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May 2017 was a strong month for home sales throughout Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana with increases in the number of home sales from four to almost seven percent.

May 2017 was also a record-setting month in Cincinnati with the average sale price reaching $199,421. In Northern Kentucky, the average home sale price was $182,783 – the highest since September 2016. In Dayton, Ohio, the May 2017 average sale price was 4% better than last May. Southeast Indiana had a 4.0% increase in average sale price at $161,340.

Not increasing in all regions are the number of homes for sale – which still remain low. In Cincinnati the number of homes for sale is down 24.98% as compared to inventory from May 2016. In Northern Kentucky the inventory of new listings for sale in May 2017 was the highest since June 2016 – 950 homes. However, in that region the total number of homes for sale still remains low with only 1,726 properties. In Dayton, Ohio, there were 2,172 new listings added for sale in that region in May 2017 – which was up from 2,108 new listings in May 2016.

The real estate market remains strong – homes in good condition many times are selling quickly – some with multiple offers. Mortgage interest rates are still low. Look at homes for sale.

Here are the May 2017 home sales statistics:

Cincinnati May 2017 Home Sales

May 2017 vs May 2016

• 4.05% Increase in home sales (2,695 homes vs 2,590 homes)
• 7.05% Increase in sales volume ($537,439,239 vs $502,052,134)
• 2.88% Increase in average sale price ($199,421 vs $193,843)
• 1.19% Increase in median sale price ($160,000 vs $157,000)

January – May 2017 vs January – May 2016

• .96% Increase in home sales (9,872 homes vs 9,778 homes)
• 7.74% Increase in sales volume ($1,912,894,430 vs $1,775,446,351)
• 6.71% Increase in average sale price ($193,770 vs $181,580)
• 6.90% Increase in median sale price ($155,000 vs $145,000)

Source: Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors, Home Sales Report, May 2017

Dayton, Ohio May 2017 Home Sales

May 2017 vs May 2016

• 4.03% Increase in home sales (1,626 homes vs 1,563 homes)
• 8.07% Increase in sales volume ($256,075,029 vs $236,944,693)
• 3.89% Increase in average sale price ($157,488 vs $151,595)
• .71% Increase in median sale price ($133,950 vs $133,000)

January – May 2017 vs January – May 2016

• 4.48% Increase in home sales (6,023 homes vs 5,765 homes)
• 12.32% Increase in sales volume ($907,874,053 vs $808,282,267)
• 7.51% Increase in average sale price ($150,735 vs $140,205)
• 6.61% Increase in median sale price ($129,000 vs $121,000)

Source: Dayton Area Board of Realtors, Home Sales Report, May 2017

Northern Kentucky May 2017 Home Sales

May 2017 vs May 2016

• 6.61% Increase in home sales (742 homes vs 696 homes)
• 11.38% Increase in sales volume ($135,625,702 vs $121,771,783)
• 4.47% Increase in average sale price ($182,783 vs $174,959)
• 2.81% Increase in median sale price ($155,500 vs $151,250)

January – May 2017 vs January – May 2016

• 6.62% Increase in home sales (2,771 homes vs 2,599 homes)
• 10.35% Increase in sales volume ($479,594,468 vs $434,621,789)
• 3.50% Increase in average sale price ($173,076 vs $167,226)
• 2.74% Increase in median sale price ($150,000 vs $146,000)

Source: Northern Kentucky Association of Realtors, Home Sales Report, May 2017

Southeastern Indiana May 2017 Home Sales

May 2017 vs May 2016

• 6.5% Increase in home sales (132 homes vs 124 homes)
• 10.7% Increase in sales volume ($21,296,838 vs $19,238,573)
• 4.0% Increase in average sale price ($161,340 vs $155,150)
• 2.0% Decrease in median sale price ($136,500 vs $139,347)

January – May 2017 vs January – May 2016

• 6.4% Increase in home sales (456 homes vs 429 homes)
• 10.3% Increase in sales volume ($68,570,499 vs $62,159,900)
• 3.8% Increase in average sale price ($150,374 vs $144,895)
• 0% Increase in median sale price ($135,000 vs $135,000)

Source: Rick McMillin VP/Sales Manager of Sibcy Cline Harrison, Southeastern Indiana Home Sales Report, May 2017

House hunting in a seller’s market can be tough. With not enough homes for sale, the challenge is for a buyer to make an offer that rises to the top and is accepted by a home seller. How do you do it? It’s all about being flexible and knowledgable. Here are six tips to bring your “A” game when buying a home in a seller’s market:

1. Work with a Real Estate Agent
When buying a home, it is advisable to have agent representation. This professional will first sit down with you to review the entire home-buying process so you know what to expect. Your agent will then search for homes that meet your criteria in areas you prefer. Your agent will know of homes coming onto the market and alert you to be prepared. He or she will also craft an offer to purchase that is strong and works in your best interest.

