The Real Estate Avenue: May 2019

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Tips to help avoid septic tank disasters

        Now of course there is not a 100% fail proof way to keep your septic tank from ever backing up. However, you can help ensure the longevity of your septic tank by doing a few things to enhance its performance and keep it working more efficiently.

First what is a septic tank really?
    The typical septic tank is a large buried container made of fiberglass, concrete or even polyethylene. Used water from your home to include your bath, laundry, sinks or toilets drain inside of the tank. Some of the lighter solids such as grease rise to the top. Heavier solids settle to the bottom where bacteria inside the tank can partially decompose them leaving sludge. Think of it as an onsite sewage area or system. Just like anything else in your home it must be maintained and cared for. Neglecting a system and allowing small problems to become bigger over time will results in a higher cost to repair or replace.
                  A good start to take care of your system is to find out when the system was last inspected or pumped. If it has been over 3-4 years make an appointment with a qualified professional to have this done. The cost to pump the septic tank is usually under 400.00. Once you have done your initial inspection of the tank and cleaning, plan to do it every 3-5 years depending on the size of your family to help maintain working efficiency.

Shrubbery & trees near your tank can puncture or crack the septic tank walls resulting in leakage. Make sure to clear out any trees or shrubs to close to the septic tank and be mindful of certain trees that have especially deep roots.

        Just like the old saying you are what you eat, the same goes for your septic tank in a sense. If your pouring harmful chemicals down your drain it will upset the balance of good bacteria in your system. This good bacteria breaks down the solids in your septic system. Diapers, feminine products, harsh detergents & coffee grounds are just a few things that should not be flushed down your system.

            Install low flow faucets, toilets and shower heads to help reduce the amount of wastewater. Excess wastewater is one of the main causes of septic system failure. Also talk to your tax representative to see what tax breaks or credits can be given for installing low-flow systems in your home.

If you have a septic tank do not install a garbage disposal because of the solid waste build-up it can add to your septic. This can lead to extra septic tank pumpings and throw off the balanced bacteria used to breakdown the waste emptied into the system.

To get more information about how to treat and care for your septic tank contact a professional to guide you on the do's & do nots for your system.

As always I appreciate the time you take out of your day to read my blog. If you find this blog helpful please share it'

Morrishia Dooley-The Dwelling Specialist

A.S.R, REALTOR- Associate Broker, Certified New Home Selling Expert

Licensed Life, Health & Sickness Insurance Agent

Solid Source Realty

O-770-475-1130 ext-3815

Direct-678-886-8353

email-morrishia@galleryofdwellings.com

website -www.galleryofdwellings.com

Blog-therealestateavenue.blogspot.com

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Wednesday, May 15, 2019

To sell or not to sell that is the question?!

Over and over for the past few months I have heard many conversations by sellers debating on selling there home. Even though the market has changed for the better many are not sure if they should wait it out for a while longer. The truth is there is no easy answer to this question. The reason for this is everyone's motivation for selling may be different. Some may want to downsize, others may need to relocate to be closer to family, for some it may be a rental property they want to get rid of. The list of reasons can go on and on. A few things you can do to help make the decision for you and your family are below.

* Have a family meeting this will give you insight and valuable input from those it will affect directly.

* Narrow down your reason for selling. This will help you gain clarity on what your goal is. It will also help you think through your decision and stop any impulsive acts that may in the long run not be beneficial.

Have a plan in place. If you were to sell this home where would you move to if it is your primary residence? How long would you need to find another residence. Are you planning on renting or buying after the sell?

Repair cost may be a factor. Many seller may choose to sell the home in as-is condition excluding the required lender repairs that may be needed to pass the appraisal. However as you may know the more appealing the home is the more it could sell for. Are you prepared to crack open that piggy bank & put in a little elbow grease to get the wow effect?

Can you afford to move? Although home values have improved has your market area improved enough for you to sell your home? At the end of the day there is always cost with selling a home. Having to clear the existing mortgage on the home is one of the biggest. Contributing toward closing cost for the buyers. Professional fees such as taxes, Agent fees, lawyer fees, transfer fees to name a few.

Start with a cma. In order to know what your home may be able to sell for you must know what your current market is doing. Have an agent familiar with your area and the home values in that area perform a competitive market analysis. By comparing similar homes in the area that have sold within the last 6 months or less you can have an idea of what your home may sell for.

If you have questions or are thinking about selling your home and would like to know your options give me a call. As always I appreciate the time you take out of your day to read my blog. If you find this blog helpful please pass it on.