It’s Time To Clean Up

Before starting with any actual touching up, make sure that the front (and back) yard are clean and de-cluttered, the porch is well swept and organized, that there’s no mess in the flower beds and flower pots, and that there are no unnecessary housework-related tools or junk lying around. The owners may have left behind various bits and bobs — tools, buckets, bags of cement; the usual household detritus that doesn’t make it out during the move. Clean it up. An organized yard is the foundation of every house sale. And it’s amazing what a difference clean windows can make, too.

Colors Speak Louder Than Words

After you’ve cleaned, step back and take a look. How do the front door, window frames, fence, etc. look?  These details go a long way when it comes to enhancing your curb appeal, and the edits are really inexpensive to make, with the use of your own manpower. There’s just one simple rule when it comes to choosing the colors: the facade or the wooden facings should have a uniform color that won’t clash with the look of the neighborhood; the same goes for the fence. A contrast color for the front door can add to curb appeal when done tastefully, even if it contrasts with the facade. We recommend using a strong color like red or blue.

Accessorize

As much as a good outfit can be made great with the right pair of shoes, a good watch or the perfect tie, so can a nice house reach perfection by getting the right accessories in the right places. People often forget about these tiny improvements, but they show attention to detail and add exactly the kind of touch that a house needs to help appear well-maintained.

Here are a few basic tips:

• Replace the old house numbers
• Get a new mailbox
• Add a brand new doormat
• Install new doorknobs and locks when rekeying
• Place a few matching plants or pots on the porch
• Upgrade the porch or garden lights

Tame the flora

A garden should be a caress for the eye, not a sore. If the yard looks like a jungle, any cosmetic touch ups you do to your house won’t be much use, because everyone will just see the bushy green all over the place. Your best bet is to trim the hedges and bushes in the garden. Weed the flower beds, and add fresh dark-colored mulch. Plant new trees and flowers or even herbs (rosemary, for example, grows into neat little bushes that look — and smell — great under the windows).

These touchups require more energy and notice than cost. And once the curb appeal goes up, the house will go up a few levels in the eyes of your prospective buyers and neighbors. It’s definitely worth the energy.

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One of the most expensive aspects of property upkeep and management is dealing with roofing issues. Different kinds of roofs last for different amounts of time, but all can cost thousands to replace when they go bad. That’s why you need an REO services company that can provide outstanding roof maintenance and repair when the time comes, and keep your property’s marketability high.

REO Roof Maintenance and Repair

The biggest aspect of REO roof maintenance and repair is knowing when damage can be repaired or when a full replacement must be undertaken. Not every roofing issue requires thousands upon thousands of dollars invested in replacing the entire top of the building. Sometimes, an issue can be addressed with a basic repair.

If you don’t know how to approach the issue, however, you can either spend far more money than necessary, or you can end up with shoddy results that won’t hold up. It’s important to have a contractor and service in place that can assess the situation, provide a complete and thorough estimate of costs and take care of the problem without placing an undue burden of stress on you.

Why Having an REO Services Company Matters

Most banks and lenders aren’t in the business of property management. They don’t tend to keep roofers on call, on staff or even on retainer. However, owning REO properties is an unfortunate fact of life in today’s real estate climate. Rather than spend all the time and stress of researching contractors and paying tons of money out of pocket, it’s often best to have an experienced REO services company in your corner.

Whether it’s just replacing a few shingles, replacing an entire roof or upgrading to an entirely new kind of roof, be it asphalt, slate, or metal, the right REO services company will be able to diagnose the problem properly, tell you what it will cost to fix and get the job done right the first time around. All of this will happen with constant communication and the ability for you to monitor your budget in real time. In short, it comes with peace of mind.

First Freedom Preservation

If you’re stuck with an REO property that is in need of roofing updates, you need an inspection done to check for issues or any other aspect of property upkeep and repairs, First Freedom Preservation is here to help. We are experienced experts at what we do, and that’s complete REO services and management. From replacing a few shingles to upgrading to an entirely new kind of roof, we can handle all aspects of REO roof maintenance and repair, and you pay nothing up front. For more information, check out our services and get in touch with us to get started today!