2. Know Your Budget
Understanding how much home you are qualified to purchase is very important – especially in a seller’s market. Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage loan is your first step in creating a home budget. Once you have this information, you can feel secure in making a strong offer on a home that includes documentation of this pre-approval.

3. Need vs Want – Type of Home and Location
Once you know how much you can spend on a home, the next things to determine are the kind of home and amenities needed. This list may include the number of bedrooms and baths, ranch-style home versus two story, type of floor plan or walkability factors. By keeping an open mind of what your major needs are, the more homes you can consider in a seller’s market. When creating your list, you need to consider: “I need” and “I wish I had”.

Remember, no home will be a “perfect place to live” – especially when searching in a seller’s market. Try to keep an open mind. If the home needs updating, will it work within your budget to make those changes? Can you make do with a floor plan that offers three bedrooms instead of four?

Location will also be a consideration. You may want a home located near your work, shopping or close to a highway.  If your preferred neighborhood is out priced for your budget, you will need to start looking at other nearby areas. Widening your search geographically will cast a larger net of available homes on the market.

4. Be Ready to Act Fast
A key factor for home buyers in a seller’s market is to make a timely offer. You will need to stay on top of the daily changes in the market and when a new property is listed, be flexible with your schedule to view that home immediately and be prepared to make an offer.

5. Make a Strong Offer
In a seller’s market, think through your offer strategy. A low-ball offer will probably be dismissed right away. Don’t nickel and dime the seller. Too many contingencies can be a turn off to a seller. Think through the occupancy date and what would be appealing to that seller.

6. Be Prepared For a Bidding War
You may get caught in a bidding war for that dream home in a seller’s market. You do not want to overpay and will need to have a limit set of what you are willing to offer. Know the market and do your research on home values.

With multiple offers, the seller has his or her pick of which offer to accept, start a counteroffer process or reject all offers. The seller does not need to inform any potential buyers of the multiple offer situation. If the seller counteroffers, other offers may still come in for consideration. A seller does not have to respond to offers in the order received or reveal the status of other offers. With multiple offers, the seller has the upper hand and can use it to increase the price or improve the terms of sale.

In such a bidding war, you can either give your best offer and hope it is the strongest, or have an escalation clause that lets you bid up to a certain limit. If caught in a bidding war, you need to be available to your agent so your bid remains active.

If your offer is not accepted, do not panic. There will be other homes for sale. Don’t let your impatience to buy a home ruin your budget by offering too much for a home. Know your limits.

With these six tips, you are ready to start your home search in a seller’s market! Starting looking for homes for sale.  Find a Sibcy Cline agent.

There are so many fun things to do this summer. Our region hosts many local festivals and other events throughout July.  Read our list of upcoming festivals and be sure to attend one. (If you’re interested in Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks be sure to check out our local fireworks blog article.)

Here is our list of July festivals and events for Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana. Festivals and events are in order by date:

July 2017 Festivals and Events

Fireman’s Festival and Fireworks
Metamora, Indiana
July 1, 2017
The fire department raises funds with this fun festival!

Vogt’s Farm Annual Blueberry Festival
Vogt Farm at 12115 North State Road 129 in Batesville, Indiana
July 1, 2017
Enjoy blueberry treats along with live music and a petting zoo.

Abraham Lincoln Freedom Festival
Rockport City Park in Rockport, Indiana
July 1, 2017
Parade, food, music and fireworks – all celebrating Abe Lincoln.

Berry Blast
Hidden Valley Fruit Farm in Lebanon, Ohio
July 1-2, 2017
Enjoy hayrides, treats and fun!

Warsaw Kentucky River Days Celebration
Warsaw, Kentucky
July 1-3, 2017

America’s Celebration – Newport Motocycle Rally
Festival Park along Riverboat Row in Newport, Kentucky
July 1-4, 2017
Entertainment, food and lots of motorcycles!

