters may be interested in their dinner party. From mosquitos to bees, homeowners will want to set up their space without attracting too many unwanted visitors. Position the dining room table away from the most attractive blooms in the yard, and outfit it with man-made or home remedies to keep pests away.


Opt for a Cooking Space


For homeowners who like to grill as well as eat outdoors, they'll need a grill with a countertop space if they want to cook or entertain. Springing for a fridge and a sink will help speed up the prep work immensely. A cooking area not only reminds the homeowners that there's plenty of life to be lived outside, it also invites guests to spend some time in the sun or moonlight. There are few things more natural than making and enjoying food under a big sky.


Choose Patio Furniture


Patio furniture is as much about durability as it is about comfort, so pick pieces that will hold up to plenty of wear and tear. Even neighborhoods that don't see a lot of precipitation will need to worry about sun or wind damage. Choose cast iron, aluminum, or even traditional wood for materials that can hold their own against the elements. There are also plenty of weatherproof fabrics that are now available for patio furniture.


Consider the Extras


A hot tub, gazebo, fire pit, or fountain are all options that can really cement an outdoor living space. The goal is to turn a yard or property into a true oasis for the residents of the home, and these extras add a certain kind of luxury to the great outdoors. These extras aren't extravagances at the end of the day—they're an investment in turning a house into a home. Neglecting or skimping on an outdoor space can make those who live there forget that there's more to life than what's inside.


From outdoor lighting to privacy-providers like shade trees and ivy, there are so many ways a homeowner can choose to create an outdoor living space in their Old Palm home. The key is to make the commitment to make the outdoors as comfortable and welcoming as the indoors.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 07 Mar 2018 11:07:00 -0500</pubDate>
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