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In the end, it’s never too early to start preparing for the Annapolis, Frederick and Hagerstown winters, but you need the help of someone who knows exactly what to do, and when. Learn some important tips about winterizing REO property, and where to go to find a service that can get it done right the first time.

Winterizing REO Property

No bank wants to deal with the hassles of owning properties. You want the process of upkeep, repair, and winterizing REO property to go fast and smooth. You can take preventative steps, however, by dealing with plumbing, appliances, cleaning up outside and taking security measures.

Plumbing and Utilities

The first step is to ensure that the plumbing and utilities are taken care of. When the winter cold hits, anything in your pipes can expand, causing leaks and bursts that can do thousands of dollars of damage to a home. It can even result in major structural damage. Make sure you shut off the main water supply, open all the taps and keep the pipes free and clear.

Many vacant homes already have their utilities shut off, but it may not be a bad idea to at least leave the heat on. Turn it down, but keep it around 55 to 58 degrees, which will also help to keep the pipes from freezing up in the winter.

Appliances

Unplug all your appliances and be sure they’re free from the risk of electrical fires from faulty switches, pest infestations, power surges and storm damage. For some REO properties, this may not be an issue. Keep in mind, however, if you have appliances, unplugging them is a solid safety tip.

Clean up the Outside

Clean up the outside of your property. This means removing debris from around the house, trimming back the hedges and weeds, and removing the garden hose from any external spigots. The key is to remove anything that could cause damage to the home during freezes. You might also consider putting weather stripping around doors and windows inside, to further insulate the house against the cold.

Take Security Measures

During the winter months, squatters are out in full force, looking for a place to stay. Thieves looking for copper to steal are another major danger. Taking security measures means far more than just locking the place up securely. Consider having an alarm system installed. It’s also a good idea to install timers so the lights go on and off at various intervals in the evening. This will make it look like the home is lived-in, and thus less of an attraction to unsavory types.

Hire an REO Services Company

The best way to get peace of mind and ensure your property is properly winterized ahead of time is to work with an established, reliable and trustworthy Annapolis, Hagerstown and Frederick property management company like First Freedom Preservation. We provide complete property management services to make sure your property is safe, secure, and ready to rent or sell at all times. Give us a call for more information today.

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Unfortunately, REO property owners don’t always have the resources to make these necessary repairs and upgrades, and it can be tough to know where to turn for the knowledge and services you need. Learn about complying with building codes, avoiding REO code violations, and how an REO services company can keep you above board and help sell that home.

REO Code Violations

REO code violations are really no different than any other building code issues; there are certain standards to which every building is held, and your construction, repairs and upgrades have to live up to those standards. While it may seem like a pain at times, in truth, the codes are in place to ensure that buildings are safe to inhabit for those who live there.

Understanding Building Codes

The first thing to understand is that building codes vary wildly from state to state and even city to city. Every area has its own codes, and you’ll need to understand these codes before you even start your work. There are town codes, city codes, state codes, and other local codes, and your individual job could see more than one applicable code.

It’s up to your contractor to meet these codes, but hiring the right contractor means not having to worry about the problems that go along with violations. In general, if more than one code requirement applies to a given job, the most stringent codes should be applied.

Older Constructions

It’s also important to note that older constructions often are not up to codes. They don’t necessarily have to be brought to current codes to be sold as is. That being said, if you make any changes or improvements, these upgrades have to be up to current codes. That means, for example, that if your front stairs were original, but out of current code, and you decide to replace them, the new stairs must be brought up to code.

In general, building inspectors are also going to look at the spirit of the law over the letter. That is, they’ll observe issues that are demonstrably hazardous over older construction that doesn’t pose an imminent danger. Still, it’s important to have a service that knows how to approach these issues and deal with inspectors.

REO Services Company

This is why it’s important for those companies that own REO properties in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia to hire a reliable and respected REO services company like First Freedom Preservation. For decades we’ve dealt with repairs and upgrades to foreclosure properties, and we can help you to avoid REO code violations. Give us a call for more information today!

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This means creating outstanding curb appeal for your building. The right curb appeal can make the difference in a fast sale for top dollar, and a property that languishes on the market (and is a burden on your books) for months or even years. Learn about curb appeal, what it is, why it matters to your Washington, D.C., Baltimore or Philadelphia property, and how an REO repairs and upgrades service can get you the price you want and get that property off the market fast.

