Prevent Emergency Repair by Home Maintenance Checklist

You can prevent home emergency repairs with home maintenance throughout the year. According to HomeAdvisor, “Maintenance is usually a lot simpler than a repair, and a lot more affordable. Keep a checklist handy during the entire year, so you don't forget any timely tasks ''. Here are five tasks HomeAdvisor recommends not to forget to complete each year:

1. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (On a quarterly basis)

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

2. Clean your gutters and downspouts (Twice a year)

Clean your gutters and downspouts

To prevent damage, the downspout needs to be free of debris so it can release water three feet from your home's foundation.

3. Check for cracks (Fall)

Check for cracks

Take a day each year to check caulking for cracks, especially around tubs and showers. Cracks can let in water with no place for drainage, which will cause damage.

Additionally, annually check for cracks in the grout of tile floors, which can allow water to seep into the floor and cause mold growth and rot.

4. Roof inspection (Fall)

Every fall completes an annual roof inspection to help prevent the need for major repairs or a roof replacement.

5. Service HVAC Unit (Summer)

Service HVAC unit

Service heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit - Hire a professional to service your HVAC unit (Summer). It will increase its efficiency and prevent a breakdown.

Source: 

www.HomeAdvisor.com

Top 5 Fastest Growing Cities in the U.S.

According to CNN Money report, four out of the top five fast-growing cities are located in the Lone Star State.  Conroe, Texas, a Houston suburb, was the fastest-growing city in the nation last year, with a population growth rate of 7.8%. That's a growth rate 11 times higher than the national average. 

The growth of population has boomed in Dallas Suburb such as Frisco and McKinney. Because of population and job growth in these areas, the median home value has been raised, with a nearly 8% increase in the past year. 

Sources:

CNN Money Report

Census 2015 to 2016 Population data

Why Cities Lag Behind Suburbs in the Housing Recovery

By  LAURA KUSISTO

Despite a boom in urban living and rapid run-ups in home prices in many cities, urban homeowners with mortgages are struggling more in the recovery than their suburban counterparts, according to new research.

More Info: The Wall Street Journal

http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2016/08/18/why-cities-lag-behind-suburbs-in-the-housing-recovery/