Winterize Your Home Now, Appraisal Institute Says
November 24, 2020 08:05 AM
CHICAGO (Nov. 24, 2020) – The nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers today advised homeowners that it’s beneficial to winterize their homes soon, before winter weather takes hold.
“Winter is just around the corner, meaning now is the time to undertake improvements that will make homeowners more comfortable in the cold winter months,” said Appraisal Institute President Jefferson L. Sherman, MAI, AI-GRS. “These projects not only make the coming months more comfortable, but they could also result in a return on investment for homeowners.”
Realtor.com’s 2020
Fall Maintenance Checklist suggests that homeowners should check windows and doors for leaks, have furnaces tuned up and clean gutters. This is also a good time to test carbon monoxide detectors, reverse ceiling fan direction and disconnect outdoor sprinklers and hoses.
The upcoming weeks are also a prime time for homeowners to protect their water lines, adjust humidity levels in their homes and install a programmable thermostat to keep homes safe and comfortable during the winter months, according to HGTV.com’s list of
Ways to Save Your Home From a Winter-Weather Nightmare.
Homeowners considering improvement projects should work with a qualified real estate appraiser – such as a Designated Member of the Appraisal Institute – to conduct a feasibility study that will help to determine the potential value added by renovation projects.
“Appraisal Institute Designated Members have the knowledge, experience and expertise to provide valuable insight on which projects will be most beneficial, keeping community norms in mind,” Sherman said.
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Clean vents and radiators to remove blockages;
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Replace furnace filters;
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Block off rooms that are seldom used;
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Switch to heavier curtains;
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And determine a preferred home temperature for the winter.
For additional information on home improvements, see the Appraisal Institute’s
Home Improvement Tips fact sheet.
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The Appraisal Institute is a global professional association of real estate appraisers, with over 17,000 professionals in almost 50 countries throughout the world. Its mission is to advance professionalism and ethics, global standards, methodologies, and practices through the professional development of property economics worldwide. Organized in 1932, the Appraisal Institute advocates equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in the appraisal profession and conducts its activities in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Individuals of the Appraisal Institute benefit from an array of professional education and advocacy programs, and may hold the prestigious MAI, SRPA, SRA, AI-GRS and AI-RRS designations. Learn more at www.appraisalinstitute.org.
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