What Is Curb Appeal?

Curb appeal, in a very real way, is like a book cover. Despite the old saying, people do indeed pick up books because they have engaging covers—that’s the point of the cover, after all. The same goes for your property. People looking to buy a home, whether to live in it or flip it, are looking for something that requires as little work as possible.

If the property looks completely dilapidated, many potential buyers will simply pass on by. They assume the property needs too much work and isn’t worth the time and investment. Even if the place is great inside, they might never see it because it doesn’t look good outside. That’s curb appeal—what your building looks like to passers-by.

The Elements of Curb Appeal

Curb appeal has a number of different elements to which you’ll need to pay attention. The first of these is the building itself. It’s important that the home looks its very best. This means power washing, fixing the roof, doors and windows, and giving it a fresh coat of paint. Make it look like a new house from the outside, and people will be more likely to give it a look inside.

The second, and equally important, aspect of curb appeal is landscaping and yard maintenance. Most people won’t even see the building if the yard doesn’t look good. This means removing debris from around the house, keeping the grass neatly trimmed and edged and any walking paths free from obstructions and clean. It also means beautifying the yard. Trim the shrubs and plant flowers to make the place look as idyllic as possible.

Why Curb Appeal Matters

Curb appeal doesn’t just matter for selling your house fast. It’s also essential to upkeep and avoiding fines. Many municipalities will fine the owners of properties which contribute to blight, so beautification is essential in this regard. Second, keeping the property up means keeping squatters, vandals and thieves out, since it will look like the place is lived in.

REO Repairs and Upgrades Service

The best way to create outstanding curb appeal for your property is to work with an REO repairs and upgrades service. The right service can get your property looking just like new, which will draw in the best buyers, and fast.

If you’re in the Baltimore, Philadelphia or Washington, D.C., area and you want the best REO repairs and upgrades, First Freedom Preservation can help. Give us a call for more information today!

The post Curb Appeal: What It Is and Why It Matters appeared first on First Freedom Preservation.

Because finding lead in a home is so stressful, it can be hard to know how to rectify the situation. Fortunately, there are a few easy steps you can take to get this dangerous substance out of your property. Here are some steps you can take after finding lead paint in your home, including getting help from lead paint abatement contractors.

Are You at Risk?

The biggest difficulty with lead paint is that there is no simple way to differentiate from regular paint, meaning you may not know your risk level. Luckily, there are a few ways to determine if your home is at risk for lead poisoning.

First and foremost, you can check the age of your home. As mentioned, if a home was constructed before 1978, it’s highly like that the paint contains lead. If your home is older and the paint is chipping, lead poisoning can be a possibility. When lead paint chips, it can be very dangerous.

If your home fits any of these warning signs, you need to send of a paint sample for testing. If lead is detected, there are a few simple ways you can respond.

Protect Your Property

Once you have confirmed the presence of lead paint, your main goal should be containing the paint. While you may not need to remove all the paint from your property, you will have to contain it enough so that you are safe.

Generally, the best way to respond to lead paint in a home is to hire lead paint abatement contractors. These contractors will be able to fully examine your property and will be able to develop a plan to remove the lead as quickly and safely as possible.

Your contractors, for instance, will enter your home with protective gear such as zip-up suits, gloves and a mask with a filter. They will then use a HEPA vacuum to remove paint chips and lead-contaminated dust and properly dispose of these materials so that they are no longer a threat. With this done, there are several ways your contractors can remove or contain the leftover lead paint.

If only the surface level contains lead, the wet dusting method should suffice. On the other hand, if the lead has penetrated all the way to the wood, your contractors will need to use a more aggressive method.

Get Help Removing Lead with First Freedom Preservation

If you detect lead in a piece of property you own, you will need to remove this substance before you can even think about making a sale. Luckily, with the help of the lead paint abatement contractors at First Freedom Preservation, you can easily make your property lead-free.

First Freedom Preservation is your top resource for property maintenance, including emergency tasks such as lead-paint removal. Contact our team right away so that we can help you with your lead removal project.