Red, White and Kaboom
1300 Hunter Road at Harbin Park in Fairfield, Ohio
July 3, 2017
Music, games and fireworks.

City of Dayton Lights in Flight Fireworks Festival
Riverscape MetroPark at 111 E. Monument Avenue in Dayton, Ohio
July 3, 2017
Multi-cultural festival with lots of food, live entertainment and fireworks!

LaRosa’s Balloon Glow
Coney Island, Cincinnati, Ohio
July 3, 2017
Enjoy the day at Coney Island including live music and stay until evening when the hot air balloons will fill the sky.

Red, Rhythm and Boom
Mason Municipal Campus in Mason, Ohio
July 3, 2017
Multi-platinum artist Phillip Phillips (American Idol) will be performing. Enjoy carnival rides, a zipline, lots of food. The Skydiving exhibit starts at 6pm. Fireworks at 10pm.

Americana 5k Run/Walk Festival
Centerville High School Stadium at 500 E. Franklin Street in Centerville, Ohio
July 3-4, 2017
Enjoy a live concert and a parade!

Red, White and Blanchester Blue Festival
Downtown Blanchester, Ohio
July 3-4, 2017
Food, rides, hot dog eating contest, car show, parade, games and more!

Fireman’s Fourth of July
Augusta, Kentucky
July 3-4, 2017
Enjoy the fish fry and other foods as well as activities and games. And the grand finale are the fireworks over the Ohio River!

Fort Thomas 150th Birthday Celebration
Fort Thomas, Kentucky
July 3-8, 2017
A week of celebration with all kinds of activities and fireworks on the 4th.

Star Spangled Spectacular
Faurot Park in Lima, Ohio
July 4, 2017
5k walk/run, food booths, kids’ entertainment, car show, live music and fireworks at 10pm.

Sisters of Notre Dame 4th of July Festival
1601 Dixie Highway in Covington, Kentucky
July 4, 2017
Fun, food and more!

Red, White and Boonshoft
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery at 2600 DeWeese Parkway in Dayton, Ohio
July 4, 2017
Enjoy themed experiments, entertainment and the best indoor fireworks display. Local food vendors serving yummy offerings.

Red, White and Blue Ash
Summit Park in Blue Ash, Ohio
July 4, 2017
All kinds of fun as well as live entertainment (The Steel Woods and REO Speedwagon) with the fireworks starting at 10pm.

July 4th Fireworks Festival
South Lebanon
July 4, 2017
A fun festival ending in fireworks at dusk.

Americana Festival
Centerville, Ohio
July 4, 2017
5K run/walk, parade, street fair and fireworks at the Centerville High School.

Independence Day Celebration
Historic downtown Loveland, Ohio
July 4, 2017
Kid zone, food trucks, parade, live music, Jackson Street Market and fireworks at 10pm.

RiversEdge Simmer Concert Series
RiversEdge Amphitheater in downtown Hamilton, Ohio
July 4, 13, 20 and 27; August 10, 17, 24 and 31
Enjoy music along the Great Miami River.

Racefest 2017
Carrollton, Kentucky
July 5, 2017
Enjoy race-car simulations, car and motorcycle show as well as live music and food.

Hump Day Concert Series
Gazebo on the Lake at 7850 VOA Park Drive at Voice of America MetroPark in West Chester, Ohio
July 5, 12, 19 and 26  (and Wednesdays through August 16, 2017)
Live music, lake activities, yard games and food!

Glier’s Goetta Party on the Purple
Access the Newport Southbank Bridge (Purple Bridge) from either Newport, Kentucky or downtown, Cincinnati, Ohio
July 5, 12, 19, 26, 2017 (and every Wednesday through August 2, 2017)
Live music on a stage at the middle of the bridge and enjoy food-truck fair and drinks.

The Take Over on the Square
The Square at Union Centre at 9285 Centre Point Drive in West Chester, Ohio
July 6, 13, 20, 27 (and Thursdays through August 31), 2017
Live music from 6-9pm.

Groovin’ on the Green Summer Concerts
310 Wessel Drive at the Village Green Park Amphitheater in Fairfield, Ohio
Live music!
July 6, 13, 20, 27; August 3, 10,17, 24 and 31

Festival of the Bells
Hillsboro, Ohio
July 6-8, 2017
Parade, food booths, car show, games, 5k run/walk, pet parade and live entertainment.