The post You Found Lead Paint, Now What? appeared first on First Freedom Preservation.

There are a variety of home improvement tasks that can add value to a piece of property, and targeting the right tasks can help increase your chances of selling your property at the price that you want. Check out some home improvements that add value to property and learn why you may need help or advice from property preservation companies.

Tailor Improvements to the Market

When you’re looking for home improvements that can add value to your property, it’s important that you consider the market in which your property is located. For example, remodeling the kitchens and bathrooms in a home is a popular option, and in a competitive market, these home improvement projects can add a tremendous amount of value to your home, particularly if you choose traditional upgrades such as wooden cabinets.

Before you schedule any improvements to your property, you need to do a market analysis to learn which types of homes are selling and what remodeling projects are bringing the biggest dividends.

Home Maintenance Matters More

Although there are some improvement projects that you can undertake to add value to a home, making sure that your property is well-maintained matters much more. If a prospective home buyer visits your property and notices issues such as a leaky roof or damaged siding, they likely won’t be impressed with the improvements that you’ve made to the bathroom.

Make sure you’re not neglecting regular home maintenance tasks. Preserving the condition of your property is much more important to making a sale than making home improvements.

Get Help from Property Preservation Companies

As mentioned, maintaining your home is a much more worthwhile endeavor when it comes to adding value to your property. However, because preserving a piece of property can be a very involved responsibility, you may want to get help from an experienced preservation company.

These companies can help you with the most important tasks necessary to maintaining your property. They can regularly clear debris from your property, inspect the home for damage and schedule or perform necessary repairs. Many property preservation companies can also help with tasks necessary for selling your property, including market analysis.

Let First Freedom Preservation Help You Add Value to Your Property

Before you can sell a piece of property, you need to increase its value. As you now know, there are several ways you can accomplish this goal, including getting assistance from property preservation companies. Any property owners seeking help to maintain and sell a home should work with First Freedom Preservation.

First Freedom Preservation has been serving our customers for over a decade, and we can help you preserve your property so that it will attract buyers and you can make a sale. Contact us today so that we can tell you about our services and commitment to you.

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What Triggers the Lender Required Repairs

As a rule, cosmetic issues are not an issue; however, if the physical condition of the home compromises the safety or function of the property such as structural problems, zoning violations or code violations, the lender will require specific repairs be completed before they will approve a loan.

Typically, the seller may be required to complete the repairs prior to the closing of the sale because the property still belongs to the seller. The seller has the following choices: complete the repair list, sell the property “as-is” and risk losing the potential sale or find a cash buyer instead.

What Kind of Repairs Do Lenders Require?

Typical Conditions that likely trigger lender required repairs include missing or non-working carbon monoxide monitors and fire alarms, missing water heater straps, flooring issues such as missing tiles or uneven floors, deteriorating roof issues, missing stair rails or broken stairs, and peeling paint or water stains on the ceiling.

Conventional lenders tend to request repairs on larger structural issues noted on appraisal reports such as foundation cracks, roof replacement, or code violations for a converted garage.

The United States Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will typically have a longer extensive repair list than the conventional lenders because they are subjected to a number of governmental guidelines. The repair list can range from peeling paint in homes built before 1978, broken gutters, exposed writing or any visible physical condition that needs to be addressed.

Time Limits

Ideally, the underwriter immediately reviews the acquired documents pertaining to the property being sold as soon as the buyer and seller are in contract to expedite the repairs request. Summer is typically the busiest season for appraisers, which may result in a situation in which the notification of lender required repairs is received later in the loan process.

If the Deal Falls Through

Sometimes the real estate transaction falls through because the seller and the buyer can’t reach an agreement regarding lender required repairs. When this happens, the transaction is usually terminated based on a loan contingency, allowing the earnest money to be returned to the buyer.

How to Use an REO Property Management Company to Sell Your Property

It’s invaluable to have the right REO property management company help you develop a winning strategy to whip your property in shape for optimal value within a reasonable amount of time. First Freedom Preservation has the experience, the passion and the dedication to assist you in selling your investment from start to finish. Call us today to discuss your needs and assist you in understanding lender required repairs..