Country Concert
7103 State Route 66 at Fort Loramie, Ohio
July 6-8, 2017
Enjoy Blake Shelton and more!

The Kevin Sonnycalb Memorial Fireworks Festival
Shawnee Park in Xenia, Ohio
July 7, 2017
Traditional festival and fireworks!

Sun Valley Music Festival
July 7-8, 2017
AJ Jolly Park at 1565 Race Track Rd. in Alexandria, Kentucky

Batesville Fire & Rescue Summerfest
Batesville, Indiana
July 7-8, 2017
Enjoy a parade, beer garden, chicken and smoked pork as well as live entertainment and lots of activities for kids to enjoy. It’s the biggest little German festival in Indiana!

Ohio Jeep Fest
344 Fairgrounds Road (Ross County Fairgrounds) in Chillicothe, Ohio
July 7-9, 2017
Fee. First annual Ohio Jeep Fest! Beep! Beep!

St. Pius X Summer Festival
348 Dudley Road in Edgewood, Kentucky
July 7-9, 2017
Live music, food, pig roast on Sunday.

St. Thomas More July Fest
800 Ohio Pike at St. Thomas More Church in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 7-9, 2017
Traditional festival with all of the fun!

Fire In Your Mouth, Fire in the Sky
8501 Camden-College Corner Road at Hannon’s Camp America at College Corner, Ohio
July 8, 2017
Fiery food and fireworks! Spicy food cook off.

Cincinnati Taco Festival
705 E. Pete Rose Way at Yeatman’s Cove along the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio
July 8, 2017
All kinds of tacos for $2 each plus pepper-eating contest and chihuahua beauty pageant. Advanced tickets required.

Kickin Chicken Wing Fest
695 Lincoln Park Boulevard at Fraze Pavilion in Dayton, Ohio
July 8, 2017
Enjoy hot wings and music!

Springsfest Music and Craft Beer Festival
Yellow Springs, Ohio
July 8, 2017
Music and beer – what more could you ask for?

St. Lawrence Summer Church Festival
3680 Warsaw Avenue in Price Hill in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 8-9, 2017
Chicken dinners are Saturday and Sunday. Werkhaus turtle soup. Lots of fun!

Clinton County Fair
Clinton County Fairgrounds at 058 W. Main Street in Wilmington, Ohio
July 8-15, 2017
Harness racing, games, rides and food!

2017 Electronic Dayton Music Festival
Land of Illusion at 8762 Thomas Road in Middletown, Ohio
July 14-15, 2017
Attend this two-day festival with two stages and 23+ music artists!

Festival in Sycamore
Bechtold Park at 4312 Sycamore Road in Sycamore Township
July 14-15, 2017
Listen to Grammy-nominated Ambrosia, the Greg Kihn Band and the Marshal Tucker Band. Enjoy great food!

Oldenburg Freudenfest
Oldenburg, Indiana
July 14-15, 2017
Everything’s German at this fun festival! Enjoy German food, games and music!

St. Cecilia Parish Festival
3105 Madison Road in Oakley in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 14-16, 2017
Food, games, rides and fun! Enjoy live music, too. Petting zoo on Sunday.

Bacon, Bourbon & Brew Festival
Festival Park along Riverboat Row in Newport, Kentucky
July 14-16, 2017
This festival celebrates the historic local industries of brewing and pork. Enjoy all kinds of great food, music and games.

St. Gabriel Summer Fest (Church Festival)
Glendale, Ohio
July 14-16, 2017
Traditional church festival.

Backyard Concert Series
July 15, 2017
General Butler State Resort Park at the Butler-Turpin State Historical House in Carrolton, Kentucky
Bring your lawn chair and listen to music while enjoying nature!

Blues, Brews and BBQ
Pyramid Hill sculpture Park at 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road in Hamilton, Ohio
July 15, 2017
Enjoy live blues music along  with BBQ from various vendors and craft beer.

Crazy Cardboard Boat Regatta
Voice of America MetroPark in West Chester, Ohio
July 15, 2017
Build your cardboard boat and race around the lake.

Bastille Day Celebration
Downtown Montgomery in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 15, 2017
Vive la France! Enjoy music, vendor food and kids activities.

Culture Fest (Church Festival)
2573 St. Leo’s Place at St. Leo’s Church in North Fairmont in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 15, 2017
Enjoy music along with Guatemalan, Salvadorian and Columbian food! (No alcohol or gaming.)

Sweet Corn Festival
Georgetown, Kentucky
July 15, 2017

Barnstorming Carnival
Springfield Beckley Airport in Springfield, Ohio
July 15-16, 2017
Enjoy aviation’s roots when you view plans from 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s.

Dayton Blues Festival
Riverscape MetroPark at 111 E. Monument Avenue in Dayton, Ohio
July 16, 2017
Enjoy the blues!

Kids, Cultures & Crafts Festival
3400 Vine Street in Avondale at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 19, 2017
$1 Zoo admission. Enjoy crafts from all cultures that day.

Party on the Plaza
7850 Five Mile Road at the Anderson Center in Anderson Township in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 20 (August 10 and 24), 2017
Live band concert and lots of great food.

Miami Valley Music Fest
Troy, Ohio
July 21-22, 2017
Enjoy live music!

BBQFest
Downtown Sidney, Ohio
July 21-22, 2017
Sample all kinds of BBQ wonderfulness.

Ohio Challenge Balloon Festival
Smith Park at 500 Tytus Avenue and Verity Parkway in Middletown, Ohio
July 21-22, 2017
Balloon race, live music, food, and carnival ride.

Augusta Riverfest Regatta
Augusta, Kentucky
July 21-22, 2017
Enjoy watching the race along the Ohio River!

Kolping Schutzenfest Church Festival
July 21-23, 2017
This “shooting” festival is a tradition dating back 500 years in Germany.  Participants shoot at a hand-carved eagle and attendees enjoy German food, drinks and entertainment.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Festival
7770 Beechmont Avenue in Anderson Township in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 21-23, 2017
Traditional festival activities.

St. James the Greater Parish (Church) Festival
3565 Hubble Road in White Oak in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 21-23, 2017
Games, food and lots more.

Swamp Romp
695 Lincoln Park Boulevard at Fraze Pavilion in Dayton, Ohio
July 22, 2017
Zydeco music with a taste of Louisiana!

One Love Fest Cincinnati
Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 22, 2017
Peace and unity via speakers and music. Food trucks will be on hand to handle your hunger!

Buckeye Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Miami Valley Gaming at 6000 SR63 in Lebanon, Ohio
July 22, 2017
Sample bourbon and BBQ while enjoying live music!

Unlock the Block Music Festival
Latonia, Kentucky
July 22, 2017
Listen to some great music!

SummerSing 2017
Christ Church Cathedral at 318 East Fourth Street in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 24-30, 2017
A participatory choral festival!

Cincinnati Music Festival
Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 27-29, 2017
Originally called the Ohio Valley Jazz Festival, you will enjoy lots of talent including Usher, Mary J. Blige, Kem, Fantasia, BBD, Anthony Hamilton, Confunkshun and more.

Bright Community Festival
23759 Brightwood Drive at the Bright Fire Department
July 28-29, 2017
This annual festival raises money for the Bright Fire and EMS departments.

Blooming Grove Fireman’s Festival
Blooming Grove, Indiana
July 28-29, 201** (Cannot confirm dates)
This festival helps to support the volunteer fire department.

Holy Cross Parish Church Festival
3612 Church Street in Latonia, Kentucky
July 28-29, 2017
Live music, games, corn hole and great food.

St. Ann Parish Church Fiesta
3064 Pleasant Avenue in Hamilton, Ohio
July 28-29, 2017
Traditional church festival.

Sharon Fest
Gower Park at 10990 Thornview Drive in Sharonville, Ohio
July 28-29, 2017
Music, rides, games and food.

Greater Anderson Days
6910 Same Road in Beech Acres Park in Anderson Township, Cincinnati, Ohio
July 28-30, 2017
Live music, games, rides, Anderson’s Got Talent and fireworks on Sunday.

Bacon, Blues and Brew Music and Arts Festival
Batesville, Indiana
July 28-30, 2017
Enjoy American “roots” music! Kids activities and great food!

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church Festival
2832 Rosebud Drive in Westwood in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 28-30, 2017
Beer garden, rides, games and food.

Dayton Celtic Festival
Riverscape MetroPark in Dayton, Ohio
July 28-30, 2017
Enjoy everything Irish!

Adjust Your Eyes Music and Arts Festival
Various places throughout Northside in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 28-30, 2017
Lots of live music!

GreekFest at Sts. Constantine and Helen (Church Festival)
Middletown, Ohio
July 28-30, 2017
Traditional Greek food and pastries plus lots of fun festival things to do.