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Mosquitoes present a range of health dangers, not just to the home, but to the entire community, and the problem seems to be getting worse every year. Learn why mosquito abatement and REO properties are vitally important, and how you can prevent danger not just to the house, but to the neighborhood.

Mosquito Abatement and REO Properties

Mosquito abatement and REO properties go hand in hand in ways that owners of these properties don’t even consider. A mosquito problem can quite literally pop up overnight, out of nowhere. They arise due to standing water, and the larvae that the bugs lay in the water aren’t easily visible to the naked eye. When they hatch, they can release hundreds and thousands of new mosquitoes into the air.

The Danger of Mosquito Infestation

Mosquitoes carry diseases. It’s that simple. They carry diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika Virus, and they can spread like wildfire once they’re released into the surrounding area. Worse, any pool of standing water can be a threat, from a mud puddle to a dog dish with rainwater, to a neglected bird bath, an old tire, a plant pot or a neglected pond or swimming pool.

Any standing water that sits for more than 3 days is a threat for major mosquito problems.

Controlling Mosquito Problems

Controlling mosquito problems is a factor of removing any standing water where eggs could be laid. This should be done at least once a week. Empty any sources of standing water out. If you have a pool, pond or fountain, keep the filter and pump running so it doesn’t stagnate. At very least, keep the water chlorinated to kill larvae, and use larvicides.

If you have a septic system, make sure that it’s solidly sealed up. Repair any gaps or cracks, and cover open plumbing pipes or vents using wire mesh with holes that are smaller than adult mosquitoes.

Regularly spray the area with outdoor insect sprays to kill the bugs wherever they might be hiding. Pay special attention to dark and humid areas under patio furniture, under the garage or carport. Follow instructions on the labels.

Hire an REO Services Company

REO Services companies are outstanding at mitigating issues with mosquitoes and standing water. They exist for only one purpose, and that’s to keep your vacant property safe, secure and in great condition to ensure that you can sell it fast and at a good value.

First Freedom Preservation is a full-service REO company and we’re ready to help keep your property in great shape and ensure that you get top dollar on the sale. Give us a call to learn how we can help you today.

The post Why Mosquito Abatement Is Important for Your REO Property appeared first on First Freedom Preservation.

The best thing you can do in order to avoid these issues is to keep your REO property secure. This requires taking the right steps at the right times. Learn the important steps you need to take to secure an REO property against theft, damage, squatters and other issues that could make it hard to sell.

Secure an REO Property

It’s essential to secure an REO property. Most of these properties are empty, so you may not think that theft is a problem, but breaking and entering is always a potential hazard. Whether it’s kids looking for a place to party, vandals looking for some destructive entertainment, or squatters looking to illegally commandeer a place to live without paying bills, it’s a danger that can ruin the value of your property.

It’s also important to know that even if the property is sitting empty, thieves can still target it. Most homes, for example, are full of copper pipes that can sell at a good price. Even worse, these kinds of thieves will do major structural damage to the home while getting their prize.

Make It Look Occupied

The first step to securing your property is to make it look lived-in. Thieves and squatters target vacant properties first. Put timers on lights both inside and out. Keep the landscaping cut and neat. Post home alarm signs, “beware of dog” signs, window stickers and other notices that someone’s in the house.

Close It Up Tight

If making it look occupied isn’t an option, close it up tight. Board up the windows or cover them with shatter-resistant security film. Reinforce all of the locks on the doors. Don’t be afraid to fence it off. Consider changing the locks.

Tell the Neighbors

Your neighbors are your first line of defense. Let the neighbors know that the property is vacant. Give them permission temporarily to use the driveway to make it look occupied. Give them your contact information to let you know if there are any suspicious people lurking about.

Consider a Home Security System

Consider paying the monthly fee for a home security system. Forty bucks a month or so to maintain the security of the house is a small price to pay, and modern security systems can even be set up to operate and monitor remotely. You’ll be able to constantly pay attention to the status of the place all the time, and modern systems use cellular systems, so even if they’re physically cut from the property, they still work. It really is your best bet to maintain the security of the place.

Call an REO Services Company

The most reliable way to secure your property against intruders is to use a professional REO Services Company. First Freedom Preservation will constantly monitor and care for your property, to keep criminals away. Give us a call for more information today!

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