St. Bartholomew Church Festival
8375 Winton Road in Finneytown in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 28-30, 2017
All the fun of a traditional festival!

St. Margaret of York Fest
9483 Columbia Road in Loveland, Ohio
July 28-30, 2017
Church festival with food, drink, rides and lots of entertainment.

Holy Trinity Parish (Church) Festival
Norwood, Ohio
July 28-30, 2017
Traditional festival with all of the fun and food.

Boulevard Bash
Fraze Pavilion in Kettering, Ohio
July 30, 2017
Enjoy this food truck festival with live music!

Now that kids are home for the summer, getting their ideas – and help – with a bedroom remodel can be a great family activity. All it takes is a little elbow grease and a few hours to make any kid’s room look completely different, and better match their ever-evolving tastes.

One of the easiest ways to make a whole bedroom feel a little different is by putting more art on the walls, according to Country Living. Designing one wall like something out of an art gallery, with one large picture or poster centering a number of smaller ones, can help keep kids inspired. This is also likely to be true of any new, brightly colored paint job – as long as parents and kids can agree on a color – or newly built furniture that helps to store and display all their toys in interesting ways.

Something many kids enjoy is a themed room motif that caters to their tastes, according to Good Housekeeping. For instance, if a little boy or girl is obsessed with jungle animals, painting some shrubbery and trees on the wall can be a fun way to engage and deepen that interest.

When redesigning a kid’s room, it’s vital to get their input at every step of the process. After all, it’s their room and they’ll be spending the most time in it. As long as parents and kids can come up with a design scheme that works for everyone, it can be fun to go a little crazy with individual flair.

Brought to you by HMS Home Warranty.  HMS is an industry leader with over 30 years of creating success for clients and providing peace of mind for customers.  To learn more click www.hmsnational.com.

Now that summer is finally here, homeowners can put the finishing touches on their homes and yards with DIY projects. The problem some people face when they’re trying to start those efforts is that they can seem like colossal tasks to undertake. However, they don’t have to be.

One of the first things homeowners might want to do at this time is have a look at what may have changed about their properties during the winter and even spring, according to U.S. News and World Report Real Estate. A careful inspection will determine whether there are any cracks in a home’s siding, dead spots on the lawn or clogged gutters. If so, these obviously provide a good jumping-off point for where homeowners can start their work, and perhaps save some of the more aspirational “nice-to-have” changes for later in the summer.

DIY Tasks That Can Save You Money Right Away
For homeowners who are worried about the cost of electricity for keeping a home nice and cool all summer long, it might be wise to think about DIY projects that increase efficiency. For instance, resealing doors and windows or adding new insulation for older homes is something that can end up being worth the investment of both time and money. Some homeowners might be surprised to learn how much cooled air – and, in colder months, heated air – seeps out of their homes through even the smallest cracks. Some home improvement experts estimate that there are enough bad seals in a home to be equivalent to leaving a window open 24/7 all year long.

Homeowners may also want to use the early months of summer to do more physically intensive work before the sun gets too hot. Building outdoor features like decks or playgrounds, planting trees or repairing fences as soon as possible will pay off all summer long.

Other DIY Ways to Save
In addition to outdoor jobs, there are some basic indoor tasks homeowners can undertake to keep costs down, such as installing ceiling fans that can spin in both directions, according to Laser Level Hub. These simple devices can help to raise or lower a room’s temperature by as much as 10 degrees, and use far less energy than air conditioners.

Finally, for those who want to maintain happy, healthy lawns and gardens, it can be wise to invest in anti-pest efforts. Using pesticides and deterrents – both chemical and natural – can help protect the plants owners pour so much care into fostering, saving them time, money and headaches. However, when putting these into use, it’s wise to follow all instructions as carefully as possible.

In general, the more research any owner can do about how to properly execute all the DIY jobs on their to-do list this summer, the easier and more efficiently they’ll be able to complete that work. At this time of year, it can also be a good idea to start a group in which friends or neighbors all help each other tackle these jobs, providing support and camaraderie, and getting work done more quickly.

If DIY is not your thing, remember Sibcy Cline Home Services can recommend many home-related service vendors to you.

Brought to you by HMS Home Warranty.  HMS is an industry leader with over 30 years of creating success for clients and providing peace of mind for customers.  To learn more click www.hmsnational.com.